Lake Michigan (and Huron) Delivery Cruise

[john6206]

Hey Everyone -

After 25 or more years of trailer sailing, we are in the purchase process of a Catalina 320 - and getting pretty excited.

The boat (in Manitowoc) is something close to 400 nm from our slip (in Tawas). Being trailer sailers, that sounds like BOTH the vacation of a lifetime, AND just . . . a lot of miles. I'm convinced we can do this without homicide or divorce, but I'd like to bounce the first draft of my itinerary off of you for your input.

We are after more of a vacation than an endurance challenge, but the balance is that we have miles to cover. I'm shooting for something like 50 nm / day. I'm thinking 9 sailing days over a two week period (weather dependent of course). We are in a position where we can extend our two weeks if the weather is not conducive - but it's good to have a goal.

My first draft itinerary:
Delivery Cruise

Starting point Manitowoc WI

Day one Manistee 56 nm

Day two Frankfort 36 nm

Day three Lealand 36 nm

Day four Beaver Island 46 nm

Day 5 Macinac Island 40 nm

Day 6 Rogers City 50 nm

Day 6 Alpena 55 nm

Day 8 Harrisville 32 nm

Day 9 TBYC 35 nm

Open to any suggestions.

Thanks -

John

 

[kappykaplan]

John, I don't know if it's possible, but I'd go for a much shorter first day (or two) on your new-to-you boat. Congratulations on your new boat.

 

[Tally Ho]

Congrats John. Should be a fun delivery cruise.

Your harbor hops seem reasonable, and if you can get 4 or 5 knots on average, most of the hops should be reasonable. That first leg may be a long day if you can only get 4 knots.

Worse, if the winds are contrary, you will have to motor or tack...

I would be prepared to stay in a harbor waiting for favorable weather.
I would make sure the engine runs well, that you have spare fuel filters, etc as motoring may play a big part in the trip.

I brought 2 boats home when I bought them…once from Milwaukee and once from Holland Michigan. Neither trip went totally smooth…the Milwaukee trip in April, terrible weather, and my 2 sons as crew. Should have sat that weekend out, but one of the boys was home from Notre Dame for a long weekend… and he really wanted to help deliver the boat. Took 2 days to get the boat home and the first day was one I won’t forget (or thank God we got into a harbor safely).

The Holland delivery wasn’t that bad, but day one, just out on the Lake, pounding into 4-foot seas with the wind on our nose. Motoring only, never even took the sail cover off. All of a sudden, an engine alarm goes off. I can’t see which warning light was on, but pulled back on the throttle a bit and discussed with my boat partner what we would do if the engine died or seized up…thankfully, the alarm stopped and we limper her into the next harbor. Got a slip for the night, figured out why the engine temp was hot and solved tha.. Next day, another long motor across the south end of the lake, and we were home.

That will illustrate the potential for lots of motoring and for waiting out the weather.


But your plan seems pretty reasonable.

Greg

 

[Tally Ho]

John, I don't know if it's possible, but I'd go for a much shorter first day (or two) on your new-to-you boat. Congratulations on your new boat.

That is a good point….or spend a few days at the marina you are taking delivery from, and day sail for a while to get used to the new boat.

 

[john6206]

Thanks for the responses @Tally Ho and @kappykaplan

the first week we own the boat we plan to take some sailing lessons and do some day sails Before we start the journey. The “sailing lessons,” are mostly system stuff. I understand the sailing, I need to learn how to change an impeller, pump out a holding tank, etc. Also, I need to learn rigging sail handling on the bigger boat. I’ve sailed a 30’ before, but it’s been years - gotta know How to reef before I need to know how to reef.

my original plan was to sail up the Wisconsin coast a bit before I make the crossing. That adds miles to the trip, and also to the crossing, but it might have other advantages. Sturgeon Bay is only a short hop up from Manitowoc.

either way, we are certainly going to wait for a favorable forecast for the crossing.

 

[smokey73]

I'd make sure there that the fuel tank is clean and there is no "gunk" in the bottom of the tank. Depending on how much the boat was used and the age of the fuel in the tank and what precautions were taken with regard to keeping biological growth at bay you want to make sure that the fuel system won't give you problems. I'd take a few extra fuel filters (primary and secondary) along and know how to change them. If you don't need them on the trip you'll have them for later.

 

[jssailem]

Great info from all.
Congrats John..
I concur that you should plan for 4-5 knots speed and approximately 30-35nm per day. If you go faster you get to your destination quicker. Plan for alternate stopping points. Places you can land if you have an issue. On my recent 156nm trip (a sea trial after my engine rebuild) 10nm out of the marina, the engine died. Fuel starvation. Junk in the fuel filter. Mother Nature took pity on me and provided wind. I did not make the planned 32nm trip. I ended it at 21nm by slipping into my secondary marina under sail. Fixed the fuel issue and was problem-free the rest of the time. I have completed 10 hour sailing days starting at daybreak and ending at sunset. They are tiring and feel more like work than a relaxing event.

I believe it was Captain Ron that said.

This will be a memory-making experience.
Safe sailing.

 

[dLj]

I'd put a couple days just enjoying being at a couple of those different locations. For example when you get to Beaver Island, why not plan a day just enjoying the island? Pick some other location that you would enjoy staying a day just enjoying the boat, the anchorage, and where you are.

Have you identified where you can refuel? Get some provisions? I don't know enough about all those spots to give suggestions.

dj