Lake Michigan (and Huron) Delivery Cruise

[john6206]

Based on input from this group we have a second draft.
It adds two sailing days, but makes almost all of our days right around 35 miles, still a couple of long ones, but they are not consecutive. It must be longer total, because we are going to Manistique on the north shore of Lake Michigan, and then south to Beaver Island. But the crossing from Washington island to beaver island is something like 80 miles, so going to Manistique breaks it up.


Starting point Manitowoc



Day 1 Algoma 35 nm

Day 2 Egg Harbor 35 nm

Day 3 Detroit Harbor 27 nm

Day 4 Manistique 54 nm

Day 5 Beaver Island 35 nm

Day 6 Mackinaw City 36 nm

Day 7 Hammond Bay 29 nm

Day 8 Presque Isle 35 nm

Day 9 Alpena 35 nm

Day 10 Harrisville 28 nm

Day 11 TBYC 32 nm

11 sailing days, I’d like to do it with only 5 “stay in the harbor days“ we are planning a week in Manitowoc outfitting , cleaning, provisioning the boat and getting to know her before we take off - that means we are gone from Memorial Day to June 20th. Probably the longest vacay we’ve ever taken.

of course, it’s all weather dependent.

 

[kappykaplan]

That looks much more doable.

 

[jssailem]

Yes that looks more like a vacation than a delivery. It will give you time to become on good terms with your new to your boat.
What an adventure you have in store.

 

[BigEasy]

Please give us a “cruise report” when you return to home port.
Fair winds…..

 

[Scott T-Bird]

The second draft sounds like a safer plan. I would be very nervous making a 60+ mile jump across Lake Michigan as the first leg on a boat that is new to me. You've got good options on the Wisconsin shoreline (don't forget Kewaunee if you need a quicker bail-out on the 1st leg) and the jump across should be much easier up at Manistique.

I think there are very few options for autopilot on the 320. Every single one that I ever saw had a Raymarine Wheel Pilot. From what I have read and seen, the structure below decks does not accommodate any option for below-decks autopilot without significant glass work to make a bulkhead to anchor the drive assemblies for any model. So virtually nobody does it as far as I know. B&G does not make a wheel pilot. The CPT is the only viable option besides Raymarine for something that you can install quickly. Frankly, I don't think there is very much to think about. I would just get the latest Raymarine product off the shelf at a convenient dealer and install it on the first day. Just about every 320 has a Raymarine wheel pilot (I'm very surprised yours doesn't - did the owner remove it?). You may have a hard time enjoying those days on the water without it. But, you can't go wrong visiting Door County and I imagine those islands at the top of Lake Michigan are also can't miss. With prevailing souwesterlies, you should be more comfortable sailing along the western side.

I'm salivating at the thought of your trip!!