Looking to move south in 2yrs. If the employment area looks good around inland NC or Ga is it comfortable to sail a C-30 that draws 5'3" on either of those lakes. Or would I be lloking to down size bacl to a 22ish. Any good web sites for these lakes and docking costs?? Ron Chels-A-Bella C-30 3532
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Lake Norman
5'3 draft is fine. 30' is max that I would want out there. I have a 25.5 Winds are normal around 5 to 7 in fall and spring. Can get some good days around 12 to 15. Summer time is a good time for repair. Light winds. Clif
5'3 draft is fine. 30' is max that I would want out there. I have a 25.5 Winds are normal around 5 to 7 in fall and spring. Can get some good days around 12 to 15. Summer time is a good time for repair. Light winds. Clif
Tennessee
Since it is two years away, check out Chattanooga, TN and the lakes on the Tennessee River. Not as far south but you wont' really be land locked. Just a thought.
Since it is two years away, check out Chattanooga, TN and the lakes on the Tennessee River. Not as far south but you wont' really be land locked. Just a thought.
Archive Search
It's a useful tool. 287 matches on the term <Lake Lanier>... Google "Lake Lanier" for lots more information, including the Corps of Engineers site. At full pool, the lake is up to about 140 ft deep, and is generally shallow only very near the shoreline. Also Google on Sunrise Cove, Aqualand and Holiday Marinas. The lake is currently down about 8 ft due to extended low precipitation this summer and the normal drawdown.
It's a useful tool. 287 matches on the term <Lake Lanier>... Google "Lake Lanier" for lots more information, including the Corps of Engineers site. At full pool, the lake is up to about 140 ft deep, and is generally shallow only very near the shoreline. Also Google on Sunrise Cove, Aqualand and Holiday Marinas. The lake is currently down about 8 ft due to extended low precipitation this summer and the normal drawdown.
Lake Keowee
Is where we have a lake house. I have a H23.5. I can tell you that there is not a lot of wind most times. There is a guy in our area that has a C-27, but I have no idea what the sails look like.
It is a peaceful, quiet lake though, and perfect for the more tender water ballast Hunters.
Is where we have a lake house. I have a H23.5. I can tell you that there is not a lot of wind most times. There is a guy in our area that has a C-27, but I have no idea what the sails look like.
It is a peaceful, quiet lake though, and perfect for the more tender water ballast Hunters.Hi Ron
I sail a C30 wing keel at Lanier. You will be fine with your fin keel. In fact there are lots of 34+ footers on the lake. Ed's post gives you the 3 marinas for you to research. For your reference, I'm at sunrise in a 30ft slip for $608 per quarter.
I sail a C30 wing keel at Lanier. You will be fine with your fin keel. In fact there are lots of 34+ footers on the lake. Ed's post gives you the 3 marinas for you to research. For your reference, I'm at sunrise in a 30ft slip for $608 per quarter.
slips
Lake Norman All-Seasons Marina Lake Norman Sail Club Penisula Club Lake Norman Yatch Club Kings Point Marina Clif
Lake Norman All-Seasons Marina Lake Norman Sail Club Penisula Club Lake Norman Yatch Club Kings Point Marina Clif
Kerr Lake
Kerr Lake is a 1hr drive from the Research Triangle Park (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) area. It is an excellent lake with 800 miles of shoreline and is 100 ft deep in some areas. There are many 30ft and larger boats on this lake. Steele Creek Marina has a thriving yacht club with many races and activities.
Kerr Lake is a 1hr drive from the Research Triangle Park (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) area. It is an excellent lake with 800 miles of shoreline and is 100 ft deep in some areas. There are many 30ft and larger boats on this lake. Steele Creek Marina has a thriving yacht club with many races and activities.
Problem with both Lanier and Norman..
is TRAFFIC, both on land and sea. Auto congestion in both metro areas (Charlotte and Atlanta) is horrible. I know Charlotte better than Atlanta. Getting north to Norman is painful if you are trying to commute and work downtown as most folks do. And on weekends, almost gridlock. Do some research first. And on the water, dear God. If you are from RI, which I think you are, the power boat traffic on the lakes will amaze you, at least it does me. Also, slipspace used to be at a premium, with long waiting lists. Not sure of the current status as I went to the coast. Kerr is a good alternative, but the facilities around there are not as developed. In fact non-existent. Not to be a downer, both are beautiful, convenient and enjoyable if you live in the area. But it's going to be verrrrry different from what you might have now!
is TRAFFIC, both on land and sea. Auto congestion in both metro areas (Charlotte and Atlanta) is horrible. I know Charlotte better than Atlanta. Getting north to Norman is painful if you are trying to commute and work downtown as most folks do. And on weekends, almost gridlock. Do some research first. And on the water, dear God. If you are from RI, which I think you are, the power boat traffic on the lakes will amaze you, at least it does me. Also, slipspace used to be at a premium, with long waiting lists. Not sure of the current status as I went to the coast. Kerr is a good alternative, but the facilities around there are not as developed. In fact non-existent. Not to be a downer, both are beautiful, convenient and enjoyable if you live in the area. But it's going to be verrrrry different from what you might have now!
Lanier
Ron I have owned and sailed 22 and 25 footer's to my present Catalina 30 on and off for the last 28 years at Lake Lanier. Many changes over the years but for the better. Major marina's (Aqualand and Sunrise) that are predominantly populated by sailboats have been taken over and managed well with updated and expanded facilities. My preference is Sunrise Cove, where we are presently berthed, but due to low water levels space is at a premium right now. Keep in mind when you are ready to make a move, if you choose Lanier you may well have to go on a waiting list for a 30 footer, especially if water levels are down and the marinas are moving about deep keeled boats to keep them from going on moorings. Stay in touch with the marina's as you progress. Lanier is a long and narrow lake and sailing areas are limited to the north by Browns bridge and of course the Buford Damn to the south. As you might have read recently, the Corp claimed they, "read a gauge wrong" and let out several millions of gallons that lowered the lake, but I understand it may have been to preserve habitat hundreds of miles downstream!! The Corp manages it all here. Lanier has enjoyed high pool levels for several years but now we have to wait for heavy and constant rains this spring to bring us back up to normal. Sailing Lanier at low water can get dicey. For the unsuspecting sailor, wondering out without good local knowledge and not watching shoal markers can get you in trouble, especially if your deep keeled. Lanier does have its hazards as every lake, but is a great lake to sail on. Its the most used Lake in the country, contains the world's larges inland floating marina (Holiday Marina), probably has more Catalina 22's then any other place on the planet, and has been a popular place for races and regatta's. Severla sailing clubs are around if your into the socializing and racing scene (Barefooot Sailing Club, Southern Sailing Club, to name a few). With a Catalina 30, you'll be in great company. Speaking of which, I just saw my name listed as "fleet admiral" as the International 30 club on Lanier (reforming). That was a shocker to me!! Where did they dig up my name?! I know their are over two dozen 30's here if not more. It would be great to have you on the water here. Good luck. Bob '88 C-30 "Breezin II" Sunrise Cove Marina
Ron I have owned and sailed 22 and 25 footer's to my present Catalina 30 on and off for the last 28 years at Lake Lanier. Many changes over the years but for the better. Major marina's (Aqualand and Sunrise) that are predominantly populated by sailboats have been taken over and managed well with updated and expanded facilities. My preference is Sunrise Cove, where we are presently berthed, but due to low water levels space is at a premium right now. Keep in mind when you are ready to make a move, if you choose Lanier you may well have to go on a waiting list for a 30 footer, especially if water levels are down and the marinas are moving about deep keeled boats to keep them from going on moorings. Stay in touch with the marina's as you progress. Lanier is a long and narrow lake and sailing areas are limited to the north by Browns bridge and of course the Buford Damn to the south. As you might have read recently, the Corp claimed they, "read a gauge wrong" and let out several millions of gallons that lowered the lake, but I understand it may have been to preserve habitat hundreds of miles downstream!! The Corp manages it all here. Lanier has enjoyed high pool levels for several years but now we have to wait for heavy and constant rains this spring to bring us back up to normal. Sailing Lanier at low water can get dicey. For the unsuspecting sailor, wondering out without good local knowledge and not watching shoal markers can get you in trouble, especially if your deep keeled. Lanier does have its hazards as every lake, but is a great lake to sail on. Its the most used Lake in the country, contains the world's larges inland floating marina (Holiday Marina), probably has more Catalina 22's then any other place on the planet, and has been a popular place for races and regatta's. Severla sailing clubs are around if your into the socializing and racing scene (Barefooot Sailing Club, Southern Sailing Club, to name a few). With a Catalina 30, you'll be in great company. Speaking of which, I just saw my name listed as "fleet admiral" as the International 30 club on Lanier (reforming). That was a shocker to me!! Where did they dig up my name?! I know their are over two dozen 30's here if not more. It would be great to have you on the water here. Good luck. Bob '88 C-30 "Breezin II" Sunrise Cove Marina
Southern Sailing
Ron, you should include Lake Hartwell on you list. Its located at the northwestern boarder between SC and Ga. If you follow I85 east from Atlanta you'll cross over the lake three times while on the interstate. Its 2 hours from Atlanta or 2.5 hours from Charlotte. It has over 1,100 miles of shoreline and is 168 ft deep in the area around the dam. Which by the way is where the best sailing is. I sail a Cal 2-29 out of Big Water Marina located at the south end of the lake on the SC side. There is an Island Packet 420 in the slip in front of me and plenty of 30+ footers throughout the marina. There is lots of room to have fun on this lake. We've always plenty of water and great wind. I'm also the Commodore of the Big Water Sailing Club located at the marina. If you'd like more info let me know through this posting and I'll be glad to help. Hope to see you on the water. Ken Johnson
Ron, you should include Lake Hartwell on you list. Its located at the northwestern boarder between SC and Ga. If you follow I85 east from Atlanta you'll cross over the lake three times while on the interstate. Its 2 hours from Atlanta or 2.5 hours from Charlotte. It has over 1,100 miles of shoreline and is 168 ft deep in the area around the dam. Which by the way is where the best sailing is. I sail a Cal 2-29 out of Big Water Marina located at the south end of the lake on the SC side. There is an Island Packet 420 in the slip in front of me and plenty of 30+ footers throughout the marina. There is lots of room to have fun on this lake. We've always plenty of water and great wind. I'm also the Commodore of the Big Water Sailing Club located at the marina. If you'd like more info let me know through this posting and I'll be glad to help. Hope to see you on the water. Ken Johnson
Lake Lanier
Lanier is a good lake for sailing in the spring and fall (winter too). Summer (July/August) the wind is non-existant and the power boats own the lake. Currently the water level is as low as I've ever seen it but I have yet to run aground. There are many 30' and over sailboats boats on this lake .... The largest may be my friends 47 foot Stevenson. There are several sailboats in the 40' range. (and nurmous powerboats in the 30-40 ft range) I think there is only one self service yard with a boat lift and that is at Aqualand. I have a 27' Hunter in a 30x14 ft slip with water and power. The rental is about $600 per month. As you would expect, the slip size dictates the rental cost. Water is for drinking only, no boat washing, because they are on a well system so the supply won't support 2000 boats being washed every weekend.
Lanier is a good lake for sailing in the spring and fall (winter too). Summer (July/August) the wind is non-existant and the power boats own the lake. Currently the water level is as low as I've ever seen it but I have yet to run aground. There are many 30' and over sailboats boats on this lake .... The largest may be my friends 47 foot Stevenson. There are several sailboats in the 40' range. (and nurmous powerboats in the 30-40 ft range) I think there is only one self service yard with a boat lift and that is at Aqualand. I have a 27' Hunter in a 30x14 ft slip with water and power. The rental is about $600 per month. As you would expect, the slip size dictates the rental cost. Water is for drinking only, no boat washing, because they are on a well system so the supply won't support 2000 boats being washed every weekend.
You May Want to Look at the Coast
A lot of people in Atlanta keep their boats on the coast. Same for people in Birmingham. The Tennessee river is another option. Lake Guntersville isn't too far and Wheeler is just a little farther. The biggest advantage is that with time you can lock up or down river to explore other lakes. Also you can take the TN-Tombigbee waterway down to the Gulf. From Guntersville AL you can go up all the way to the Smoky Mountains at Tellico Lake and down river to Kentucky Lake and the 45 mile long Land Between the Lakes area. You might want to check out Huntsville Alabama when searching for a job. Atlanta Sucks!!!! My daughter lives there and loves the place. But I hate the extremely heavy traffic and the size of the place. Coming back after thanksgiving on Saturday we were stuck in traffic for a couple of hours. Getting stuck in traffic in Atlanta is a common way to spend time if you live there. Huntsville is a much nicer place to live. Atlanta is also dangerous, one of the top 10 most dangerous places to live. Birmingham is also dangerous and too big for my taste but until we retire I guess we'll stay here.
A lot of people in Atlanta keep their boats on the coast. Same for people in Birmingham. The Tennessee river is another option. Lake Guntersville isn't too far and Wheeler is just a little farther. The biggest advantage is that with time you can lock up or down river to explore other lakes. Also you can take the TN-Tombigbee waterway down to the Gulf. From Guntersville AL you can go up all the way to the Smoky Mountains at Tellico Lake and down river to Kentucky Lake and the 45 mile long Land Between the Lakes area. You might want to check out Huntsville Alabama when searching for a job. Atlanta Sucks!!!! My daughter lives there and loves the place. But I hate the extremely heavy traffic and the size of the place. Coming back after thanksgiving on Saturday we were stuck in traffic for a couple of hours. Getting stuck in traffic in Atlanta is a common way to spend time if you live there. Huntsville is a much nicer place to live. Atlanta is also dangerous, one of the top 10 most dangerous places to live. Birmingham is also dangerous and too big for my taste but until we retire I guess we'll stay here.
Lake Lanier 2 cents
I believe my wet slip costs this year will fall right around $1300 for my C-22 at Aqualand in a 10 x 26 slip. Lanier has an active Fleet of C-22 Racers, with some of the best in the country here. Catalina Fleet 58 represents the racers and Fleet 258 is our C-22 Cruising Fleet. Being located in Atlanta allows me to trailer to both the Gulf Coast and to the Atlantic. Traffic? I hear it's bad if you live in the suburbs, I live and work downtown and rarely hit the interstate during the week. I commute to the lake on the weekends (30-45 minute drive) I find that a 22 is a good size for gunkholing the many coves and inlets/rivers. Although there are many 30+ foot boats on the lake, a 27-30' is ideal due to the lake configuration and the 5-10 knot wind that is prevelant. It'll get up to 15-20 knts but generally speaking it blows in the 5-10 knot range. We have a really strong sailing community with several active clubs.
I believe my wet slip costs this year will fall right around $1300 for my C-22 at Aqualand in a 10 x 26 slip. Lanier has an active Fleet of C-22 Racers, with some of the best in the country here. Catalina Fleet 58 represents the racers and Fleet 258 is our C-22 Cruising Fleet. Being located in Atlanta allows me to trailer to both the Gulf Coast and to the Atlantic. Traffic? I hear it's bad if you live in the suburbs, I live and work downtown and rarely hit the interstate during the week. I commute to the lake on the weekends (30-45 minute drive) I find that a 22 is a good size for gunkholing the many coves and inlets/rivers. Although there are many 30+ foot boats on the lake, a 27-30' is ideal due to the lake configuration and the 5-10 knot wind that is prevelant. It'll get up to 15-20 knts but generally speaking it blows in the 5-10 knot range. We have a really strong sailing community with several active clubs.
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