Mac 1990 26D sail in lake Michigan

[Gdindy]

I recently bought my first larger size sailboat Mac 26D 1990. She is in very good contition. I have sailed only Hobie 16's for several years so this larger size is new to us but we are loving it. The previous owner has been very helpful and sailed aboard with us several times now. We have been learning the "ropes" sort of speak with the larger boat. We currently sail on a wonderful small lake only for sailboats, a great place to learn but constantly on a tact or jibe. Next Year we want to trailer the boat up to Lake Michigan and get some larger body of water experience in fair weather conditions. We want to experience setting sail and having a snack or drink before we have to jump up to change course every 5 minutes. Is a 1990 26D ok to tool around from harbor to harbor on short runs? We thought about Grand Traverse Bay which would offer some protection, give us a larger body of water to experience and a place to poke our heads out into some open water and back for an hour or so. What type of equiptment would your recomend without breaking the bank, I currently have a VHF radio on board, Compass, Depth guage and a small 1991 9.9hp Johnson outboard with two tanks, and am thining about getting a GPS for current and future use. We want to put in and sail to a few harbors and sleep aboard for several nights, I have a friend who lives in Chicago that is experienced in sailing who has offered to take the train down to Michigan City, In. and meet us and sail into Chicago, I think this would be fun but not sure my comfort level will be up to it since it will be my first time in more open water conditions? What can you experienced sailors suggest? Thanks for your reply Gdindy

 

[Joe]

Lake Michigan

I have coastal cruised Lake Michigan in an O'Day 22. I would take a sailing class or two if you have not already. Make sure you check the weather before going out.There is plenty of shoreline with safe ports 10 to 20 miles apart. Lake Michigan shoreline can get foggy very quickly and I would get a GPS for your safety. A few weeks ago, the fog was so heavy I needed to get within 50 yards of a pier before I could get a visual on it. Traverse area is wonderful. You can sail for a good long time without adjusting your sails. The bay is about 32 miles long and 10 miles wide.I currently have an O'Day 302 and sailed her 194 miles down the coast in two and a half days. We anchored out in North Port (north of Traverse) and took a slip in another port on our way down.I know of an older 25ft boat that sailed from Michigan to Wisconsin several times. The lake is about 85 miles wide in my area.I simply love Michigan. More registered boats than any other state. Second only to Alaska in shoreline.Feel free to drop me an email if you need more info.express898@hotmail.comFair WindsJoe

 

[Gdindy]

Thank You

Thanks for your reply it was helpful.Greg

 

[Craig]

Big Water

Small boat experience makes for a great base. I belive that the best way to learn about wind is in a light and responsive craft.As for trying out Lake Michigan I think you're in for the same very pleasant surprise I had the first time I left the inland lakes in southeast Massachusetts and hauled my 17' O'Day daysailer over to the Atlantic. On the lakes I was used to freaky winds that rose and fell and change directions and kept me on my toes. The big water with all that open fetch generally makes for much more even winds. I was aprehensive at first but quickly found I could roll my boat right up on an edge, hike out, and hold it there as long as I wanted. Of course it's not always like that. Since then I traded up to an O'Day 22 which I keep moored in salt water.It's great to get knowledge of the waters before you head out so information like in the previous post is excellent and, being a Michigan transplant, I can attest to the beauty of Grand Traverse Bay. Check out one of the Great Lakes Crusing guides and be prepared. My motto is "if sh*t happens anywhere it happens at sea".

 

[CalebD]

Definately get a GPS 76 or better

I love my (now several years old) GPS 76 from Garmin. It is one of the cheaper models but has some great features. One feature that is fantastic for foggy conditions is that it keeps track of your previous courses. If you become fog bound merely bring up the continuous course display page and you should be able to reverse your course to exactly where you started by following your last marks. Fortunately I have never had to use this feature but it is nice to know that it is there.The Mac 26 S & D (the 'classic' models as opposed to the X & M) will ride over the waves and handle nicely even with an engine less than 10 HP and they can sail with some impressive speed for the relatively small length at waterline (LWL). I did about 40 miles in the Atlantic (albeit a calm day) in a 26 S with no problems except getting out of Fire Island Inlet on an ebbing tide from the Great South Bay. Our 8 HP motor pushed us over some rather menacing 10' + breaking waves and then it was smooth sailing once out of the mini-tidal race.Also have a cell phone charged up as backup for the VHF and better yet have a handheld VHF as well while out there. GPS 76 by Garmin = <$200Handheld of your choice = <$200Extra batteries = cheap insuranceKnowing you have backup = priceless!

 

[George]

Grand Traverse Bay

The trip you describe is big water and Lake Michigan can be very unpredictable. In addition, the trip would be fairly boring unless the winds come up then it would get really exciting. I'd get more experience before you try it.Slogging along the coast in a 26 foot boat is not my idea of fun. You have a trailerable boat, why not take advantage of its mobility? Grand Traverse Bay is my home base and it's great for small boat sailors. Don't forget to try the North Channel of Lake Huron, a small boater paradise. I agree a handheld GPS is an essential piece of equipment in strange waters. I have a Garmin 76SMap and it works great with the MapQuest digital maps. Check out this link for more on the G76:http://kobernus.com/hunter260/gps/gps1.htmlContact me for more information on sailing GTB and the North Channel.Y'all come visit, spend lots of money then go home.

 

[higgs]

Door County

Another nice place to cruise in a small boat on the big lake.

 

[Pat]

I've sailed L. Michigan...

....for about 10 years now. Started in a Catalina 25. GPS is good idea. I have a handheld GPS and VHF to back up my boat installed equipment. Start out with day sails to get experience. Listen to NOAA weather radio. Typically wind coming from the shore is most pleasant because it creates less waves. Seems like a constant 10 knot wind out of any direction is pleasant though down here in Chicago. It can get treacherous too. I have been out in 10 footers. I went with an experienced sailor first in those conditions. If you don't wear the PFD at least have it at your ready. Have fun.