I just recently purchased a 20ft oday sailboat and was wondering if that would be big enough to sail across lake michigan from St. Joesph/Muskegon area to chicago? If so is there a specific time of the season that would be best for that? Thanks
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Lake MI
I have sailed Lake Michigan for a number of years. Two years spent on an O’Day 22 and the remainder with a 30ft O’Day. Of course, experience is a big factor. Lake Michigan can get ugly quickly. If the experience is there and the weather cooperates, you’ll be fine. My personal choice though would be to sail within sight of the coastline if sailing a 20ft boat - but I prefer to err on the safe side. I got caught in severe weather in my 22ft and had to take both sails down and motor into five footers – not fun. Rain and lighting completed the experience. Try July and early August for the most stable weather patterns. My 30ft boat has increased weight and provides a much dryer ride in rough weather. I often go out in weather that would have kept me at the dock with my 22ft. Best of luck!
I have sailed Lake Michigan for a number of years. Two years spent on an O’Day 22 and the remainder with a 30ft O’Day. Of course, experience is a big factor. Lake Michigan can get ugly quickly. If the experience is there and the weather cooperates, you’ll be fine. My personal choice though would be to sail within sight of the coastline if sailing a 20ft boat - but I prefer to err on the safe side. I got caught in severe weather in my 22ft and had to take both sails down and motor into five footers – not fun. Rain and lighting completed the experience. Try July and early August for the most stable weather patterns. My 30ft boat has increased weight and provides a much dryer ride in rough weather. I often go out in weather that would have kept me at the dock with my 22ft. Best of luck!
St Joe/Muskegan?
Muskegan and St Joe are really not in the same area being some 75 miles apart. Muskegan to Chicago is pushing 100 miles - a long offshore jaunt in an Oday 20. Michigan City to Chicago is around 30 miles and New Buffalo is about 35. It might be a better choice for your first trip across the lake. You could shoot down the coast and then over.
Muskegan and St Joe are really not in the same area being some 75 miles apart. Muskegan to Chicago is pushing 100 miles - a long offshore jaunt in an Oday 20. Michigan City to Chicago is around 30 miles and New Buffalo is about 35. It might be a better choice for your first trip across the lake. You could shoot down the coast and then over.
I would stay close to the coast line
There's several marinas you could duck into if the weather turns nasty. New Buffalo Michigan City, East Chicago and Hammond on the way to Chicago. I sailed an Oday Mariner on the lake for years but never ventured further than 4 miles from shore. I'd for sure have some kind of autopilot or way to get releived from holding the tiller. After a few hours you'll be beat sitting in one position.
There's several marinas you could duck into if the weather turns nasty. New Buffalo Michigan City, East Chicago and Hammond on the way to Chicago. I sailed an Oday Mariner on the lake for years but never ventured further than 4 miles from shore. I'd for sure have some kind of autopilot or way to get releived from holding the tiller. After a few hours you'll be beat sitting in one position.
Hug the coast
I've sailed out of S. Haven in a Chrysler 22 and an O'Day 26. My advice would be to hug the coastline south then jaunt across from New Buffalo is the wx is good. Aug/Sep is a good planning time. Just my $.02
I've sailed out of S. Haven in a Chrysler 22 and an O'Day 26. My advice would be to hug the coastline south then jaunt across from New Buffalo is the wx is good. Aug/Sep is a good planning time. Just my $.02
I thought about the gas after I posted too
Be suprised how fast a 5 HP outboard will go through 5 gallons. I would bring a couple extra 5 gallon cans if he doesn't want to stop and the wind dies.
Be suprised how fast a 5 HP outboard will go through 5 gallons. I would bring a couple extra 5 gallon cans if he doesn't want to stop and the wind dies.
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