Manitoulin Is. - The Hull Truth

HillbillyTrader · 03-06-2008, 09:28 PM

Anyone know anything about the waters around the island?
If I go up there this summer with my boat, will I be risking possible injury to body and boat or are the waters fairly easy to navigate?

airpilot · 03-07-2008, 04:32 AM

I have been there a few times but you do need to keep a sharp lookout for the navigation markers...lots of rocks. The old saying is " if you dont know exactly where you are...STOP".

MIfirst · 03-07-2008, 09:39 AM

Do you mean the Manitou islands off of Sleeping Bear dunes?

2005 SeaCraft · 03-07-2008, 10:03 AM

I know it well. We have a few homes on the island. Where are you thinking of going? Gore Bay? Little Current?

rrrwel · 03-07-2008, 05:54 PM

Been up there 3 times. Just make sure you have charts and plan ahead. If you are uncertian, just stop and verify with your charts. The benjamin islands are a nice place to anchor also.

HillbillyTrader · 03-08-2008, 10:17 PM

Looking to cruise South Bay and the northern shore from Wikky to West Bay.

reefhunter2 · 04-10-2008, 04:54 AM

I boated there many times as a youngster with my Dad and his family. Get the charts, read them before entering the area and pay close attention to your depth sounder or chart recorder. I still visit the island whenever I get a chance.

ranger*tug · 12-04-2008, 02:59 PM

Our boating group vacationed in the area last year. Was a good trip, however, we always plan our trips months ahead and using a GPS, plot our courses carefully. I would suggest if you are going in a group make your reservations ahead of the vacation to insure a marina spot.

Rangertug

jhebert · 01-03-2009, 08:08 AM

I have extensive experience in cruising the North Channel and Manitoulin Island. See

http://continuouswave.com/north-channel/

The bottom is all rock--mainly granite. It is very different from Florida sea bottom.

Creekwood · 01-27-2009, 07:57 PM

Get the GPS charts and the paper charts. Like jhebert said, the waters are full of rocks and shoals. Depth changes REALLY fast. It can be 100 ft deep and 2ft within 30 ft away.
That said, its beautiful water in the summer. Almost Bahamas clear, but a lot cooler.

reefhunter2 · 01-28-2009, 01:21 PM

I'd rather be in Manitoulin - the Bahamas doesn't have smallmouth bass, tasty perch or muskies!