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Smallest boat you'd take a few(1-4) miles out on a Great Lake?
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Re: Smallest boat you'd take a few(1-4) miles out on a Great Lake?
The bite has arrived--- got limit twice and one over 10lbs-- as far as small boat-- I have seen everything-- however 3 hp is NOT enough-- have used 8 hp Nissan on 14ft'er--- use for perch-- also seen jet ski , rubber boat about eveything . with gas going up lots of smaller boats being used for perch fishing last year--- perch fleet out of Walnut Creek over 200 boats on big weekend if under 2 ft---
RE: Smallest boat you'd take a few(1-4) miles out on a Great Lake?
Think how far you would take that 12 foot boat in the ocean. Then cut that distance in half.
When that lake picks up, you will find a 3hp worthless against the wind and a quickly swamped boat. The good news is that Erie has warmer water that other big lakes.
Re: Smallest boat you'd take a few(1-4) miles out on a Great Lake?
I agree guys about 3.3 not being enough. I've been fishing just outside the harbor and 3.3 is not enough. In the wind and waves and boat chop the farthest I'll go is about a quarter mile. Yes, I can swim and I think I may have to if it kicks up! LOL Paul
Re: Smallest boat you'd take a few(1-4) miles out on a Great Lake?
My Uncle was swamped this past weekend in a 22 ft boston whaler. They were about 9 miles out on Erie. Boat was saved, but was submerged. Whatever you do watch the weather.
Re: Smallest boat you'd take a few(1-4) miles out on a Great Lake?
Quote:
johndevlin3 - 8/5/2008 10:11 AM My Uncle was swamped this past weekend in a 22 ft boston whaler. They were about 9 miles out on Erie. Boat was saved, but was submerged. Whatever you do watch the weather.
[img]../images/emoticons/surprise.gif[/img]Do share the details!
__________________ Any Port in a Storm!....currently seeking shelter.
My opinion, if Lake Erie is your only fishing ground, go buy your fish at the grocery store and leave that boat on shore.
I was out there last weekend for the christmas in July at put in bay and to kelley island with a 65 footer that weighs in at 54000 lbs, came back with 4 footers on the beam all the way, no major incidents other than downright uncomfortable to try and head north with a strong westerly wind. I have had my bluewater in 8 to 9 foot waves on lake huron taking it on the bow with no problems and it was way more comfortable than Lake Erie. I can just imagine what it would be like in a 12 foot boat. I wouldn't want to try it.
You have no business being out on Lake Erie or any other Great Lake in a twelve foot boat and 3 horse power motor past half the distance you can swim. Let’s think about it how far you can swim if the lake kicks her heels. 3 horse is not sufficient power to push through two foot waves. When I had a twenty one Searay it was uncomfortable in three foot wave my Scout Abaco 280 powers though five and fell stable and secure. DON’T DO IT!
__________________ Thanks,
Tony
280 Scout Abaco twin Yamaha 200 HPDIs
Quote:
johndevlin3 - 8/5/2008 10:11 AM My Uncle was swamped this past weekend in a 22 ft boston whaler. They were about 9 miles out on Erie. Boat was saved, but was submerged. Whatever you do watch the weather.
[img]../images/emoticons/surprise.gif[/img]Do share the details!
It's been a while since I've been on here. If ya wanna know still, I never really asked how they started taking on water, but the boat was submerged. The Coasties came and wanted to leave the boat as a salvage. After my uncles pleadings with the Guard they finally agreed to tow the boat. I don't have alot of details, but I think the coast guard cut them loose when a friend came to assist with the tow. My uncle is a mechanic and was able to salvage the engine. They did lose a ton of good tackle though. Sorry again for those that wanted to know. I don't really keep up since im down in SC.
If you're smart about it and pick your days, there are many days that the GL's can be safely fished in a 17'-18' boat provided that it's the right type of boat (a bass boat is not the right type). I see all kinds of Lund Pro-V's out there and when set up with a good main engine and a kicker as back up, they're not a bad rig on the calm days. Even in a 2'-3' tight chop, they do a pretty good job of riding over the waves like a duck. If you're only 1-4 miles out, you should be able to head in before any weather kicks up.
At the same time, I think 24' with a closed bow, high sides and a self draining cockpit gets you to where one can feel that you've got the ability to deal with some weather should you get caught in it. Most of the boats that I hear on the distress calls are usually 22' and under.
The weather in many of the Great Lakes areas tends to develope rather than move in so you have to monitor the forecast on a very regular basis and keep a sharp eye out. The water is often very cold and it stacks up high and tight in a very short time.
I had a 19 foot deep V Sylvan with an 85HP for a long time on Erie and now fish a 23' Bay Boat with a 150HP Yamaha and an 8'6" beam. 3 HP? 12 feet? I think not. I can make 45 to 50 MPH at WOT and wouldn't venture more than 4 or 5 miles out.
Back in the 70's I fished a lot with my uncle in his 14ft Starcraft with a 9.9 Merc we fished in the 200 to 300fow range out of Muskegon many times. As to the comment about the boats being swamped in the 70's we were out in that mess waves were 5 to 7ft when we got back in it blew up fairly fast. However we had no problems I should mention that many of the boats that were swamped were overloaded with drunks and equipment. Also There were Canoes pontoons and Jon Boats out there. None of them did very well I fished lake MI for years in a 18ft Starcraft with a 80hp Merc and never felt unsafe but the wife and other family members would not go out in it I have a 26ft Four Winns now. Would I recomend anyone venture out in the Great Lakes in a 12ft boat He!! no do I think there are days when I personally would do it maybe if the perch are biting. But you need more motor than a 3hp I have a 3hp on my 9ft river pontoon and it is under powered I cannot imagine trying to navigate waves and weather with that little egg beater.
Just to stir the pot. If a jet ski can go across the lake to PIB why cant an aluminum?
If I had a good running 9.9 on the back of my 12 insted of a 3.3 I'd be out there a good 5 miles or so. But only if there was a 2 feet or less forecast.
Just to stir the pot. If a jet ski can go across the lake to PIB why cant an aluminum?
If I had a good running 9.9 on the back of my 12 insted of a 3.3 I'd be out there a good 5 miles or so. But only if there was a 2 feet or less forecast.
Paul
Because a jet ski and a open bow boat with a <25 hp motor are two COMPLETELY different animals. The most basic notion would be that when a wave breaks over a jet ski it drains immediately whereas an open bow boat would fill up with water in a hurry. don't forget, the weather in the western basin can change in a HURRY...
I've taken my seadoo across to the bay many times (14 min from CIC to bay on a flat day) and I throughly enjoy going out on the west side of south bass when it's so rough the ferries are rerouted/ stopped (7'-9' waves). I'm not crazy, but I would NEVER consider going out in that weather in any other traditional vessel smaller than our tiara...
Re: Smallest boat you'd take a few(1-4) miles out on a Great Lake? 
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