www.iFourWinns.com

I have been researching to see if I can find something closer to home for me and my family to explore this coming season. Just curious if anyone has any suggestions of something within about 4 hours of central Ohio? I have seen and read about Torch Lake and Crystal Lake, but that might be too far for us to try this year.

Any help/ suggestions would be great!

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

Can't believe you don't go Lake Cumberland every weekend, I would..

https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&g ... CCoQ-A8wAA

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

That is almost a definite trip this year!! I cant wait for that. My wife has been there several times and it is too short of a trip for us to not take. We have been really looking for the clear waters and maybe that almost Caribbean blue color I think the closest of that kind is Houghton or Higgins?? Those might be possible, its just a little farther away.

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

This:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj14 ... 0_2422.jpg

The only think missing would be the palm trees.

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

Agreed - from Google Maps, Cumberland looks awesome!

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

I suggest trailering over to South Haven or Saugatuck and then motoring up to Grand Haven or Muskegon for nice long weekend trip.

The picture you posted looks a lot like the Lake Michigan shoreline from a dune in the Holland to Saugatuck stretch.

I guess that is a 5 hour drive...

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Current Operational Boats:
'04-Four Winns 180 Freedom 150 HP Evinrude
'72-Chris Craft Commander 31 Sedan Twin-350Qs

Come visit beautiful Northwest Indiana!! We are 4hrs 49 minutes away from Columbus. Clear water,sandy beaches, and towering sand dunes to climb. Light a campfire and watch the sun set behind silhouette of Downtown Chicago. Speaking of Chicago, we are centrally located between Dowtown Chicago to the West and the quaint little beach town of New Buffalo Michigan to the East. An hour boat ride can bring a wild night in the big city or head the opposite direction and visit New Buffalo which is sure to be fun for the whole family! Ok maybe I'm making it sound better than it is




Lake Cumberland is also on our boating bucket list so if you go take plenty of pics to share!

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Beautiful pictures thanks for sharing.

Love the pics of the distant CHI skyline on the water.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

Okay, since you want a clear lake, Grand Haven,Saugatuck,Muskegon ,So. Indiana only really have Lake Michigan to offer for clear water. The lakes are fine but not what I would consider clear.

I realize Torch Lake is a long haul, but 6 hours and 22 min is really not much longer than 4 hours IMO. And the water there is a night and day difference to any lake south of there in Michigan. You could get a slip at Dewitt Marine for the week, or just a few nights and stay on your boat to save hotel fees in Traverse City. De witt is on Clam Lake (not real clear) but is just a short ride up the Clam River directly onto Torch Lake. When you get on Torch, this is what you are in for...

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I second Bliss and Capn Morgan. If you can swing the distance, go to Torch. Pristine water. Can't go wrong with Lake Michigan either, but you need to hope for a good weather day.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I am really intrigued by Torch! Love that blue, it is so amazing. I may have to push the limits and make that one happen. What about Higgins? I have read that the waters are close to that color. Is it just not as fun of a lake to explore? It doesn't seem like Torch or Higgins have any coves to hang out in, but then again I'm not really sure we would need that with that incredible water around us!

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

Also, Higgins is about an hour closer to home.

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

Higgins Lake has beautiful clear blue water as good as any here in Michigan. The south state park has great camping, a beautiful beach and a large boat ramp. However, you will find this facility very busy on weekends. You should also note that Higgins has several areas to "beach" your boat (the south state park campground one of them). You should also be aware that the lake also have a couple of sunken rock islands that will quickly end your time on the lake if you are not careful. However, all in all I think you'd be pleased with a trip to this lake.

I'm on Houghton Lake (south of Higgins) and can tell you that my lake is shallow and not clear. However, it is very large and tends not to be as busy as other lakes and it's usually quite warm and great for fishing, skiing and just cruising around.

Another hidden gem is Glen Lake. Much like Torch and Higgins, it is deep blue and crystal clear. It is also not very busy and located right across the street from the Sleeping Bear National dunes. You are also just a mile or so away from Lake Michigan so you can take your boat on either lake depending on wave conditions. Glen Arbor is a great little town with some shopping and a few restaurants. A cottage on the lake could potentially run you about $2K a week but is generally well worth it. You can also stay at a national campground just down the street. As an added bonus, due to the lake's close proximity to the coast, most days it is virtually cloud free verses even a couple of miles further inland. At night, head down to the Lake Michigan shore and have a bonfire with the family and watch the stars come out.

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2006 H190 4.3L
2009 GMC Acadia
Michigan

Good suggestions, but just a note. Higgins,Houghton and Glen lakes' are not connected to other lakes like Torch is. You can access at least 5 or 6 different lakes from Torch, without hauling your boat out of the water. A plus IMO.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy