www.iFourWinns.com

I'm looking for a marina! No more paychecks from Aunt Jenny and Uncle Obama, I finally after 7 months got a job. I'll be running the Citizens Bank branch in Grand Haven. So, I might as well get a slip in GH so I can use the boat a bit this summer even with the new baby. Anyone want to throw me some referrals? I don't think I want to dry dock / rack storage it (maybe?) but am looking for a fairly decent marina. We don't need many frills, just a good place to dock for the summer. Thoughts, sugestions, warnings?

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

Next summer we will be using Northshore's in/out rack storage. They also have some floating docks which will be good for boats our size. They have a pool and new children's play area. Service is top notch as well. Bad - longer drive (very ssslllloooowwwwww mph, like 25) and across the channel from everything.

Our other consideration will be Barrets. They do not have any floating docks but about 10 minute closer drive. Of course a longer run to the lake also. They also have a pool, much closer to restaurants.

I have only had a few dealings with Grand Isle. But have heard good things. Most slips you can part right in front of it. Pool and such as well. I don't think this will matter to you but I also think you have the option to park your vehicle indoors.

I liked a slip, but my covers don't keep enough water out of the boat to feel comfortable. I also hate cleaning the bottom. That is why we will go the in/out route. Nice thing is we can use all the marina amenities with in/out.

Grand Isle is advertising on TV and in local papers with available slips.

North Shore has the most amenities.

Muskegon is only a 15 minute ride from GH, and slips are plentiful
and much cheaper, some with amenities some not. Two lakes to boat on
when the Big Lake is rough rather than just Spriing Lake and the river if
you are in GH.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Capn...Muskegon is decent gas stop but really does not compare to Grand Haven. You going to walk around downtown Muskegon...not after dark. I did enjoy the Summer Celebration one summer. We stayed in Hartshorne Marina (public) right next to where the hold the Summer Celebration and all night long I kept hearing this annoying whistling coming from the carnival. Never again.

In our travels we have always enjoyed Grand Isle for a transient slip. They have plenty of room for larger boats. Of course or favorite place to stay is the public marina because you are right in the downtown area. But from what I know they do not offer any rentals for the summer.

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2005 Silverton 50C
2009 Four Winns 200SS

Yes TBW, Musky-Town is not what GH is, true. Pass the word, we don't want to let anyone think it is a good destination on the Great Lakes. We like it quiet, just like it is.

Dave, not sure on the exact length, but I think boats over 25 feet, are no wake on Spring Lake. We were on a friends 27 foot Celebrity, and he could not legally get on plane anywhere on the lake. So, with a 260, you may or may not be able to go above anything more than no wake speed. That would limit your "spirited" boating days to only Lake Michigan if you slipped the boat in GH area. The coasties routinely measure boats for LOA on Spring Lake, ask me how I know......

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Wolverine...Muskegon is nicer than you think. I agree with you about the "off the water" areas. But the "one the water" areas are much better than GH.

Capn is right about Spring Lake. Our cruiser was 27' 1". Got stopped our first ever trip into Spring Lake. Luckily the CC were dog people and let me off with a warning . They do include the swim platform when measuring.

My 260 is titled at 25 feet 8 inches. Sure the actual LOA is 28+ but I understand they have to go by the Sec. of State registration when enforcing the rule. Only issue is they will keep pulling us over.

Anyone have good/bad on in/out service and storage? Do I really want my boat moved around by a forklift and stored in a barn?

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

My dad stores his sundowner in the rack storage, quite scary to watch:



but loves calling ahead and having the boat in the water by the time he arrives. He has no one issue, however it was taken care of quite well from the marina. He stores in Marblehead in OH, which may not help, but he loves the rack storage.

PS congrats on gettin off Jenny Gand's payroll...I wish I could! I am up to 4 months and counting...

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

Typically, they measure from bow pulpit to the end of the swim platform, if they catch you on plane more than once, the warnings will cease, and you will be ticketed. They record your registration numbers when they give you a warning, and next time they catch you, they aren't so lienient. So, if you don't mind putting around the lake all day, you will be fine.

I like the idea of in/out service with a bowrider for convenience, and keeping your boat free from bottom scum. Some of the 15 year old boats in the rack, still look like new, as they have never sat in the water for more than a day or two at a time.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Saw this one on craigslist http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/1132546342.html

Don't know anything about them, but thought I would pass on.

My suggestion is to rack slip. No worries about keeping the hull clean or needing to bottom paint. I rack slipped my past boat at torch lake. It was perfect to go there and have the boat ready to go. Plus we still had access to all the other amenities. They had several slips for the rack boats that you could overnight in as well.

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'99 Horizon 200

Congrats on the new Job...

GH is a lovely area... That whole side of Lake Michigan is a great place to cruise.

I'm a slip holder myself.. I've seen a few rack/unracks and it makes me waaaaaayyy to nervous. Cleaning the boat all teh time is a pain.. But everything has it's trade-offs.

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2000 Four Winns 248 Vista (Nice toys, no Air)
2001 Highly Modified Yamaha GP1200R (75+MPH)

Slip vs. Rack

Slip: It's always ready to go, whenever you are.

Rack/Dry : Your loaded for bear, its the big holiday weekend, you arrive at you marina only to be told; "its not in yet, we're slammed and we'll try to get you wet within the next few hours."
So now you sit and wait in the hot holiday sun .

But the boat looks great

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I'm hoping to start shopping next week for a place. I have to figure numbers will be down so I should be able to find a deal.

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

North shore Marine on Spring Lake in Grand Haven. Super people.

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"Where Da Go"
2002 248 Vista
Lafayette, IN
http://blueoceanlife.worldventures.biz