www.iFourWinns.com

Does anyone have experience in cruising the North Channel? I am planning a trip and I would like some advice on anchorages near John Island or Beardrop Harbour. Specifically, which one has more options for safe anchorages? I looked at Moiles Harbour, it looks very good on the charts, but Ports Cruising Guide says there are several dead heads from an old sawmill. Thanks in advance.

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Current Boat: 1994 278 Four Winns Vista

Would love to cruise up there someday ourselves. We have not been there, but here are a few links that might help, if you have
not already seen them.

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


http://greatlakescruising.blogspot.com/ ... annel-crui sing.html


http://www.boatus.com/cruising/putinbay/log8-13.asp

http://www.lakelandboating.com/captains ... .cfm?id=18

Have Fun !!!

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Cap'n,
Thanks for the links. I am already familiar with several of these sites. Jim Herbert (continuouswave.com) has some of the most valuable cruising information on the web. He has visited most of the boating hot spots and does a very good job of documenting his adventures. I haven't found specifics on the areas I mentioned and I may try to contact him directly.
You should plan to go to the North Channel some day. Once you go, it will become a passion to return. Thanks, Dan

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Current Boat: 1994 278 Four Winns Vista

There are few on here from up that way. Keep waiting hopefully they will chime in and give you some help. Toronto boat show if you can get there will give you some good insight on that area

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2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

We have cruised the North Channel area from Little Current to Gore Bay along the north coast of Manitoulin Island. We planned on heading to John island but nasty weather settled in and we ran out of 'vacation' so we had to head home.
Maybe next time.

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

Did you have a specific anchorage in mind? Were you going to day cruise or stay on the hook? Do you use charts or a mapping gps or both? We will be coming in from Blind River through the North Passage. We are going to stay 1 or 2 nights on the hook at each location we travel to. We need good protection from the winds.
Thanks, MaryAnn II

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Current Boat: 1994 278 Four Winns Vista

We do use both a chartplotter/gps plus paper charts.
We didn't really have a planned anchorage other that it was to be an overnighter. We thought we'd check it out with the dinghy once we got there. I guess I'm not much help as we never made it to the north shore due to high winds and enormous waves. We actually were stuck in Little Current for 3 days due to the winds.
Cheers.
Pete

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

this guy is on a chat board where I boat , I found his journey very detailed and interesting . hope it helps .
http://www.timandgina.net/cruise06_prologue.htm

Thanks for the link. I read much of his blog. Very good information. He a has a great web site, but it is like he quit boating or at least quit posting. His website is linked to Lakeland Boating's site. Do you know what's up?

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Current Boat: 1994 278 Four Winns Vista

We've cruised the North Channel on 10 different occasions. It's so beautiful it nearly spoils you for boating elsewhere. Every year we explored new area's and each new anchorage seemed better than the last. Wish we had that slice of heaven on the bay of Green Bay!

Your question regarding anchorages. Bear Drop Harbour is a very scenic spot...my opinion. As for protection from the wind, it's a hurricane hole. As you travel into Bear Drop my favorite place to anchor is to starboard, behind the protective inner island. Not sure of your experience up there but have fun exploring. Consult your charts and keep a bow watch into the anchorages you want to explore.

To everyone else here. If you ever get the chance, cruise the channel at least once before the end of your boating lifestyle.

He keeps his boat at a marina I work at , Mac Ray Harbor on lake st. Clair, I see him at his boat occasionally during the summer, he bought a Formula cruiser, so you might find him on the Formula boaters forum now.

JAK,
Thanks for the response. We were in the North Channel in 2006. We have wanted to return ever since. In 2006 we started at Harbor Island (US) on the hook, traveled to Gore Bay and stayed at the municipal, then to Little Current and stayed at Spider Bay Marina, then Baie Fine and stayed at Mary Ann Cove on the hook, then Croker on the hook visited the Benjamins via inflatable, then Blind River Municipal Marina for a night and finished again at Harbor Island (US).
This year we want to see the North passage and spend more time on the hook. We plan two nights at each anchorage and one night at marinas recharge and provision.
I would enjoy hearing about your trips and welcome any advise. Sincerely, Dan

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Current Boat: 1994 278 Four Winns Vista