www.iFourWinns.com

Do you or would you prepare and file a float plan for close shore excursions? For my upcoming trip on Lake Michigan, we will never be more than a couple miles from shore. We don't have exact destinatons or time frames but we do know when we will be leaving and returning. Should I file a float plan with people at the marina?

_________________


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

Yes. You never know when you might run aground, and be stuck on a sand bar.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Will you be out of cell phone range?

I would just give your plans to a friend or family member and have a regular check in with them along the way.

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Since Lake Michigan is pretty free from underwater obstructions, the only bars I am worried about being grounded on have wooden floors so I should be fine there. I can't imagine we would ever be out of cell phone range or VHF range. I think I will just let some people know each night where we are staying and where we are going to be the next day. Thanks for your Advice.

_________________


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

Well, if you are not a regular boater along the Lake Michigan shore, it is understandable that you would think you would not be out of cell phone range. Almost the entire shoreline is lined with sand dunes, and some are quite high. They can and do block cell phone transmissions, it depends on where you are, how close to shore you are, and what cellular service you have.
As an example, when we anchor close to the beach, or run close to shore,
there is zero cell phone reception while on the boat with Alltel and Verizon service. On top of the dunes, reception is fine. If you go out 5 to 10 miles from shore , reception will improve.

Also, we anchor inside the two sand bars, my friends 270DA, got stuck on the 2nd sand bar when getting ready to anchor, I had to pull him off, and he followed me in and set his hook. The sand bar location and depth are constantly changing due to wind and lake levels. So, an ubstruction like a sand bar, is very common on Lake Michigan throughout the trip you plan to take. If you are not a regular boater on Lake Michigan, it is advisable to file some kind of a float plan with your marina, friends or relatives. Even more so since you will be the only boat on your trip. But, it is your choice ultimately.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

This is my first season slipped on Lake Michigan. Although I am far from an expert, I have made 3-4 overnight cruises. I appreciate the insight and might have to take you up on that beverage offer.

_________________


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

You certainly should file a plan with somebody (friend, family, marina, cg, etc.) and you should have a plan for some type of semi-scheduled call-ins, be it by radio or phone. This is good insurance that someone will be on the lookout for you, in case you miss a check-in point or a call-in.

With this said, be sure you keep up with the check-ins or call-ins that you've planned. Last season, we had the CG looking for us in/around Casco Bay (Maine coast), due to our forgetting to call-in to our son at one point. We had given him very specific instructions on what to do .... and he did it. The weather turned bad in the evening and over night ... he had not gotten a call from us through the afternoon & evening ....... and he got the ball rolling. We had simply been having such a good time and moving from one thing to the next .... we forgot to call-in, until later at night.

Sooo ... yes, file a plan ... and make your contacts as scheduled.

_________________
Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

You don't want to rely on your cell phone on the lake. For example, with GSM you are only good to ~21 miles away from the site do to timing issues. If I recall, CDMA has similar restrictions, but I would have to do a bit of research. It's been a few years....Most carriers don't design their networks to provide coverage on the water either as you end up creating interference for another carrier across the water. I would suggest using your VHF radio. There is a CG station in the Muskegon area.

_________________
'99 Horizon 200

I'm planning a short trip with my power squadron next weekend to the city of St. Clair, Michigan. We routinely let our daughter know when we are leaving and when we will arrive and follow up with a call. We always let someone know where we are going and when we are returning. It is safer and gives a peace of mind to us and to our family.

_________________
Alexj



1995 Four Winns Horizon 190
OMC 5.0 RL

With a small boat I limit my travels to the bays of the Long Island Sound area...and I would never be without a VHF radio, in fact have a spare one ready to hook up in case the primary one ever dies on me...The Eatons Neck Coast Guard station is close by but I'd never depend on a cell phone to work in an emergency...on a VHF other boaters, who may be closer to you, will hear you asking for help and may be able to get to you faster than the CG...in fact a boater was just rescued from a burning boat on the South Shore of LI...by another boater....

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

nothing like St. Clair river boating!

_________________
Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com