minimum boat size for Great lakes?

[omaharj]

Preparing for retirement in the next few years. I plan on having a boat, mostly for fishing, for three or four years. I'm in the process of picking my next vehicle, and the Suburu Forester can tow 2700 lbs. I like many things about this vehicle and I would probably only tow in the Spring and haul home in the Fall. What size boat would be the minimum for a prudent person to take out on Lake Erie? ...and is the Forester enough to tow her? Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

With proper understanding of the weather, an 18 foot would be smallest. I prefer something larger.

 

[jasoutside]

With proper understanding of the weather, an 18 foot would be smallest. I prefer something larger.

X2^^^^

With your Suburu you are kinda locking yourself into something on the small and towable end for Lake Erie. Like SD said, weather is key. On the right days a 12' row boat would be great. When the storms roll though you'd probably only feel comfortable on a 100' freighter.

 

[SeaDooSam]

Both previous posters hit the nail on the head. It's more the weather and wind than the lake itself dictating what size it you need. Maybe you could get something a bit heavier and possibly rent a truck to pull it the few times that you will have to tow it?

 

[airdvr1227]

Example. First boat was a 23' cuddy with a single I/O. My wife is not a strong swimmer. There were days when it was fine...there were days that scared her. We moved up to a 34' twin I/O. Now, there are days when it fine...there are days when it scares her...lol.

 

[Grub54891]

I run a 17 footer I/o, To small for lake superior, it gets hairy when the wind kicks up, but never had to beach her yet. I suggest a 20 foot minim, weather and experience a big factor out there.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

As a Lake Erie boater I can tell you there will be days a Lake Freighter is too small. The problem with picking the right wind and weather days here a storm and or the wind can go from dead calm to 25 MPH plus in 20 minutes due it being a warm and shallow lake, much different than Lake Ontario that is deep and cold. With that Subaru you are looking at pulling a 19 foot aluminum with 115 HP maximum. That is what I have. I miss many a day on the water because of the winds. It is much better planning a day on the water today with all the weather sites available now at the touch of your smart phone. I have to say Lake Erie is the most boring body of water to boat on. I do because of the fishing, otherwise there are much safer and interesting boating opportunities near Erie.

 

[Grub54891]

I have to agree about the freighters, I've seen them taking refuge among the Apostle islands when it gets nasty out there.

 

[omaharj]

Thanks, folks. ​ ​I was trying to convince myself there was a cheaper option. I don't want to avoid going out because the weather isn't perfect. I need to think 20' and 3000* lbs. I guess

 

[dingbat]

I can tell you from experience the older you get the bigger the boat.

From a comfort standpoint hull type and weight makes a bigger difference than length.

At one point I went from a 19ft. X #2800 to 20ft. X #4100. The difference was day and night. Now at 22ft. X #5200, the limitation is my body. Advil is your friend after a day of fishing the rough.

These examples are way over your planned tow capabilities but you get the idea

 

[Davetowz]

I have a 19'Rinker cuddy with a custom hard top. I spend most of my time on the Great Lakes. I watch the weather and choose my times to go out. I wish I had a little bigger and heavier boat, but enjoy the economy of the smaller boat.

 

[roscoe]

If you are only towing spring and fall, go with a bigger boat and borrow or rent a truck for those 2 days.

20' and under 2700# ain't gonna happen.

My 18' open aluminum plus trailer and gear is 2500#; fully loaded for a week of vacation it goes 3200#.

 

[redneck joe]

If you are only towing spring and fall, go with a bigger boat and borrow or rent a truck for those 2 days.

20' and under 2700# ain't gonna happen.

My 18' open aluminum plus trailer and gear is 2500#; fully loaded for a week of vacation it goes 3200#.

Only other thing is thst much of your desicion will be determined by your boating experience.