Grand Traverse Bay Mich

[rogerwa]

What size boat is needed on Grand Traverse Bay. I am going to be vacationing in Traverse City this summer and want to know if it would be worthwhile to tow my 17' Sea Ray and use it on the bay. I have never been there so I have no idea.

 

[golfer]

Re: Grand Traverse Bay Mich

If it is a completely calm day, and no other boats on the water, yes. Gets pretty rough here, 2-3 foot is about average...Get beat up pretty good with 21 feet or under, normally. Stay in Traverse City, boat on Torch or Elk...If you do go out on the bay with a 17 footer, stay close to shore. The Bay can be friendly, but, also turn bad very quickly...Torch Lake much better for that size, and usually a better time. Stay at the sandbar on the South side of the lake, at the mouth of the Torch River. You can't miss it, just look for about 100 boats, volleyball, people standing 300 yards from shore in 1 foot of water, and bikinis <br /><br />If you golf, you will be in heaven here. Traverse City is very nice, and you will be glad you came to visit.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Grand Traverse Bay Mich

Golfer, thanks for the feedback.. That's what I figured, but I just had to ask so as not to be sorry when I got there and found out I should have brought it..<br /><br />We checked out surrounding lakes but my wife wanted to stay on the 'Sugar Sand' beaches.

 

[golfer]

Re: Grand Traverse Bay Mich

I should let you know this...You mentioned sugar sand beaches...The bay is down in depth so bad, the beaches are sort of meadows now...There are a few good spots left, but not lookin good overall...Plan on walking to the public beach to get good sand, the hotels are pretty much shot as far as a beach in front of them.