Here we go.... 17' Chris Craft into Lake Michigan..What am I forgetting?

[Chef Shawn]

I have my type IV, flares, two fire extinguishers, horn, and enough life jackets to float the boat. Launching from Trail Creek Marina (Indiana).

Just wanna take the wife and kids to get a new perspective of the big lake, not going too far from land. Boat is running great, bringing an extra 5 gal of fuel, toolbox and the hot box (battery jumper). Talked to other small boats (bigger than mine) said they get cell phone service out there a little ways. Can't afford a ship-to-shore radio right now.

First time to the BIG Lake with a little boat. Weather report looks good today, will check as the week progresses.

Any advice?? Do I have everything?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mrevil]

Re: Here we go.... 17' Chris Craft into Lake Michigan..What am I forgetting?

A link to Canada's 'Safe Boating Guide'.......maybe some useful info there? Also a downloadable pdf.....
It contains an equipment list.....

Have fun out there!
Safe Boating Guide - TP 511 E (2011) - Transport Canada

 

[bekosh]

Re: Here we go.... 17' Chris Craft into Lake Michigan..What am I forgetting?

You can get a handheld vhf for less than $50. It won't have the power or range of a fixed unit with a tall antenna, but it would give you a backup to the cell phone.

 

[Air Traffic]

Re: Here we go.... 17' Chris Craft into Lake Michigan..What am I forgetting?

What is "not too far from land", within a couple of miles, 10 miles, etc? If the boat is running well and the forecast is good you shouldn't hve any problems. Wouldn't be a bad idea to let someone know roughly where you will be and when you will return.

 

[chimmike]

Re: Here we go.... 17' Chris Craft into Lake Michigan..What am I forgetting?

You have a GPS/Chartplotter, right?

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Here we go.... 17' Chris Craft into Lake Michigan..What am I forgetting?

I'm not to sure what your weather is like down there this week, but if it's anything like up here (110F with the humidity today) make sure you take plenty of water and hopefully you have a bimini so the wife and kids have a place to escape the sun and heat. Trust me, you won't like heat stroke.

 

[jmkiesz]

Re: Here we go.... 17' Chris Craft into Lake Michigan..What am I forgetting?

I have a 20' tahoe that sits in Trail Creek and I have never had any problems out on the lake. I don't really go much more than 5 miles off the shore so I am always able to get back in if it turns ugly.

 

[Chef Shawn]

Re: Here we go.... 17' Chris Craft into Lake Michigan..What am I forgetting?

Thanks everyone. Wife says she can't do it. Too scary. Oldest kids says they are down for adventure. And yes, five miles out max. And I'm with you rj dawg, too dang hot, no bimini = everyone is unhappy. Putting it off for cooler weather.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Here we go.... 17' Chris Craft into Lake Michigan..What am I forgetting?

Get a VHF radio, I wouldn't get my butt out on the big pond without mine. I have one and use it on the smaller inland lakes too, as far knowing what the weather is going to be.