North Channel of Lake Huron

[maryannII]

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, Dan.

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

I've never been quite that far up so I can't give you specifics.

Do you have Georgian Bay Experience?

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

The 'definitive source' for specific local knowledge all over the Great Lakes is The Great Lakes Cruising Club. The Club membership travels extensively and prepares detailed reports on their experiences. You might find the info your after with/thru them.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

It's a good idea to use an aluminum prop up there...rather than stainless. And also keep a spare prop on board. The limestone formations are known prop hazards up there.

I am looking forward to exploring the North Channel as well, and around Manitoulin Island also.

 

[maryannII]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

I've never been quite that far up so I can't give you specifics.

Do you have Georgian Bay Experience?

I have not been in the Georgian Bay. I would like to go there some day. We researched the Trent Severn waterway and would love to travel it.

 

[maryannII]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

It's a good idea to use an aluminum prop up there...rather than stainless. And also keep a spare prop on board. The limestone formations are known prop hazards up there.

I am looking forward to exploring the North Channel as well, and around Manitoulin Island also.

Thank you for the good advice. I used to do just that with my 235 sundowner. It was a single screw, I have not researched aluminum pros for this boat. I post a bow watch, go slow and trim the drive up when I pull into the coves.

 

[jhebert]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

I have extensive experience in the North Channel of Lake Huron and in Georgian Bay. I have published narratives of many cruises there. I also have a cruising guide. Please see and read the following links:

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

This cruising guide leads to 46 individual pages on various locations

http://continuouswave.com/sail-logs/

This leads to narratives from about 25 years of cruising in the North Channel and Georgian Bay area. The narratives give details about navigation, weather, accommodations, and expenses.

 

[maryannII]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

Jim,
Thank you for the links. The journeys you have chronicled are a priceless resource for boaters. I read everything I could find, written by you, prior to my first trip in 2006. I would suggest to anyone contemplating a North Channel trip that they review your blog. My questions are a bit specific and perhaps could be covered in a PM. Thanks, Dan

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

I have not been in the Georgian Bay. I would like to go there some day. We researched the Trent Severn waterway and would love to travel it.

You will love it.

However, boating/navigating in Georgian Bay is one of the most challenging fresh water navigating you will ever do. There are more granite speedbumps per square inch just under the waterline than pretty much anywhere else in the world.

Get current charts and if you're unsure of where you are, stop until you figure it out. The depths can go from 300 feet to 10 inches in a boat length.

Up the Trent Severn is also very interesting.

Have fun!

 

[maryannII]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

Snobike,
Winter does suck! Being that I am in Central Western Michigan, if I did come to the Georgian Bay, I wonder what the best way to get there would be? Alpena, Michigan East into the Bay or Cheboygan, Michigan North to North Channel and then on Eastward?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: North Channel of Lake Huron

Snobike,
Winter does suck! Being that I am in Central Western Michigan, if I did come to the Georgian Bay, I wonder what the best way to get there would be? Alpena, Michigan East into the Bay or Cheboygan, Michigan North to North Channel and then on Eastward?

Depending on how big your boat is, you will probably want to hug the coast from Alpena or Cheboygan NW and then cross near Machinaw Island up to the channel. The run across from Alpena is pretty far, about 15-20 miles of open water.

It all depends on the wind direction. E wind from the west and you would be better heading east, a north/south wind and things change considerably as the fetch can be hundred of miles.

Duck Island would offer protection before you get all the way to Manitoulin.