Great Lakes boating question

[Bayflite73]

I know this has been talked about off and in before and I know Jason wouldn't bat an eye about taking his 16 out on Superior but we go up to Door County each year so Lake Michigan, and are wondering if we need a bigger boat to be safer on a big lake.

Thoughts?

[Jason]

Size does not really matter. It all depends how calm the water is. We were going to go up the apostle islands this last Sunday but it was too windy. I won't go unless it's perfectly calm. The Apostle islands are nice as you are somewhat protected. Don't go too far from shore. Watch the weather. Have a marine radio (cell phones don't work too far from Bayfield in the apostles). and REALLY trust your boat!

[Jerry]

Bayfield in the fall is awesome.  There's a great campground right across from the marina.  There's a lot of sailboats  there, and they don't go out in bad conditions. Be brave.

[Bayflite73]

We'd be staying really close to shore but around Washington Island which is off the tip of door county. The strip of water between the island and mainland is appropriately named "Death's Door". We'd be staying out if that area for obvious reasons!

[Fuzzbutt]

Size does not really matter. It all depends how calm the water is. We were going to go up the apostle islands this last Sunday but it was too windy. I won't go unless it's perfectly calm..... and REALLY trust your boat!

I second that. Maps are nice too. Radio is a must. Bring extra of anything you think you might want during your trip. Especially water.

[fireman24mn]

You must also have Flares when on the Great Lakes I forget how many and some have to be day flares and some night flares

[Plugcheck]

    I love the photo Jason, gorgeous calm water on a clear day, but being from land of no lakes(Nebraska), I get kinda frightened when I cant see the shore.  Maybe explains why I went into the Air Force instead of the Navy. 

[Jason]

It's a strange feeling boating to "nowhere". Especially when the water has the dizzying look to it. I loved it. I really hope to get out out there again soon.

[Fuzzbutt]

Yes Visual Distress Devices are mandatory and I believe the number of flares is 3.

See http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/Publications/420.PDF Page 10

The following are just a few of the many combinations of devices that will meet the requirements. (if you have flares check they aren't out of date)
• 3 hand-held red flares that are approved for day/night use .
• 1 hand-held red flare and 2 parachute flares for day/night use .
• 1 hand-held orange smoke signal and 2 floating orange smoke signals for day, and 1 electric distress light

The PFD requirements might be different (more strict)
The Fire extinguisher requirements is checked. I go with double the recommended.
Sound signal devices are required even at anchor.