If you boat here in Lake Michigan you would know what I mean, been in 10 to 12 's crossing to Wisc. when I got there I talked to Bobby S. from APACHE and he raced every where and he said he would run to the bahamas in 6 to 8's but wouldn't want to go out in 6 to 8's on Lake Michigan. Steve

I'd say these qualify as "offshore" conditions. The three great lakes that surround Michigan's lower and upper penninsulas can be deceiving. They don't have near the surface area of an ocean but they still have enough to get mighty nasty when the wind picks up. These shots are of the Grand Haven pier, the home port of Smoke On The Water. These were most likely shot in the spring or fall when most of the big storms blow through. SOTW has some great open water running with some of the most beautiful coastline around. The seas during the summer usually run anywhere between calm to 4 feet with the occasional 6'+ when the wind goes above 25 knots.

- Jeff

- Jeff

Nice shots...thats some ugly stuff....

Part of the Sarasota run is offshore. The reason most don't go offshore is that for one the conditions are too unpredictable I.E. the Sarasota run was cancelled due to high winds and seas this year. It's too much of a crap shoot on whether it will be somewhat calm or a small craft warning. If someone breaks in those conditions you end up with boats on the rocks and possibly worse. Inland is nothing more than floating and waiting on a tow.

Also, there isn't much to see or do out there but drive. That's fun but you don't get to see many of the other boats or anything having to do with the area. Most people don't want to pay to see nothing.

I like both but the inland runs seem to be prefered by the majority.

Thanks TSG, that answers alot.

Part of the Miami Key West Poker run is offshore from the seven mile bridge to KW. We split open a gas tank there slamming into four and five foot head seas at 50 MPH. <gg>

The frun from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini is ALL offshore, has to be canceled frequently.