Ms PatriYacht

To be quite honest, I am not into spending $1,000 for two people to boat on one day, maybe I'm cheap but I'd rather pick my own charities. I also think it's a little early in the season, I have heard it's a good time though, maybe next year. We have been on the west side before, we used to have a 40 ft Scarab. We are doing the Lake St Clair poker run on 6/17 do you know anything about that one?

Reindl Powerboats

St. Clair Rocks

The poker run will be great also, being put on by Mike - he does everything first class.

Cigwillie

Sorry...someone had to say it.

FFO

MsPatriYacht-
Yes Hammond Marina does take reservations, do call in advance they book up! The Marina does have showers, washer, dryer, Yacht Club, Restaraunt & Horseshoe Casino Boat is all located in the Marina. The Marina has security lock gates and 24 hour security guards. My father has a slip there and has been for 7 years, luckily no problems with theft. Hammond Marina's # is (219)659-7678 for your future needs. Hope this is helpful!

KAAMA

iTrader: (1)

Ms, In reply to your post, that's because most everyone in the area is NORTH of St. Joseph where it is much more populated and more going on. I grew up in St. Joe and it is a nice little family town and doesn't offer too much in the way of bars and resturants on the water. It's not a much of a party town, but it does have several nice marina facilities. They have a few nice launches there but there are some shallow spots. It would be a good idea to follow other boat traffic to avoid the shallow spots---there are only a few. If you don't know the river well I would not go any further up river than Pier 1000 Marina or much past Pier 33 Marina or Barney's Boat House. A good time to go to St. Joe is during their Venetian Festival which is an annual event held on the 3rd weekend of July. Lots of food booths, music stages, carnival rides, fireworks, tons of activities and very family oriented. It is held on the south side of the mouth of the St. Joseph River and beach areas. You'd enjoy it---especially if you have kids. The beach is very nice with real nice, clean, adaquate restroom facilities.

The weekend prior to the Venetian Fest is the St. Joseph Art Fair which is held on the shady bluff in downtown St. Joe. This is one of the best art fairs in the midwest with well known artists that come from all over. I have seen some incredible artwork in past years of that show and people show up in droves. Last year I talked with some people at the Art Fair who boated over in their crusier from Wisconsin. They didn't know the Art Fair was going on until they arrived. They have never been to St. Joe and they told me they loved the town and will definately be back.

There isn't always a lot happening in St. Joseph, but it IS a very nice port to boat out of with HUGE sand dunes either way you go from the Pier head jetty with several nice marinas and boating facilities. You can park your boat along the seawall just up river from the train bridge and walk up hill and you'll have access to lots of little shops and resturants, etc.

Each port along the west side of Michigan has its own unique difference. In my opion Holland is a MAJOR drag---it is absolutely dead! It has a few marinas with fuel pumps if needed, but that's about the only good reason to pull into Holland. It would be a good idea to follow your charts or GPS there for shallow spots as well.

candyman35

310sunsport & Ms PatriYacht,
Chicago is a fun place to go boating. Unfortunately it's not as boater friendly as the Michigan side of the lake. If you do take a run over here I would highly recommend Hammond Marina over the Chicago harbors. Much nicer facilities. Be warned that the main launch is torn up this year and I'm not sure how the temporary is. Hammond fills up quickly so make your reservations early. It is 14.1 miles from Navy Pier.

Navy Pier has Fireworks every Wednesdays 9:30 p.m and Saturdays 10:15 p.m. Unfortunately Navy Pier has no where to dock pleasure boats. The Air show is always a great weekend. This is a link to the Air Show and other Chicago festivals.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/SpecialEvent...ivals2004.html

As mentioned earlier the Chicago Offshore Powerboat Squadron aka COPS is having one run per month to various location. Lots of fun! Contact Cashbrain for more information [email protected]

Saturday June 21 is the 7th Thunder Run Poker Run located at Pastrick Marina. Rich Obren puts on a great event. This is a charitable event befitting Ronald McDonald house. Contact Rich Obren at 312-560-9229 or [email protected]

Smoke on the water is supposed to be fantastic. Someday I'll find out first hand.

The APBA GLSC races are at Grand Haven Labor day weekend. I believe they estimated 4,000 boats in the spectator fleet last year. There is a first time APBA event in Milwaukee WI Aug8-10. The "COPS" organization is planning a big run that weekend also.

Let us know if you make it over to our side of the lake.

Dan

Mr. Demeanor

Hey Chicago guys, dont get me wrong. Its a beautiful city from land or water. The city (not C.O.P.S.) does not cater to boaters. The river is pretty but 5 miles down its just an industrial canal. Michigan survives on its tourism and there is no comparison (in the summer ). Michigan also has more miles of lakefront than any other state.

Mr. Demeanor

Hey Dan, shouldnt you be in bed?

candyman35

Hey Chris,
Sleep is over rated!
Dan

Ms PatriYacht

Thanks for all your suggestions, so many choices, so little time.......... As long as the boat runs, and the weather cooperates
we will go both ways!!! That is try St. Joe and then Chicago, and who knows maybe even South Haven. Thats the beauty of OS''s "more places quicker". If anyone is out and about in that area on Memorial Day look for us we are red white and blue.

For you Chicago boaters, I am happy to learn what "COPS" means. It sounds like Hammond is a good marina but I would really prefer to stay a little closer to downtown, any other suggestions, Later ........