I have a cabin near the south end of Torch Lake and have been going there every 4th of July since 2000. This year had the most performance boats I have ever seen. The 40' Skater was pretty damn sweet! Saw it running south past Dockside. We went to Makinac via the Indian River route. 4 to 5 foot rollers on Monday the 7th on the way over. Nothing like running the big water of Michigan!

I haven't read this thread, but where does everyone launch? Clam River? I recently launched at city park and what a disaster that was, even though 10 people told me that's where to go with a 38'. The launch by the bridge sucks and has no cement ramp. I can't believe that the best inland lake in the whole state has such horrible facilities! Does the DNR not want big boats out there? I think the Elk Lake/Skegmog/Torch River route is out of the question with a 38' right? Still love that lake though.

Thanks,
Nick

Never having been down that way (Elk Lake/Skegmog/Torch River) I can't say for sure if it's out of the question. But I would say that there are a LOT of people who live on the Best Inland Lake in The Whole State who probably don't want our big, fast boats out there. They are against much new development and increased boat traffic, and would like to keep the area pretty much like it was in 1960 if they could. They are organized and they have money. And the DNR listens to them.

Frankly, I can't say that what they want is a bad thing. I do love the fact that most of the area is pretty much like I remember it as a kid on vacation in the mid-1960's. I guess I just like to sneak the boat up there every once in a while and hope not TOO many people find out about this paradise!

Best launch for your 38 is Laurs Landing roughly 2 miles down Torch River, ramp is fine no problem launching the 40 skater.

You can launch your 38' Powerquest from the little city launch in Elk Rapids.....aparently "Perfectmix" says he launches there too and he has a 38' Powerquest as well. Funny thing is, is that I can barely get my 32' A/T off the trailer there...I have 16.5" trailer tires on an Eagle trailer. It all depends on your trailer heigth.

You can also launch from the State Park on Elk Lake as well....it is on the Southwest side of Elk. I was told you can launch a 47' boat there....the water is very clear and it looks shallow....but I guess the magnification is deceptive and doesn't look deep enough at first glance---but the locals say it's no problem.

Yeah I know Elk has some nice ramps, but Skegmog and the river scare the heck out of me. I used to go through there 10 times a year with our ski boat, but I need a little more water now. I thought I remember that river being like 6' deep. That doesn't leave much room for error

Well I must say Luhrs is just fine for what you want .... Mark I'll help you next time if you would like..Josh has put his 357&avenger in there with no problems at all...

yes it is me! sorry i need to change my email so that I get notified when the threat is updated.

Thanks Rick, but I can usually manage with my 32A/T,......but it's the next boat I was thinkin' about gettin' that I might need your help with!

Torch River Marina ask for John he owns the place. yes 40 ft boat wells and they're coverd too.