Mackinac Island is the best boat trip ever! I have taking the Aggressor there twice and the wave runner once all times were just awesome even last trip the weather was not that great and the waves were slightly on the larger side. I always launched at the Mackinac City launch just had to park the rig off site. Call the state docks and make reservations ahead of time they do get full quick.

This sounds pretty good. How is the water in general in that area? Is it real deep? Are there sanbars all over the place? Did you return to Mackinac each night? Thanks. Good info guys keep it coming.

Deep launch, but you better reserve a slip now if your planning on going there. Great facilities I go ever summer. I've stayed in Cheybotgan as well which lets you lock up to inland waterways and Burt and Mullet Lake. I might be interested in meeting you up there that weekend if your game. I'll most likely try to stay in Mackinaw City for the nightlife but go out to the island during the day.

Bayley: We were in the North Channel for 5 or 6 days overnighting on the hook and a couple of nights in marinas. We had 2 Sunsations and a cruiser with a generator. Our first point of entry into Canada where we cleared customs was Meldrum Bay. We cleared U.S. Customs coming back into the U.S. at Drummond Island. It was a great trip and would do it again.

NKissau: Once we left for the North Channel we did not come back to Mackinaw City until it was time to load the boats up and drive south. The water is beautiful in that area with great visiblity. We lucked out for that trip and had great weather so the waves were not bad at all. I don't recall any shallow spots far from shore. It is mostly rock and not sand up there so I highly recommend getting a chart of that area before you go so you can plan your route.

Sounds good Irish. Is there a marina in Mackinac City or do you put it back on the trailer each night? Would 4th of July be a complete nut house? 2 weeks later we'll probably still be recooperating from the fun run. Let me know what ya think! How's the boat coming? Sell those HP's yet?

Yea there's a marina and if they're not full I'll stay there at the marina. I'm guessing the island will be busy, but will be some neat fireworks.

Just checked availability at Mackinac City Marina and there are slips available for that weekend for Fri-Sun. Definitely need to make a decision about this.

It's a nice marina and right there within walking distance of everything in town.

two marinas in mac city now

I launched once from Mackinac City in 2006. It was during Labor Day weekend---very busy, but we were able to squeeze in the launch ramp area.

I did a little RECON of the area withOUT my boat in tow just to see how things would work out before I drove in with my boat in tow....I usually try to do that if I am not too familiar with any given area.

I knew things would be close when it came to manuvering around corners and other rigs, parking, etc. To the best of my memory I didn't seem to have much of a problem....just depends on now long your rig is. At the time I had my 32' AT with a tri-axle trailer and drive guard---that trailer is 39' long.

I was just barely able to park in the parking ramp area only because an end spot was available---but I DO remember my truck and trailer being a little too long to park in that area---I was only able to do it because I had an end spot that was out of the way of other traffic...otherwise I would not be able to park there. I remember a few people help spot for me while manuvering my rig there.

As most may know, it isn't always how adequate the launch ramp is for your boat.....but how adequate it is for manuvering a truck/trailer and parking....???