Mark what did you end up buying for a boat?

Wow nice Sunday on Torch Lake!
 

Hi Everyone
All I can say is "Burnt up" :evilb::eek:WOW SUNDAY WAS A GREAT START TO NORTHERN MICHIGAN SUMMER!!!!!!!
Torch was awesome!

Now, i hate to do this but there is a GREAT! the best launch on Torch Lake in Torch Lake Mi, I would say you can launch a 30' + maybe even 40' footer with a max 10' beam in this launch, just make sure you have the truck to be able to pull it out, the ramp is steep and the water gets deep fast, so low slung trailers might be a issue,I have launched 27'- 29' with no problem!
Google earth Torch Lake Mi you will see the launch to your right nice big pier for handling large boats
5 dollars to launch and park cheap!
The big negitive is its about a 10 mile trip south to the sand bar
But what the hell, no big deal, you get some good "go fast time" :drink:

I grew up up there, these kind of people, just ingore, i used to be one of those people, there not much going on up there most of the time and some of the locals need to feel important at times, and summer bring them out!
JUST ENJOY!!!!! :coolcowboy:

WOW, How easy I forget!!!!!!:lolhit:
I never spent much time in there, but i do remember that place now!!!
Always spent our time in Dockside, loved the river!!!!!
Ate at Dockside these past several weekends, fun place!
Need to talk to Gordy though about the service was a little rough, girls looked great! service? needed a little help with organization, kitchen did great! food was good! Going to be in trouble this memorial day weekend if service is like its been these past several weekends!!!!!! :eek:
Gordy needs to crank people through there!!!! :drink:

Not sure I understand your first sentence---hate to do what?

Nutn' special....just a galvanized warsh tub wit a toranady strapped own da rear!

Oh by the way, it DOES happen to have a little bitta yella or yeller own it! :D (how ever ya's want to say it) :lolhit:

Coming from Elk Rapids - do you ever have any issues getting through the stump field at the top of Skegemog - before Torch River? Seems most people say the channel is well-marked enough that they don't have any problems - but I have never been through there myself....

Hate to tell to many people, might give up a parking spot and have to walk from clear up on 31, that happens on the Fourth Of July if you dont get in early enough! :lolhit:

Most of the way the stumps are marked, it can get a little tough in heavy traffic, I try to stay clear of that area on busy weekends.
And I suggest you dont do it at night, unless you have really good lighting and know the area.

Idle speeds, drives trimed just to be safe, and stay in the center and you shouldn't have any problems.

I never had a problem with my 32' AT, and I know of a 38' Powerquest that goes through there all the time.

A word to the wise, as you APPROACH the STUMP FIELD from Elk Lake, it is wise to come OFF PLANE and at idle speeds 100-150 yards BEFORE you actually enter the stump field (you will see the markers). That is what I do---and I do not care what the other boats are doing....most of the time they are smaller boats anyway.

I know of someone who was just slowing down and coming off plane just before he entered the stump field and one of his drives hit a stump. So, don't rush it, stay focused and use common sense. Even so, if I owned a 51' OL I would still feel very confident coming through the stump field. As you have said; it is well marked and way more than ample room for 2-way boat traffic. Most of the time you will see other traffic coming through.

Also, Lake Skegmog is pretty murkey water...nothing like Elk Lake or Torch. As I have looked over the side while going through the stump field, it almost looks as if I catch quick glimspes of the bottom here and there, but I am not sure because of the clarity of the water the bottom appears to be black muck...but not totally sure of what I am looking at...the murkey water or the black muck bottom.

Once you begin to enter the Torch River it seems the scare of hitting a stump is over with, however I still keep my drives trimmed. There are a few shallow spots just up river from Luhr's Landing...mostly muck bottom with some weeds. You will want to hug the left side of the river as you go up river after passing Luhr's Landing. It seems that most (not all) boat traffic know to hang to the left side...even so still I manage to stir up a little muck. Just do NOT follow a pontoon boat!

Once you get passed that and a few more minutes of idle time you will be approaching the Rapid River on the right side which T's right into the Torch River---this is where all the murkey water comes from. And once you get passed the Rapid River it is like you hit crystal clear blue water from heaven---with nothing but a sandy bottom with some pea sized gravel here and there. It is truly almost unbelievable! Makes you just want to dive right in and go for a swim....from there Torch Lake is only about maybe 1/4-1/3 of a mile away.

Here's a few photos in succession. The top left photo as were going through the stump field towards the Torch River and eventually Torch Lake...