Originally Posted by 3pointstar (Post 4165961)

We were on Lake Michigan this past Friday in the New Buffalo, St. Joe and Michigan City Harbors-- Spent the entire day there.

First we have a Cobalt 226 7.4 MPI Bravo 3. The weather forecast was less than 1ft waves -- with the slight possibility of thunderstorms. We headed out from New Buffalo to St. Joe - the waves and weather report were spot on. Most of the chop that we hit was in the 1ft range - a couple of rogue 3ft- but not a lot. We weren't in a hurry and cruised at 35mph all the way. Had a nice shore lunch in St. Joe and headed back -- on the way back you could see in the southeast a major storm brewing - I was listening to NOAA and sure enough a storm was on the way. We traveled a little quicker - not much just to make it back to New Buffalo - got to the harbor and we thought it was going to let loose any second - we put the boat back on the trailer - went to Stray Dogs and had an early dinner-- Finally around 5:30 the sun came out- we put the boat back in and headed to Michigan City -- the waves were again 1 ft or less-- smooth -- the biggest problem that we had there were the 35-50' cruiser that put out a wake the size of New Jersey - 3-4 ft waves if there were an inch. They were the most obnoxious boaters I could ever hope to see. It gave us the impression they wanted to see how difficult they could make it for a smaller boat. There were a number of go-fast boats that zipped by- close - but a very safe distance - really enjoyed that - and their wake was NOTHING compared to the cruiser types-- We did ok in the larger waves but to be out a few miles and routinely hitting them - that's not for a 23ft boat and don't let anyone kid you.

The boat did wonderful and we felt very comfortable and safe but again you need to consider the weather conditions - You have got to keep your eye on the weather - Lake Michigan will change at the drop of a hat - and for sure it is an unforgiving environment.

Hope this recent post helps


3pointstar

Originally Posted by Superman09 (Post 4166245)

I am on the hunt with cash in hand ready to buy when I find the right boat for the right price!

If anyone has something they feel might suit me well or know of one, please have them send me a message!!

Fountain 24 CS
Active Thunder 24
Sunsation Aggressor 25
Donzi Classic 22
Formula 242
Baja Outlaw 25
or something similar.

I am looking for the right deal, will spend accordingly up to $20k.

Thank you!

Originally Posted by Nightlife1970 (Post 4166834)

I know you have listed all single screw 24 to 25 footers. I know they are a little older but you can get into the Baja 280's for the 20K price. Then you are into a boat that can handle the great lakes pretty well.

Originally Posted by Full Force (Post 4166962)

Agree, go as big as you can for the great lakes, if you buy a 24-25 footer, you will be upgrading in 2 years....

Originally Posted by thirdchildhood (Post 4166976)

Not necessarily. I've been boating on Lakes Huron, St. Clair, Erie and the connecting rivers in my Donzi 22 for 5 years and have no intention of "upgrading".

Originally Posted by thirdchildhood (Post 4166976)

Not necessarily. I've been boating on Lakes Huron, St. Clair, Erie and the connecting rivers in my Donzi 22 for 5 years and have no intention of "upgrading".