Well, finally purchased my first offshore boat, 1999 353 Fastech w/T-502mags. Have grown up on ski boats and cruisers with singles, so this world with twins is slightly new to me. Waxed her up, and made her maiden voyage into Lake Erie yesterday. Put in at Conneaut and ran over it Presque Isle. Boat ran great, I cruised at 42 at 3200rpm. Top speed was 72 on the gps. Boat has stock extension boxes and 28” bravos.

Have never visited Presque isle so we went in under the Sheraton bridge only to realize there isn’t any public docking. Ended up over at rum runners and swung right in there like a pro. Had a quick dinner, a few drinks and back to Conneaut we went.

Would like to head into Cleveland next, Living just north of Youngstown, I know I could put in at Geneva state park but is there anywhere else closer to Cleveland? Geneva to Cle looks to be about a 45mi run. Where are some of the places on the water to visit in Cleveland? I’ve heard of the flats, but is there public docking?

Also would like to spend some time up at the islands. Family friends have a house on Kelly’s, but no dock. It seems like the casino is a big hangout for the offshore crowd.. any where else to stop In for drinks/food? What about PIB? Where does everyone tie up? Places to eat/drink? Can you spend the night on your boat?

Is there anywhere in the area that people tend to drop anchor for the day to swim and relax?

Where does everyone put it for the islands? I can’t imagine putting in at Catawba State Park as it seems pretty tight in there towing my friends 21’Ranger fishing boat..

Any knowledge and help you could pass on to me would be great. I hope to see everyone out there this summer. I’d be more than happy to buy you a drink

Congrats on a gorgeous new boat!

Big fan of Formulas.

I’ve spent my life on west end of Erie and know it fairly well, as many on here do.

The only ramp for a boat like yours, for island trips is called Mazurks Access and is in Lake Side/Marble Head.
Class A ramp, tons of parking and safe.

That puts you within a couple miles of the main islands.

Huron, which is 10 mls east of Sandusky has a gorgeous, new ramp on the river too.
Their boat basin is also class A.

They have bands in a natural amphitheater overlooking the marina and have them most weekends.
There is a boardwalk on the river and several pubs within walking distance.
You can hear the band is crystal clear from the back of your boat there.
Family friendly also.
The islands from there would be 15 or so miles.

You pass the beach of the Cedar point amusement park that way and is a great place to anchor for a few hours also.

thank you for the info... is Mazurks and Huron Ramps friendly to leaving truck/trailer for overnight trips?

Yes to both and both well lit if I recall.
Both patrolled as well.

Huron is a great place to explore by foot or by boat and makes a nice run for the islands.

Mazuriks Access put you close enough to paddle to them but plenty to explore between and around them.

Put middle Bass Island on your list also.
A gorgeous new marina with a very nice pub across the street with an adult wading pool :-)
A small ferry takes you from there to put in Bay a mile away to hang with the drunks for the night and then go back to your boat in the quiet safety at middle bass.

Re. Sanduskys ramp, I used to use it but it’s in the hood and don’t like that.

Also did not like going through the Sandusky Bay to lake traffic jamb.
More idiots per mile than anywhere.
Weekends of course.
NO ONE has a clue to rules of road.
They think bigger boats has and will push it.

Add the charter boats (same attitudes) to that.......

Lastly, I think it is marked as no over night parking???
We drive through it all the time but not left a trailer there in yrs.

I would add, downtown Sandusky has become a way cool destination in its self.

Cool part about basin though......, decide what you want to do and it’s there!

Family stuff, bars, diving (I’ve been to several wrecks), beach’s, exploration, amusement parks...., all there.

Before we sold our cruiser last fall we planned on doing a weekend in down town Sandusky in the paper district and never did.
Still want to.

Dock neighbors did and loved it.