Lake Michigan Resident and Never Owned A Boat. Whats A Good Length To Start Out

billgriffin

billgriffin

New Member
Sep 5, 2023
20
Saugatuck, MI
Boat Info
Boatless. Recently moved to SW Michigan.
Engines
Prefer diesels
I live near South Haven & Saugatuck Marina’s. Space is available at each. Since I have never owned / operated a boat is there a best starter size for me ?
 
My own opinion for that lake is about 30 feet with twin engines. You could probably go down to 26 feet, depending how you want to use the boat. The nice part about that side of the lake is you can go from harbor town to harbor town and spend the night without too much trouble.
 
Golfman25 said:
My own opinion for that lake is about 30 feet with twin engines. You could probably go down to 26 feet, depending how you want to use the boat. The nice part about that side of the lake is you can go from harbor town to harbor town and spend the night without too much trouble.
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Thank’s Golfman. We desire to spend multiple nights aboard on cruises up and down the coast. I’m a fairly large guy so space is somewhat important (i.e. head / shower, galley, berth, etc.). Ocassionally, we would have guests overnight, but generally, just for social settings.
 
billgriffin said:
Thank’s Golfman. We desire to spend multiple nights aboard on cruises up and down the coast. I’m a fairly large guy so space is somewhat important (i.e. head / shower, galley, berth, etc.). Ocassionally, we would have guests overnight, but generally, just for social settings.
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Given your stated usage, I'd think 30 - 32' would be reasonable / minimum. Anything smaller likely precludes overnight guests, at least with any comfort. You didn't mention whether you expect to slip the boat or trailer it. That will have a huge impact on what is feasible.
 
billgriffin said:
Thank’s Golfman. We desire to spend multiple nights aboard on cruises up and down the coast. I’m a fairly large guy so space is somewhat important (i.e. head / shower, galley, berth, etc.). Ocassionally, we would have guests overnight, but generally, just for social settings.
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With that setup I'd be looking at a 30-34, to start. Depends on your budget. 37 would be nice, but might be intimidating as a first boat.
 
Tour a couple vessels and sizes. To us 40' is a good size and separate shower is a must. Over 48' and transient slips may be harder to find. Go diesel you will not be disappointed. Hire a captain to run through boat handling with twin engines. We are now in a 44 dancer w/ hydraulic platform. The size works well but, have my eye on a 48. Good luck hunting.
 
Might as well skip straight to the 60' Nordhavn :):)

My first cruiser was a 340 Sundancer. That 340DA was a great boat.

One thing worth considering is that most boats through the upper 30' range will have curtains separating the sleeping areas, not doors. And I don't think you'll get a second head until 360/370. Those can be big deals depending on how you plan to use the boat.

But I like the suggestion above - buy the biggest boat you can afford to own, slip and maintain....then plan to get a bigger boat a few years later.
 
And for what it's worth - the size you end up with really won't impact how and when you actually go out on Lake Michigan. Boats sized 15'-70' are generally all making the same decisions on when to go out and when to hang back at the marina.

2-3's with the potential to build, very few boats are headed out. 3'+ and we're all staying put on the inland lakes/rivers for the day. Nobody wants to ride in that crap unless you absolutely have to get somewhere, and it's a following sea.

Perhaps consider this when deciding which marina to stay in. Being able to boat even when the big lake is angry can be a game changer. I don't know what up-river is like in Saugatuck, but the cruise up the river in South Haven is more suited to dinghy's in my experience.
 
If you're buying used, and have some financial flexibility, then buy at least 34ft for the use you described.

You don't want a boat that has a table that converts to a bed as one of the main berths. It's horribly inconvenient especially if you have anyone with you. If you are planning on showering on the boat on extended trips, find one with a dry head (separate shower from toilet sink are or a shower stall).

As for safety/comfort on the water. at 34ft or larger, slightly rough water won't be horrible. And the Great Lakes very often have rough water. Flat calm days do happen, but many of the days are breezy or downright windy. On my 330DA (similar size to the later 340DA) rough days are tolerable and I don't feel unsafe. Don't be intimidated by larger boats. They actually ARE easier to handle around docks than smaller boats. Both require education and practice, but trust me, the larger ones are much easier to handle.

If you plan to anchor out overnight a lot, get one with a generator. You can live without one (I don't have one) but its better to have one and much more convenient. Portable generators are no beuno.
 
I remember when I got my 280DA. It was in the showroom with a 320 and 340DA. I went from boat to boat, they all seemed 'big'. While sitting in the 280DA my wife and I thought there was so much room, we wouldn't ever need anything bigger, so we bought it.

The following week my wife and I, two little granddaughters, and my sister w/young son spent the week on the boat. When the week was over I realized we made a mistake, should have purchased the 340DA. ;)
 
You guys are off your rockers - 30 foot plus boats.... - the poor fellow has never owned or operated a boat.
My advice @billgriffin - get yourself a good used 21 foot IO or Outboard with full Bimini top and have fun for a summer. If you bang it up, it's ok, you are learning. Get to know the boat, how it handles, and what works and what doesn't work for you and your family. Get out there and mix it up with others and learn. Enroll in your local CG classes. Then in a year step up to something you desire being informed and a better owner/captain.
 
ttmott said:
You guys are off your rockers - 30 foot plus boats.... - the poor fellow has never owned or operated a boat.
My advice @billgriffin - get yourself a good used 21 foot IO or Outboard with full Bimini top and have fun for a summer. If you bang it up, it's ok, you are learning. Get to know the boat, how it handles, and what works and what doesn't work for you and your family. Get out there and mix it up with others and learn. Enroll in your local CG classes. Then in a year step up to something you desire being informed and a better owner/captain.
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Great advice ttmott. Plus i can add some fishing time in. I know my SUV can haul 7,700 lbs. so it’s possible i can trailer a 20’er and store in our barn.
 
ttmott said:
You guys are off your rockers - 30 foot plus boats.... - the poor fellow has never owned or operated a boat.
My advice @billgriffin - get yourself a good used 21 foot IO or Outboard with full Bimini top and have fun for a summer. If you bang it up, it's ok, you are learning. Get to know the boat, how it handles, and what works and what doesn't work for you and your family. Get out there and mix it up with others and learn. Enroll in your local CG classes. Then in a year step up to something you desire being informed and a better owner/captain.
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That's not going to work well on Lake Michigan. One bad ride and the admiral is out and you're selling the boat. The lake, even on it's best days is generally 1-2 foot chop. You need something to handle that without be tossed around too much. I started with an old 29 foot twin engine chris caft. Probably the perfect boat for the lake and someone who didn't want to spend tons of money.

If I was to go older/cheaper -- I'd be looking at the 30 foot Sea Ray Weekender. A little newer, would be the 29 foot Sundancer. But OP said they where thinking about overnights and guests -- that moves him into the 34 Sundancer if he wants any chance of "happiness."

The smallest I would go was what my former dock neighbor had -- 26 Bayliner. They did overnights with him, admiral, and two big dogs. But it was tight.

Now, if he wants to trailer it around a bit, and only hit the big lake when it is perfect, then a small trailer boat would be a good start.
 
Golfman25 said:
That's not going to work well on Lake Michigan. One bad ride and the admiral is out and you're selling the boat. The lake, even on it's best days is generally 1-2 foot chop. You need something to handle that without be tossed around too much. I started with an old 29 foot twin engine chris caft. Probably the perfect boat for the lake and someone who didn't want to spend tons of money.
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It's pretty hard to generalize Lake MI conditions though. I've had years where we anchor off the beach in Lake MI almost every weekend July thru September because the lake is dead flat calm almost every weekend. I've also had years, like 2023, where we didn't get to anchor out one time. Not even once, windy every weekend. Regardless of the boat, it's good to have options for the days when you can't get out on the big lake...
 
40 feet is a good size for comfort, usable space and the availability of slips at transient marinas. If you end up becoming a serious cruising couple you will end up wanting a boat about that size. You might as well start with the size you will eventually need. A big boat with twin engines and a genny will serve you well as a starter. Straight inboards handle better. V drives give you an aft cabin.
 
I have never ‘entertained guests’ overnight and will never. Why, unsociable?
No. Come morning, everyone is gonna take a massive dump in the head which is right next to the dinette where others are making/eating breakfast.
Its the reality. Your stink permeates every inch of the boat. Nope, not doing it.
Or the ‘guest’ flushes a tampon down the toilet, clogging up the works.
Let them buy their own dam boat. We will tieup together.
 
Pirate Lady said:
I have never ‘entertained guests’ overnight and will never. Why, unsociable?
No. Come morning, everyone is gonna take a massive dump in the head which is right next to the dinette where others are making/eating breakfast.
Its the reality. Your stink permeates every inch of the boat. Nope, not doing it.
Or the ‘guest’ flushes a tampon down the toilet, clogging up the works.
Let them buy their own dam boat. We will tieup together.
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Rule 1 on my boat is no turds.
 
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