Isle Royal in 16' C-Dory Cruiser?

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Eliump2147

New member
Would those of you who have experience with the 16' C-Dory Cruiser feel comfortable boating from Grand Portage to Isle Royal? Of course, only if the marine weather forecast is favorable? I have a 50HP ETEC with an 8HP kicker. Any of you other there who have done this? Thanks.
 
I've taken a 22 and a 25 across from Grand Portage. If I remember you have about 26 miles to cross, so you are never more than 13 miles from land. I can't say that I've seen a 16' coming across, but I have seen some smaller fishing boats over there. Rather or not they crossed or came over on one of the larger commercial boats, I don't know. But if the water is calm, and a good forecast, I suppose you could. Is the 16 really any less seaworthy than a 22? Maybe Jay Green can answer. He has taken his 22 over from Houghton. It is a beautiful island to explore, and once you are over there, there are plenty of smaller bays and protected coves you can sit out weather in. Colby
 
I agree with Colby. If the weather is good, (Stable High pressure for 24 to 48 hours each way) it should be doable. That 25 miles is the same as crossing Juan de Fuca Strait and (among others) Brock or Catman here, has taken his 16 across Juan de. I have seen smaller boats cross there too. (Actually considerably smaller in the R2AK but those are different people.)

I would say it would depend on the skipper, experience, knowledge and readiness. The 16s are pretty capable.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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There was a 16 which went regularly from S. Calif to Catalina Island. But this was in the calm of the morning.

Definitely you want known settled weather. You want to have places to "hide" if necessary until bad weather clears.
 
Isle Royal can be an unforgiving place. You need to bring pretty much everything you are going to need plus extras. The thing you need to leave behind is a schedule. We spent an extra 3 days at Windigo last year because of weather. No problem being retired. If you can get a buddy boat all the better. No Sea Tow or Tow Boat US out there. They do haul boats on the Ranger …. The National Park boat. Can you do it…. Sure. With proper planning. We’ve been there six times and it’s my favorite cruising spot.
 
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