Crossing Lake Michigan

I've been on the lake in all sorts of conditions, You would have to have that one perfect day to do it and then I don't know.
What is the fund raiser your trying to put together? you could just go out and go in a big circle instead of across?

You could run an express cruiser as the lead boat. Drop in behind and run in his wake. White knuckle ride and generous pucker factor the whole way.
And then there is the gas bill for both boats!

John! very cool stories. thx for sharing.

jimsport93 wrote: You could run an express cruiser as the lead boat. Drop in behind and run in his wake. White knuckle ride and generous pucker factor the whole way. And then there is the gas bill for both boats!

I am not to sound like a smart also, but in 4-6 footers, which can come up quite quickly and sometimes unexpectedly, following another boat would provide no significant benefit. The difference between crest and trough is 8-12'. Boats like my 15 footer and much larger disappear in the trough and suddenly appear overhead perched on a crest 12' above you. Your 40' cruiser can be as insignificant as a feather on the surface. I don't believe your problem is size, but boat design. You need a lot of freeboard, major pumping capacity, the ability to keep the bow up, good weather, and experience. I wouldn't try it in an inboard ski boat. As you can see from the photo of my 15' making a speed pass on my friends boat, it is very small, however It is well suited for the task.
Years ago, my brothers yacht club used to organize a trip to New Orleans from Illinois staying in waterfront motels every night. A number of ski boats made that trip, his not included. A trip like that sounds like a better adventure for you and a good inland cruising boat.

There are many casinos on the Mississippi River - could you foil from one to another? Get them to chip in $ from the publicity it will create. They would probably promote it for you, as they are always tryng to improve their public image.

OverMyHead wrote: I'm not sure, but if you want to hear a funny bit search Mischke Gordon Lightfoot interview and find the audio. If someone knows how to put it on here that would be great. He interviews Gordon (who was not clued in before the interview)about the wreck of the Edmond Fitz by singing each question to the tune of the song. Lightfoot lets it go on forever.

I NEVER want to hear that song again. The marina on my chain is Greers Pier, it is owned by Greer. His full name is Edmond Greer Fitzgerald, although no one calls him that. The ship was named after his grandfather. Seems like every time they have live music at Greers Lower Unit Tiki Bar (the cool boat hang out on the chain) the band feels compelled to sing that song. AAGHHH, I just can't take it any more!

Hopefully my bro will see this and comment...and I am sure he has pictures...

Back in the day (early 70's) our ski club skied from Cleveland out tp Pele island in Lake Erie. I believe that is a distance of over 25 miles but I am sure Bill will know. I was not involved but Bill was.

john

Back in the late 60s we had a standing challenge for bragging rights for anyone who could ski from my friends cottage in Gill's Rock, Door County Wisconsin to Washington Island, about 10 miles. No one ever made it. We even tried behind their old wood cabin cruiser to try to flatten the chop. It wasn't enough help.

jbear wrote: Hopefully my bro will see this and comment...and I am sure he has pictures... Back in the day (early 70's) our ski club skied from Cleveland out tp Pele island in Lake Erie. I believe that is a distance of over 25 miles but I am sure Bill will know. I was not involved but Bill was. john

    I've been watching this post but don't have the newspaper article, pictures, [facts!] at hand so I was reluctant to post. I believe my mother-in-law has them so I may try to get them. I believe it was even before my time in the Club [maybe mid 60's], definitely before CC's, and done on such a nice day that they skied back also!

Here's what it looks and sounds like California Style in the Pacific Ocean

Race around Catalina

     I don't believe your idea is necessarily that far fetched although as others have pointed out it would take much planning and organization. I know nothing about Lake Michigan but Lake Erie can kick up in a hurry and get very treacherous.
     Back on October 1, 1967 we had two slalom skiers ski from the E. 9th St pier in Cleveland across the 50+ miles to Rondeau Point lighthouse in Canada and then switch drivers/skiers for the return trip. Both boats were outboards and good old Cypress Garden skies the ride of choice. With the forty-five year improvement in boats and equipment it would be far less of a challenge these days.

50 miles on a ski! WOW! That is amazing. Does anyone keep in touch with any of the skiers?
That first boat looks like an Evinrude Sportsman. What a cool boat! I still see one every now and then. In a way they are so hideous that you can't help loving them, just like the old I/O Hydrodynes.
What a trip, thanks for sharing.
All this talk about Great Lakes boating is really tugging at my sentimental side, and my decision to go with the Mustang. I had such great times on the big water.

My brother-in-law bought a lake house on Okauchee Lake in Wisconsin about 15 years ago. The boathouse on the property had an old Evinrude Sportsman sitting in it that came as part of the deal....in like-new condition.

I believe it had a Buick V-6 in it. I took it out a few times, but, it was a bugger to keep going. Always had issues with the tilt/trim. He sold it a couple of years back to some guy who just loved those old Johnson/Evinrude tri-hulls.

That was one ugly boat.... but it was really slow

[QUOTE=GlassSeeker] Here's what it looks and sounds like California Style in the Pacific Ocean

OMG I've been living under a rock never herd of this before and its a race? wow

those are go fast boats Miami Vice style Kewl

You got it Tim - I remember Greg saying the battery was low and the ride was good b/c it charged the battery