Crossing Lake Michigan
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=25071
Printed Date: May-03-2024 at 2:45pm
Topic: Crossing Lake Michigan
Posted By: BigAir
Subject: Crossing Lake Michigan
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 4:43am
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I know this may sound crazy, but I'm thinking about riding my Sky Ski across Lake Michigan in an attempt to raise money for a charity. Is it absolutely crazy to consider using my 89 Ski Nautique? I'm thinking about going from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington MI. Ideas? Suggestions? Thoughts? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=237&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - My 1989 reverse gel coat Ski Nautique |
Replies:
Posted By: OverMyHead
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 5:43am
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Sounds like a fun adventure, but it would make me nervous, looks to be about 80-100 miles. There are certainly boats built that are better suited for the purpose. I could see hugging a shore for 100 miles, but out in the open???? It better be a good cause. Give us more details. Would this be a solo effort or are many boats crossing at the same time? ------------- For thousands of years men have felt the irresistible urge to go to sea, and many of them died. Things got better after they invented boats. 1987 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: ononewheel
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 7:05am
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Wow. Michigan has some rollers, better check the weather.
Relax, spring is right around the corner. |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 8:30am
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Sounds a bit risky, when weather rolls in on that lake it has taken out much bigger vessels then a 2001. Considering your plan is to Foil why not just take a boat that could handle bigger chop should you encounter it, you could foil behind almost anything that can hold speed? How about Foiling behind the Badger with a pickup boat running alongside, that might attract some attention!
------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1143" rel="nofollow - Mi Bowt |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 8:41am
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Behind the Badger, all you would need to worry about is when they dump the coal ash overboard. The USEPA is still after them for that!
Really, I agree that crossing the lake is risky. Pick a small lake and go around it a 100 times for an endurance run. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:19am
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not a good idea, I hate the cliche "ive been" but ive been on Lake Erie many times with a puckered ass, to unpredictible on any of the Great Lakes, 2 to 4"s will stuff that boat, this is one time I would say i hope your boat is foamed. ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:21am
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if you do decide to, then we'll have to raise money for your benefit lol ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:31am
My point all along! 
I could swim across the lake here when I was a kid...not so much anymore. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
eric lavine wrote:Posted By: TX Foilhead
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:40am
| If you have to use a Nautique, use a Fish Nautique. |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:44am
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Last year at our end of season gathering on Lanier, even my BFN with the V-hull beat the snot out of me(they made me drive to the south end), and Lanier is tiny in comparison. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: OverMyHead
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:48am
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On the bright side Gordon Lightfoot might write a song about you. ------------- For thousands of years men have felt the irresistible urge to go to sea, and many of them died. Things got better after they invented boats. 1987 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:56am
 Is he still around?------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: OverMyHead
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 11:25am
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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. ------------- For thousands of years men have felt the irresistible urge to go to sea, and many of them died. Things got better after they invented boats. 1987 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 11:38am
Ouch! That hurt! You needed to run the Pumpkin anyway!  ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 11:52am
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this post also made me think of gordon lightfoot... I used to run my little outboard tahiti on them there big lakes way too far out and more than once I got myself in situations where I figured it was 50/50 whether it was gonna make it back to shore. Hard to be doing it for fund raising or publicity when you can't be very careful to avoid any chance of less than perfect weather.
Its like I always say its easy... first you got to try not to die.. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: Mojo
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 12:29pm
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Suggestions: Yeah, your nuts for considering it.
Thoughts: Your just plain nuts for considering it.. That lake has swallowed mega ton vessels in the blink of an eye. Even in good weather, the wind shifts from the North and blows you right to Indiana, and or you hit a fog bank and with no radar can't find your way back??? And I shudder with the thought of carrying extra fuel on deck... Dude, you're from Wisconsin, you must be pretty young or grew up in a closet not to know the dangers of Lake Michigan... 100 miles in a 18 foot ski boat with 20" of freeboard and one bilge pump that you could piss harder that it would empty the bottom of that boat when 4 footers are crashing over it... Dude, please just go out in a dingy and die that way, at least someone could get your Nautique and use it the right way... I thought I was dreaming when I first read this post....  ------------- 05' SV211 TE 73' Martinique had:96' SNOB had:76' Nautique had 77 Tique |
Posted By: Jllogan
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 12:45pm
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maybe for a fund raiser you could just get a life insurance policy, then when you die doing this your charity will get the money. Problem solved! ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5792&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow - 1986 Ski Nautique 2001 |
Posted By: connorssons
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 12:48pm
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Posted By: connorssons
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 12:52pm
BTW what are you thinking?  take a good life raft!
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Posted By: mdvalant
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 12:59pm
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I'm gonna be the positive one here and say GO FOR IT!
I don't believe in these things, go hold a benefit and make money that way if you gotta. I wanna punch the dude in the paper in the face when he says he's gonna ride his bike from SF to NY. You're not Forest, do something beneficial Bro. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5009 - '90 Ski (sold) http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5479 - '00 Sport Mississippi River - Bellevue, IA |
Posted By: jimsport93
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 1:03pm
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What speed do you have to pull those foils? 22mph?
Don't think you can maintain that in a 2001 in 4' seas (or bigger)...and keep your teeth and boat intact! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2798 - 93 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: mdvalant
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 1:04pm
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By the way, we are not trying to be mean. We are simply thinking about your poor 2001. oh, and you of course ;) ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5009 - '90 Ski (sold) http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5479 - '00 Sport Mississippi River - Bellevue, IA |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 1:09pm
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Yes it is crazy, clearly you do not know what it can get like out there. ------------- |
Posted By: BigAir
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 1:17pm
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Ok. I get it. Bad idea. I'll look for a bigger boat. Just for the record, here's what I was thinking.... Pick a day where it is smooth. Believe it or not, there are days where it's plenty good all the way across. Leave at sunrise from Manitowoc. It's about 60 miles to Ludington. Then ferry back. Fog was something that I didn't think about. I got semi lost out there one other time because of fog. Of course that was before GPS. But there is the risk of hitting something. If the rollers were much bigger that a foot or so, there's not way I could make 60 miles anyway. The foil is pretty good in rough water, but the pull from the boat gets pretty rough and stamina would become a problem. I guess that means a boat that can hold steady and plow through small rollers would be a big benefit. I'll give it more thought. Thanks for the suggestions. I especially liked the Lightfoot idea. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=237&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - My 1989 reverse gel coat Ski Nautique |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 1:46pm
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There is no doubt it can be glass or very minimal chop the whole way, last time I crossed we left Ludington not long after Sunrise and it was glass all the way to Manitowoc. You would also want to dress accordingly as the temp drops quite a bit through the middle of the Lake.
As another option, find an escort vessel with a lift capable of hoisting the 2001 and the deck space to set it down/secure it in the event of trouble. Curious, have you done any endurance training, 2.5-3hrs at the end of the line is tough even in ideal conditions. Pete, I can't believe the EPA has not dropped anchor on the Badger, that thing spews out an oil slick or something continuously, is that the ash dumping you referred to? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1143" rel="nofollow - Mi Bowt |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 2:16pm
The article was in the Trib I'd say a couple months ago. Being a coal fired ship, they are dumping the ash overboard along with all the nasty stuff in the ash. I believe the owners skirted the issue by applying for the ship to be registered in the historic registry. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 4:29pm
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Take it from someone who has done it on a regular basis, it can be done in a small boat, but choosing the right boat, equipment, and weather is important.
I have done the majority of my boating in the Chicago Ocean (Lake Michingan), and have done so since I was 16 (41 years) and I am still alive. A very good friend keeps his boat in Michigan City, Indiana, and I regularly boated from Burnham Harbor in Chicago to see him, and sometimes made the trip to visit another friend who lives in South Haven, Michigan. My boat was a 15' Mark Twain V-Sonic I/O. While being very small, the Mark Twain is a V bottom with a lot of freeboard. It also has the ability to change attitude by adjusting the stern drive angle, keeping the bow up to reduce the number of waves that crash over the bow and windshield. In addition I did extensive modifications for safety. These are the ones I remember off the top of my head. Dual electrical systems and an Optima primary battery. The boat had a battery combiner so that my very large capacity Optima ran the engine and mechanical systems (tilt, trim, bilge pumps) while a large gel cell motorcycle battery that charged through a battery combiner, ran the electronics. Dual bilge pumps. The larger one was an 1,100 GPH (really) and the smaller one was 800 GPH. they could run independently but at the same time. The 1,100 GPH had an switch allowing automatic or manual operation. The 1,100 GPH model required a larger 1" outlet. They were switched so they could be run on the motorcycle gel cell if required in an emergency. They came in handy when large waves would break over the windshield. Dual marine radios. I had a Raytheon mounted in the boat and had a hand held in case the boat swamped or a radio failed (which has happened). The hand held could run on it's own battery, or be plugged into one of several 12V outlets for extended running or in case of a battery failure. Both marine radios had weather alert built in, as did the marine stereo in the boat. A waterproof GPS capable of running on it's internal battery or Being plugged into a 12V outlet. A cell phone (no gps in it back in those days) also having it's battery and access to 12V boat power. An EPIRB activated manually or by water immersion. A sea anchor. It is very important to keep the bow into the waves if you have an engine failure. Flare gun kit with mirror and around 20 flares. I never crossed the lake when the water temperature was not warm enough for indefinite survival time in the water. That is usually mid June through early September. An emergency 5 gallons of gas in case weather moves in and you must slow to a crawl to handle the boat. You can also use it to soak a throwable PFD and have a great flare marker that burns for a long time in the water if necessary. A pelican case that can float free of the boat if it sinks containing the flare kit, cell phone, hand held marine radio, and a spare GPS. NEVER TAKE YOUR PFD OFF, and keep plenty of throwables to float free if you go down. Even with the 100's of times I have boated there and the many times I have crossed the lake, I am always very respectful of the power of the lakes and the weather. The Great lakes are very unforgiving. I have been knocked down in a 30' sailboat to the point where the cooler floated out of the cockpit. This happened without warning on a beautiful afternoon. I have found myself in breaking 5 to 7 footers (in my 15') despite following weather forecasts and having a weather radio on board. I have also boated by a scene where the Chicago Police Marine Units were attempting to rescue a family that had capsized their large sailboat in 4 to 6' breakers near Evanston. I later found out that several had drowned. I have also been stuck out on the lake for several hours unable or unwilling to risk an approach to the harbor entrance, because the large (about 6' swells) that were easy to ride on the open water were reflecting off of the breakwall and harbor pilings creating an unorganized chaotic mess that I was afraid to cross to get to the harbor. This has happened more than once. When I bought the Mustang I realized that my Great Lakes boating days were most likely over. I think these inboard ski boats perform their designed purpose very well, but that does not include a lake Michigan crossing. I have many funny and memorable stories about these Great Lakes adventures. Frequently during the summer I would take off early from work and go boating with a friend who had a blow boat in Monroe harbor. We would fill up the cooler and head somewhere. Frequently that was Waukegan or Milwaukee. We would arrive around dusk and boat home after dark, sometimes arriving home at 0300, just in time to get the boat put away, grab an hour or two of sleep, and get to work. We would be low on fuel coming home from Waukegan, but the Wilmette Harbor gas pump was 24/7 so we always stopped there for fuel. There was a new guy working one year and we went to get him to fill us up. He looked from his office and asked where our boat was. We assured him it was at the dock. I am sure the attendant thought we were going to mug him since he still couldn't see my boat when we got to the dock. When he leaned over he saw it , about 6' below the level of the dock. My boat became something of a legend at B&E Marine in Michigan City Indiana among the gas jockeys at the dock. I would always fill up there when I crossed the lake to visit my friend in Michigan City. As often as not they would tell me that I travelled the greatest distance that week end to fill up, and that I also made the smallest gas purchase of around 15 gallons. Here are a few photos of Great Lakes adventures in my 15' Mark Twain, including Madeline Island Yacht Club in the Apostle Islands, Lake Superior, the Bayfield Wisconsin shoreline, the Chicago skyline with a friend of mine in my old Beretta bowrider (taken from my Mark Twain), and one of my best childhood friends who died in October of last year, driving my Mark Twain, miles off of the Chicago shoreline with his big infectious smile. It is a very happy memory, I miss him. As you can see, if you're not comfortable being out of sight of land, the Great Lakes are no place to be. many of my crossings were made by GPS with visibility of less than 1 mile and never seeing land for more than 2 hours. The final two are of the Mark Twain at anchor for the night in Ephram, Door County, lake Michigan for the night, and approaching Chicago in the evening after a Lake Michigan crossing.          ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 6:21pm
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About 10 years ago or so, I had a CC Martinique. We had a big plastics show going on down and McCormick Place in Chicago. We had the boat down there to entertain customers with. One day, I took the boat out past the break walls, and into Lake Michigan. Thinking that the boat was pretty good sized for a run-about type boat, I ventured right out there on a pretty choppy day. I got no more than about 40 yards out into the lake, and those 5' swells are VERY intimidating in that small boat. I turned tail, and scooted right back to the saftey of the millpond waters behind the breakwalls.
But, on another day when it was a lot smoother, we did take it about a mile up to the Chicago River, and did the city river cruise thing. Sounds like you have another plan now, but, those waters get big real fast out there when your in a small boat. |
Posted By: tullfooter
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 7:30pm
My first barefoot race was on Lake Lanier in 2001. The race was run during a small storm. The boats had a tough time getting through waves that came up, let alone us meatheads at the ends of the tow ropes.  ------------- Play hard, life's not a trial run. '85 BFN '90 BFN White Lake, Michigan |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 7:47pm
Sounds like one year when I took the Atom out of the Abbey harbor and out onto Lake Geneva. It wasn't even 40 yards when I took on water over the windshield! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: dochockey
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:00pm
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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? ------------- 1989 Teal Ski Nautique 1967 Mustang Harris Float Sunfish |
Posted By: 75 Tique
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:17pm
All those comments and no one repeated the obvious one..."You're going to need a bigger boat"
With those out of the way...Neat idea and admire your wanting to push the edge a little bit for a good cause, but its sounds like the risks might be a bit high. Loops around a lake lacks impact, but what about a river? Is there a river near by that has a 50-ish mile stretch you could do? (kind of lke those barefoot races Tull does) ------------- _____________ “So, how was your weekend?” “Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.” |
Posted By: jimsport93
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:25pm
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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! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2798 - 93 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 10:53pm
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Bob,
One thing you have not mentioned. is how were you planning on getting your boat back to to the Wisconsin side? BTW, I still feel your idea is preaty "off the wall" ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: connorssons
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 11:34pm
| John! very cool stories. thx for sharing. |
Posted By: GlassSeeker
Date Posted: March-02-2012 at 11:41pm
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At least use a Barefoot Nautique, and put everybody in drysuits, and follow that large list of safety stuff.
------------- This is the life |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: March-03-2012 at 2:51am
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. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: jimsport93
Date Posted: March-03-2012 at 11:07am
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JOhn....I was joking! Did not really expect anyone to take me seriously on that idea. One crazy idea deserves another ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2798 - 93 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: March-03-2012 at 12:00pm
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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. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: OverMyHead
Date Posted: March-03-2012 at 12:10pm
Great minds think alike, huh Joe! ------------- For thousands of years men have felt the irresistible urge to go to sea, and many of them died. Things got better after they invented boats. 1987 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: March-03-2012 at 3:08pm
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! ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: OverMyHead
Date Posted: March-03-2012 at 4:02pm
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I know, after that post yesterday it was stuck in my head all morning. Cool adventures on the big lake John. ------------- For thousands of years men have felt the irresistible urge to go to sea, and many of them died. Things got better after they invented boats. 1987 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: March-03-2012 at 11:07pm
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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 ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: dochockey
Date Posted: March-03-2012 at 11:18pm
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One of my buddies date backed out on him so he calls me up and says he has an extra ticket at our towns theater I say sure I'll go? Didn't even ask who it was playing? Got there and It was Gordon I only new that one song I think I fell asleep after that ------------- 1989 Teal Ski Nautique 1967 Mustang Harris Float Sunfish |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: March-03-2012 at 11:23pm
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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. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: March-04-2012 at 2:47am
Here's what Larry was referring to, I had the same thought. John, no disrespect to your late friend, just an interesting coincidence that in a thread that talks about Lightfoot there is quite a resemblence.
 ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: AirTique98
Date Posted: March-04-2012 at 5:39pm
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! ------------- Bill http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5549 - 98Air Nautique Former Owner: 1990 Ski Nautique 1981 Ski Nautique 1976 Ski Nautique 1971 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: March-04-2012 at 6:07pm
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I don't doubt that it has been done, and that most likely many on this site could do it today. Back when we were trying the 10 mile run to Washington Island we were 12-16 years old. Backthen, before my injuries, I was an average slalom skier, nothing like the videos of members on this site. Although I was a distance runner then and in good shape, my lower back would always cramp up and I would give up. Sometimes the driver of our 16' tow would get tired of the pounding and slow to an agonizing slow speed.
Sometimes I go up to Island Lake and watch the Skiing Skeeters practice. Skiing and boarding are such graceful sports to watch when they are done well. Barefootin, not so graceful, just strength, guts, and courage! I love to watch it too. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: GlassSeeker
Date Posted: March-04-2012 at 6:30pm
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Here's what it looks and sounds like California Style in the Pacific Ocean
http://www.ecatalina.com/catalina-ski-race-video.html - Race around Catalina ------------- This is the life |
Posted By: jimsport93
Date Posted: March-04-2012 at 10:32pm
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Those guys must be some tired SOBs when that is over. Will not be able to walk straight for a week! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2798 - 93 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: AirTique98
Date Posted: March-04-2012 at 10:35pm
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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. 
 ------------- Bill http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5549 - 98Air Nautique Former Owner: 1990 Ski Nautique 1981 Ski Nautique 1976 Ski Nautique 1971 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: 63 Skier
Date Posted: March-04-2012 at 11:00pm
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Cool pictures! The tri-hull probably had a decent ride when it wasn't sneezing spray forward onto the driver, and the wood lapstrake was a bit softer than glass, but in 4 footers that had to be an adventure. ------------- '63 American Skier - '98 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: March-05-2012 at 12:20am
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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. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: OverMyHead
Date Posted: March-05-2012 at 12:30am
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First that old tri-hull is cool. And I don't usually have anything nice to say about tri-hulls.
I would say either of those old boats are a better design for big water than a modern ski boat. ------------- For thousands of years men have felt the irresistible urge to go to sea, and many of them died. Things got better after they invented boats. 1987 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: davidg
Date Posted: March-05-2012 at 12:51am
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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
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Posted By: AirTique98
Date Posted: March-05-2012 at 3:12am
None associated with the club any longer although I still talk to Bill Herbert [guy quoted in article/tall guy in pics]. He moved to Colorado decades ago and still today [in his late 60's] can run 28' off at 36 mph, great snow skier, and recently became a competitive windsurfer. He also has the State issued permit for the medicinal use of pot. Not sure of the connection. lol ------------- Bill http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5549 - 98Air Nautique Former Owner: 1990 Ski Nautique 1981 Ski Nautique 1976 Ski Nautique 1971 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: dochockey
Date Posted: March-05-2012 at 3:30am
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[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 ------------- 1989 Teal Ski Nautique 1967 Mustang Harris Float Sunfish |
Posted By: GlassSeeker
Date Posted: March-05-2012 at 5:57am
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63 years Doc, all kinds and sizes of boats and they go up to about 80mph towing skiers, one of the biggest waterski races in the world.
http://www.catalinaskirace.net/ - Race Headquarter/info ------------- This is the life |
Posted By: MAN - GA
Date Posted: March-05-2012 at 4:21pm
| You got it Tim - I remember Greg saying the battery was low and the ride was good b/c it charged the battery |
Posted By: skutsch
Date Posted: March-08-2012 at 12:43am
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I would look to the other Wisconsin "Coast", pick any pool on the Mississippi, go from one dam to the next and back. Definitely challenging water (on a weekend), and a heck of a lot safer. Mdvalant, what is the trip from Dubuque to Bellevue, that has to be at least 25 miles maybe even 30 miles. ------------- Our http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4669" rel="nofollow - 98 Sport Nautique My Dad's 63 Ski N |
Posted By: BigAir
Date Posted: March-11-2012 at 9:09pm
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Thanks for all the advice everybody. The comments and stories were great! I will start looking for someone with a bigger boat. I really wanted it to be lake Michigan because it sounds really tough and I think it could possibly raise a bunch of money because of it's geographical location. Keep in mind, the hydrofoil (Sky Ski) has practically zero resistance going through the water. Especially if the wind is at our backs. I have a feeling it would be easier than most people think. I will keep you all informed of my progress as this comes together. It's something that I've been thinking about for about for a couple years. Thanks again. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=237&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - My 1989 reverse gel coat Ski Nautique |
Posted By: mrwillya
Date Posted: June-01-2012 at 5:28pm
It's 22 Miles. A buddy of mine skied that run a few years back. Here is a neat tool that lets you set check points which will allow you to accurately get the miles on bodies of water (or anything for that matter). http://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-distance-calculator.htm" rel="nofollow - http://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-distance-calculator.htm |