Is it open and "launch at your own risk" or is it closed? Has anyone tried to put in there? What's the ramp look like? I'm hoping to avoid the power squadron this afternoon at the north marina and only need a few feet of water to drop in.
I'll be hitting the water at about 1:30 and will be in a black Lund with a black bimini top trolling around.
Swing by and say hello. We'll trade secret fishing information.
[signature]
[inline "(078) 30 May 2015 South Marina.jpg"]
Michigan - this was last Saturday 30 May. And it is a bit deeper now. Was out yesterday and as long as you keep your motor trimmed up when you launch and while at the docks you should be OK. If you have someone with you that can park your rig for you, then you can back off the dock and be in safer depth. Yesterday there was 2.5' under my little 14.5' Lund on the ramp, about the same at the south dock if you keep the stern straight out, depth in the marina 3 to 5 feet, at the left turn into the channel, 5', middle of channel 6-9', get out past the buoys, 9-10' then average depth in main body of lake is 10 to 16 feet depending. Island has 3 buoys around it and the edges are anywhere from 4 to 8 feet. I didn't get over the island inside the buoys, but saw a couple others moving in slow with bow mounts, main motors full trimmed up and off. I was surprised that there were not more people on the water yesterday, maybe a handful of power squadron boaters but they all played nice at least where I was. Had one or two at the launch ramps and docks that were obviously unqualified to tow or pilot the boats they had. But you see that almost everywhere during the summer. I think you will be just fine in your Lund Fury.
I know I've seen that boat, and I think you have the perfect size and type for Willard. (Long as the wind cooperates) Have a good day.
[signature]
The south marina is open and is "launch at your own risk", the water level has come up 2 ft since it's low point in the Winter. It is very shallow by the boat docks, so make sure you trim you motor up if you use them, the west dock is in the deepest water. Here are a couple pics of them.
[signature]
Absolutely outstanding report, buddy! You answered my question perfectly. I really appreciate that because you just saved me some time and headache.
Watching those big wakeboard boats launch and pull out is always entertaining, for a few minutes anyway. I've come up with a motto for the power squadron at the ramp. "First time, every time."
I'm quite sure I've seen you out there as well. I remember a day last year where I saw a Lund boat similar to yours anchored up just outside the buoys at the south marina. These smaller v-hulls are perfect for Willard, but when that wind kicks up I really wish I had a couple more feet.
We're gonna get out there today with a lead-core setup rigged with a crawler harness, a Flicker Shad rod and another with a Rat'l Trap. Figure one of them should produce.
Thanks again and have a good one!
[signature]
Perfect! Thanks Curt! I appreciate the info. I haven't poked my head into the south marina yet this year, but I figure I won't have any problems.
[signature]
launched at the south marina Friday with my 17' aluminum, also saw quite a few boats go out of there.
usually ok to launch at the south, but I have found when I pull up to the courtesy dock, I just cut my engine and raise it out all the way; when leaving, give a good shove off and then lower your motor. sounds scarier than it is; only bad spot is right at the dock, its about 2' right in there, but the rest is ok. good luck - go for it
[signature]
been launching there every time this year since April. I have a 16.5' aluminum. only place i have hit a rock was out just to the right of the green buoy at the entrance to the marina.
[signature]