While offering different types of boating experiences, Lake Michigan and the Chicago River both provide ample opportunities for boating fun.
Are boats allowed on Lake Michigan?
While freshwater boats don’t usually need to be massive, boating on the Great Lakes is somewhat really testing. Technically, you can go out on Lake Michigan in boats that are 16 feet long on calm days; however, it’s best to go out on something closer to 23 feet long, especially if you plan on crossing Lake Michigan.
Do I need a permit to launch a boat in Michigan?
The DNR has announced it’s now requiring a fee. The new regulation requires boaters to purchase the Recreation Passport, the same one required to get into state parks and a few other larger boat launches.
Do you need a license to boat on Lake Michigan?
In Michigan, anyone born on or after July 1, 1996, must successfully complete a boater safety course approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in order to operate a motorized vessel. Anyone born after December 31, 1978, require boater education in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).
Is Lake Michigan open for boating?
Harbors are closed for the season.
Along the 14 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, there are 10 harbors operated by the Chicago Park District, with spaces for over 6000 boats. The harbor season lasts from May 1 to October 31 each year.
What size boat is safe for Lake Michigan?
Due to its size and fluctuating weather conditions, you should aim for a larger vessel, hovering in the 23-foot range to safely cross Lake Michigan. Technically, a 16-foot vessel can handle the lake on a calm day, but going up against rough rogue waves will become a safety concern.
What is required to boat on Lake Michigan?
All boats operating on Michigan waters must carry and, if required, have in operation, acceptable personal flotation devices (PFDs), visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, sounding devices, backfire flame arrestor, ventilation systems, and navigation lights as required by federal law.
Can you drink on a boat in Michigan?
Michigan law does not prohibit drinking on the water. Passengers—and the watercraft operator—can openly cruise around with a bottle or two. But that’s where the leniency stops. Just as operating a motor vehicle under the influence is illegal, so is jumping behind the wheel of a boat.
What are the new boating laws in Michigan?
The new federal law mandates that every operator of a leisure boat under 26 feet in length with a 3-horsepower engine or greater that was manufactured on or after Jan. 1 2020 must have an equipped engine cut-off switch.
Can you live on a boat in Michigan?
Yes, you can live on a boat without breaking any laws in Michigan. The biggest drawback of staying on a boat in Michigan is that it is very cold during the winter.
What does no wake mean in boating?
A “wake” is the waves created as a vessel travels through the water. A “no-wake zone” is an area where vessels are expected to travel at slow (idle) speeds to minimize the wake. Most people think of no-wake zones as the speed bumps or school zones of the water, and rightfully so.
Do you need boat insurance in Michigan?
Even though Michigan law doesn’t require boat insurance, it may still be necessary if you plan to dock your boat — many marinas require proof of insurance. Lenders also typically require a set amount of coverage if you’re financing your boat.
Can you drink on a kayak in Michigan?
Can You Drink Alcohol While Kayaking In Michigan? It is not illegal to drink from the water in Michigan. Both passengers and the operator of the vessel are allowed to come and go with a bottle or two open.
Can you anchor overnight on Lake Michigan?
They’re marked “Private Mooring”, and that’s true, legally. Michigan law says that, on inland lakes, anything moored to a riparian’s bottomland—a dock, boat lift, rafts, unoccupied boats, and buoys—is private property.
Can you take a pontoon on Lake Michigan?
Yes, you can take a pontoon boat onto Lake Michigan, but with the strong winds and high waves that often occur, you need to be extra safe and extra cautious. As long as you respect the weather, keep close to shore, and don’t take risks, you should be fine and have a great day.
Where can I boat on Lake Michigan?
Top 10 Lake Michigan Cruising Destinations
- #10 Chicago’s DuSable Harbor.
- #9 St. Joseph’s Anchor’s Way Marina.
- #8 Saugatuck’s Sergeant Marina.
- #7 Ludington’s Harbor View Marina.
- #6 Beaver Island.
- #5 Leland Township Harbor (Fishtown)
- #4 Charlevoix City Marina.
- #3 Leelanau’s Suttons Bay Marina.
How deep is Lake Michigan?
Approximately 118 miles wide and 307 miles long, Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline. Averaging 279 feet in depth, the lake reaches 925 feet at its deepest point.
Is Lake Michigan rough water?
“It’s a very dangerous body of water that has a whole host of different considerations when you’re out there, especially for a swimming population.” Roberts said the Great Lakes have strong structural and long shore currents which run parallel to the shore. Rip currents are dangerous, too.
Can you take a boat from Chicago to Michigan?
Crossing Lake Michigan in just 2-1/2 hours, the Lake Express established new standards for Great Lakes ferry service, cutting hours from previous record crossing times and hours from the typical trip around Lake Michigan through Chicago’s congested tollway system.
How many flares do you need on Lake Michigan?
three
These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, the basic requirement is that a boat is equipped with both day and night signaling devices. And, if these are of a pyrotechnic variety (flare), boats are required to have three current, non-expired devices on board.
Do I need a captains license for my personal boat?
While a captain’s license is not required for personal use, some boaters seek out courses to brush up on their skills and feel the pride that comes with getting a USCG license.