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Author Topic:   Grand River, Grand Haven, Michigan
Buckda posted 10-15-2006 09:10 PM ET (US)   Profile for Buckda   Send Email to Buckda  
Having left some "unfinished" business on the Memorial Day weekend rendezvous, I made it a point that I would return to complete the navigable portion of the Grand River some time this year.

Well, time flew and I never got around to it. Until Saturday.

I got a late start - around 3:00 PM local I was at the ramp in Grand Haven. The automatic toll-taking machine was out of order, and the number they gave to call with technical difficulties was a "wrong number". Seriously.

Anyway, I "stiffed" the city for the $7 launch fee (which I paid for later- more on that in a minute) and launched the Outrage at a completely deserted ramp.

The twin E-TECs fired immediately in the cold water. Temperatures were in the low 40's and a strong WSW wind was blowing hard. I had the forward shelter and windshield up, and was wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, fleece jacket and full Foulies, with my PFD on outside the foulies. My sealskinz gloves were not warm enough, but they'd have to do.

I managed to run the river all the way to the end of the navigable channel and in the fading light, began the return trip. As I neared Spring Lake, I couldn't help but take a spin on the protected waters.

As I returned to the still deserted ramp I began to get ready for the cold windy task of getting the boat ready for the road.

This morning, I realized that someone had stolen my trailer jack handle at the deserted ramp! I guess the "toll" was taken afterall!

Anyway - it was a great day on the water with not another boater in sight. The only bad thing that happened was that the "no Oil" warning illuminated and sounded early on in the trip on the starboard engine.

This is the same warning that sounded early in the season in similar conditions (low 40's air temp, low to mid-40's water temp). After a few "restarts" on the motor, it seemed to resolve the warning and ran flawlessly the rest of the afternoon/evening.

Looking forward to more boating later this fall - hopefully we'll get some warmer conditions!

Dave

HuronBob posted 10-15-2006 09:48 PM ET (US)     Profile for HuronBob    
pictures, we want pictures..

Dave, the next time you make an inland trip like this, let me know.....

PeteB88 posted 10-16-2006 01:11 AM ET (US)     Profile for PeteB88  Send Email to PeteB88     
Pete does not winterize - and now we have full Mills for the Sourpuss 13. Oh ya babe. And the old drift boat heaters from you know where/when. And all the backcountry gear I don't use for what it's made for anymore - why not?

Nice Dave - keep going as long as you can.

jeffs22outrage posted 10-16-2006 09:25 AM ET (US)     Profile for jeffs22outrage  Send Email to jeffs22outrage     
you have got to be kidding me.....I thought about calling you as I was heading to the river and pier heads around 2:30. I was there all weekend.
Buckda posted 10-16-2006 09:56 AM ET (US)     Profile for Buckda  Send Email to Buckda     
Jeff -

I thought about calling you too...I thought you would be home recovering from your trip!

How were the conditions on the lake? I didn't even go 'round the powerplant to take a look, I was getting pretty cold and the light was fading, and no lights at the ramp facility...I wanted to clear the area before complete darkness. Nice sunset though.

Bob - Will keep you in mind next time.

Dave

jeffs22outrage posted 10-16-2006 10:22 AM ET (US)     Profile for jeffs22outrage  Send Email to jeffs22outrage     
I was in town for Erin's grandparents 60th wedding ann. on Sunday.

The Lake looked like a blast with 4-6 rollers coming right down the mouth of the river. The wind was 20 - 30 mph directly onshore. No boats but, lots of surfers and kite boarders.

Sorry we missed each other. I sould have used a boat ride.

TomG posted 10-16-2006 08:26 PM ET (US)     Profile for TomG  Send Email to TomG     
and neither one of you called me...I'm only 10 minutes away...sheesh!

The lake was impressive on Thurs. & Fri. (12-14 footers)...and down quite a bit on Saturday to about 6 footers. We ran our boat down from Ludington to Muskegon on Tuesday in the best weather window of the week...only 2-3 footers.

Tom

jimh posted 10-17-2006 12:59 AM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
Waves of 12 to 14-feet! Now I remember why I keep shying away from these invitations to come to Lake Michigan in the fall.
TomG posted 10-17-2006 10:02 AM ET (US)     Profile for TomG  Send Email to TomG     
And that was for the nearshore (within 5 miles of shore) wave report, Jim. The offshore report for those days was for 14-18 footers!

When the wind starts whipping at 45 kts. out of the W, it really piles up the water on the Michigan side of the lake.

Tom

bsmotril posted 10-18-2006 02:55 PM ET (US)     Profile for bsmotril  Send Email to bsmotril     
I saw the thread about the Grand River, and was wondering if either of these two pics are of forum members. Taken Labor day weekend this year.
http://hyper20.twdb.state.tx.us/data/bays_estuaries/tides.html

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/bsmotril/ 1984%20Montauk%20Updates/IMG_8028.jpg

bsmotril posted 10-18-2006 02:56 PM ET (US)     Profile for bsmotril  Send Email to bsmotril     
Not sure what happened there, here is the other pic of a Grand River Whaler:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/bsmotril/ 1984%20Montauk%20Updates/IMG_8091.jpg
jeffs22outrage posted 10-18-2006 06:33 PM ET (US)     Profile for jeffs22outrage  Send Email to jeffs22outrage     
Nope,

That first one with twins is of kept in the Bayou just south of Hanky-panky Bayou. The second one I have seen stored in the racks at North Shore marina where there is a 22 Whaler Drive Outrage "Beluga" as well. The 22 is a little rough around the edges but has lots of nice options. Whaler drive being the most important.

I have waved to both in passing on the river either would stop or give much more than a wave. Not CW behavior...

jeffs22outrage posted 10-18-2006 06:44 PM ET (US)     Profile for jeffs22outrage  Send Email to jeffs22outrage     
BTW Bill,

You were all the way up here from Texas and never posted? I was out trolling the pier heads both Saturday and Sunday. Never saw a 22 with a grey Bimini? Also, I did a lot of cruising that weekend as well. Would have loved to given you a ride on the Great Lakes.

Some of my Pictures from that weekend
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/Labor%20Day/ ?action=view¤t=DSCN1549.jpg

bsmotril posted 10-21-2006 10:04 AM ET (US)     Profile for bsmotril  Send Email to bsmotril     
I would have loved to take a cruise, but my trip was sudden, short, and unexpected. My sister and her husband split up, and I was helping her move her stuff out. Next summer I'm going back to spend some more time than just a few days. I'll let you know for sure ahead of time. Thanks for the offer.
BillS

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