Algonac, MI-gctid819717

[alanmoor]

We are looking at trailering our 28' Bayliner (which I have discovered is really 30.75' for the purposes of getting a slip - look at that, I have 2' itis without buying another boat) to Algonac, MI on Labor Day weekend. I've called several marinas (Marine City, Sunset Harbor, Riverview Campground, and Algonac Harbor Club) and left messages. The only one I got in touch with (Algonac Harbor Club) said they were full and put me on a waiting list.

I don't have a problem sleeping on the hook but I'm not sure where that would be practical. My friends are staying at Algonac State Park Campground so the closer to there the better. The plan is to cruise the St. Clair River Saturday then head to Sanilac Sunday morning.

Anyone have any advice if I can't find a slip around Algonac or Marine City, or an alternate place to get a slip than what I listed above? I see a bay south of the Algonac Harbor Club (around Pointe Aux Chenes) but my chart says it is too shallow, same for Muscamoot Bay and Goose Bay. It looks like "Anchor Bay" is deep enough but also pretty wide open and not protected. If I did end up at Anchor Bay I might put in at Selfridge.

Some local knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

[kevinv123]

LSC Boater here. 2850 Contessa. Water levels are so high there is nowhere other than literally beaching your boat you'll be ok. Big Moot near the turnaround on the east leg of Harsens Island is where the raft off usually takes place is literally 4+' deep 20 yards from shore, normal depth is 28-30".

There's Little Moot, shallower, The Raft off is taking place there now because it is usually less than 18" deep but is now about 36". You could camp back in there too but my opinion is the water is a little too close to body temp from all of the partying going on that I'll pass, if swimming is on the agenda, if you get my drift. For reference google Raft off.

Some more info

http://www.lakestclair.net

Other places to think about

Clinton River Boat Club, has transient docks for non-members(I think)

The Old Club, BIG $ but if you already have a yacht club affiliation it is the place to be. Google it.

Idle Hour Yacht Club, Bar, hotel, etc.

South Channel Yacht Club. Not really a yacht club, slipped my boat there one year 4 yrs ago. Have a lot of slips, water is pristine. Super nice people.

MacRay Harbor. May have some transient docking, big $ though.

Metro Beach, now called Lake St. Clair Metro Park, may be full though already and is a 30 minute boat ride to Algonac.

Gull Island for the brave, rough none sanctioned camping is common(open man made island federal property, no issues with trespass)

Alan, look us up, we'll help you out, with fuel locations, etc.

[kevinv123]

Another thought, Launch locations. Harley Ensign DNR Memorial Boat Launch is the best place to launch a large boat like ours. I launch/retrieve there every season.

[alanmoor]

I got nervous (no marinas have called me back yet) and grabbed a camping spot for Friday night at the State Park. We'll probably show up about dark on Friday night and I'm not crazy about boating a long ways in unfamiliar (shallow) waters in the dark anyway. Our plan is to boat around the south end of the river Saturday, then trailer up to Port Huron where I'm hoping to get a slip at Bridge Harbour Marina (unless you can make a better recommendation) for Saturday and Sunday nights, exploring the north end and hopefully cruising out in the "big water". My friends are staying at Algonac State Park Friday and Saturday nigths and Lakeport Campground Monday night.

I was going to launch at the DNR ramp by the Algonac Harbour Club to be close to where I think we'll spend most of our time cruising Saturday. Do you think that will work? It looks like there's one just south of Marine City/Belle River as well.

I've found I don't need a steep ramp to launch/retrieve but of course it has to be long enough that the wheels don't drop off the end (never had that happen). The ramp I put in at our lake isn't steep and I'm able to winch it on the trailer without getting the back tires of the truck wet.

[kevinv123]

I've launched my Contessa once at Algonac 4 year's ago. It was iffy but the biggest difference now is the water is up 18+ inches since then. Should be no issues now in that regard.

St. Clair marina in St. Clair (south of Port Huron) has a great ramp and marina too. Tough to get into though without reservations. Check now. Very clean, large slips, gas docks, etc. Excellent walleye fishing 1 mile south of the river outlet.

Unfamiliar with launches in Marine City or Marysville.

I have driven my boat from LSC to Port Huron almost to Lakeport but have no experience with any marinas beyond St. Clair.