Is a 310BR big enough for Lake Michigan......Looking forward to your experiences....


J

jim4

New member
Greetings,

We are in North West Michigan, on Portage Lake that accesses Lake Michigan.

Our 23ft bowrider allows access to the big lake under idea condition only. Taking a day trip to Frankfort in the morning works, on the way back at the end of the day is another story...slight chop (or worst heavier waves) make it a tough ride back!

After looking across the marketplace we are learning towards a Formula 310BR.

Realizing that there may be no boat big enough for the lake, I'd like to get your experience's and thoughts you have with similar sized boats.

Just would like to manage our expectation prior to pulling the trigger on this beautiful boat.

Look forward to your replies...

Best,

Jim
 
Congrats on the 8ft -itis[emoji106]. It sounds like you have enough experience to know it can never be big enough boat out there. I guess the question is how much time will be spend on the inland water vs out on LM.
I think in general, people that intend to boat mostly on the big lake opt for closed bow designs.
 
PJ,

Since I have a cottage, no need for closed bow from our perspective.

Having "two lake" access, we want to take advantage of the Big Lake....hence looking at the bigger boat.

Seems many are opting for Tri-toons to hang out on the lake, in calm waters still have the option to head out to the larger body of water.

SabrToothSq....video, good times, not sure how rough the water gets on the bay....

Look forward to hearing from others...

Best,

Jim
 
average calm day on the bay has 1-2 foot chop. wind can easily make it 4-6 in a heart beat. storms can go 6-8 foot...

video was doing about 40mph in 4 footers. i wanted a boat where I didn't have to slow down for chop. the 31 is heavier and wider than my 292, so I think you'd be even more solid.
 
The wave action in Lake Michigan will be much different than what we have the Chesapeake Bay, more like in the ocean where there are swells.
 
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I have had two bow riders on Lake Michigan: a SR 300SLX (about the same dimensions as the 310BR) and a Formula 350CBR. I did non-stop runs with the 300SLX from Chicago to Saugatuck (90 miles) and New Buffalo (45 miles) a few times; with the 350CBR, I tested its range and went from Chicago to Ludington (155 miles) non-stop. Fun fact: a boat's hull has everything to do with how it handles rough seas, not whether its bow has seats or a fiberglass cap.

First, recognize that even a 70' boat on Lake Michigan can find itself in rather ugly situations. By definition it is an inland lake, but it behaves nothing like the 95% of others with that shared moniker.

I do believe the 23' > 31' jump would make a noticeable difference in the ride through the annoying chop that can develop on Lake Michigan. You're presumably gaining a few thousand pounds, a wider beam, and perhaps a sharper deadrise (Formula's signature) -- all of these factors contribute to the vessel's seaworthiness.

The real key to comfortable lake boating is knowing the wind forecast--because that's the only reason Lake Michigan even has waves. Even with my 40' diesel cruiser, if I am contemplating a trip that will require a lengthy run into solid 15mph winds, I know those will build to 2'-3', and even water that size will make 50'-55' cruisers bump a bit.

Unfortunately, Portage Lake is in an area where its access to Lake Michigan has very few protected areas for anchoring. (Although very fortunately, you still can use Portage Lake when the winds are whipping the big lake around.)
 
FastMarkA...Much Thanks for your thoughts

The move to a larger boat will definatley help and the hull to your point...which is why I'm drawn to the Formula.

I just want to insure I'm managing my expectations, insuring the expense (can't use the word "investment" when speaking about boats) will result in a great experience!

If just boating on Portage Lake, really don't need a boat like this......seems the trend on the lake like many others is to opt for a Tritoon which not sure I'm ready for that yet!
 
From my experience with the 350CBR on Lake Michigan:

0' waves = bliss
1' waves = a few bumps but usually not a big deal
2' waves = pretty tough to drink from a cup while in motion without getting splashed and gets uncomfortable after a while
3' waves = no feeling of insecurity, but not enjoyable
4' waves = only travel in this unless you have to; you'll get back, but passengers will tell stories and group-think will make it okay to call them 8' waves

Even though the 350 is a bit heavier than the 310, I would imagine this rubric would still apply.

And rarely, if ever, does the Lake kick up from 0' to 3' without some kind of significant weather system in the forecast. So if you're mindful of the weather and plan accordingly, you can avoid those ugly moments on the water.
 
I went from a 1988 23' SR to a 2007 Formula 280ss in June of last year. The vast majority of our boating is done on the St Lawrence River in NY. We also did a 30 mile run (1-way) in Lake Ontario this past September. Our 5' jump was significant in ride quality and handling. The 280 will still pound, but between the weight, deadrise, and large trim tabs it is very manageable. Also, going from a single 350 and Alpha Drive to a twin 350 MAG and Bravo 3's makes "working" the waves significantly less stressful. Our Lake Ontario run heading home was in some decent rollers typical of the big lakes. I just had to back off from 30mph down to the low 20's and it was perfectly manageable. My 5 year old daughter was asleep on the back seat and never woke up.

I think you'd love the upgrade!
 
FastMarkA said:
I have had two bow riders on Lake Michigan: a SR 300SLX (about the same dimensions as the 310BR) and a Formula 350CBR. I did non-stop runs with the 300SLX from Chicago to Saugatuck (90 miles) and New Buffalo (45 miles) a few times; with the 350CBR, I tested its range and went from Chicago to Ludington (155 miles) non-stop. Fun fact: a boat's hull has everything to do with how it handles rough seas, not whether its bow has seats or a fiberglass cap.

First, recognize that even a 70' boat on Lake Michigan can find itself in rather ugly situations. By definition it is an inland lake, but it behaves nothing like the 95% of others with that shared moniker.

I do believe the 23' > 31' jump would make a noticeable difference in the ride through the annoying chop that can develop on Lake Michigan. You're presumably gaining a few thousand pounds, a wider beam, and perhaps a sharper deadrise (Formula's signature) -- all of these factors contribute to the vessel's seaworthiness.

The real key to comfortable lake boating is knowing the wind forecast--because that's the only reason Lake Michigan even has waves. Even with my 40' diesel cruiser, if I am contemplating a trip that will require a lengthy run into solid 15mph winds, I know those will build to 2'-3', and even water that size will make 50'-55' cruisers bump a bit.

Unfortunately, Portage Lake is in an area where its access to Lake Michigan has very few protected areas for anchoring. (Although very fortunately, you still can use Portage Lake when the winds are whipping the big lake around.)
Click to expand...

I'll do a long trip in 2-3' waves in my 40PC as long as I am goin with them or into them, broadside is not fun. I have done an hour in 6-7', but it was not fun until we got into the lee side of an island, where it dropped to 1'. :cool:

That being said a 31' boat, especially the 31BR will be a lot better than your current boat for what you are looking to do. You still need to be aware of the weather conditions and monitor your radio.
 
eric_b said:
I'll do a long trip in 2-3' waves in my 40PC as long as I am goin with them or into them, broadside is not fun.
Click to expand...

I would agree, although after ~3 hours of going into 2'-3' seas (and I mean "real" 2'-3' seas per NOAA buoy readings and not some guy who just did a quick victory lap in a 25' boat to say he was in "8 foot waves" :)), I'm over the smacking and the movement.

In those kinds of waves, even on a 40'-45' diesel, it's hard for liquid not to splash your face while drinking. It's certainly doable and safe, just not incredibly enjoyable.

Last year when I put my boat away, I had very strong south winds, and I was going west to east. Waves weren't big, but the gusts were strong, and my autopilot wanted to murder me.
 
I’ve found on LM ideal conditions call for s/sw winds. Many trips from Portage In to Chi town on an my old 88 NovaIII 28’ t/350’s. The min they changed... quickly.... to w/nw it became a bit treacherous. A lot of my friends up there- from Burns Harbor to GH don’t run anything less than a 35 w twins for control. However if you’re mostly inland and a few jaunts into the great wide open a 31 oughta fit the bill. Just keep passengers off the bow seats if ol girl switches gears on ya
 
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