Hull for Great Lakes

[SBNDom]

Looking for my first boat 30’-36’ cruiser for southern Lake Michigan. Only intend to cruise relatively short distances to start 30-40 nm. Is the a manufacturer/hull that I, a relative novice boater, should look for? Thank you

[siamese]

I sail Southern Lake Michigan out of Muskegon. Monohulls predominate here. The steep waves, with small spaces between them that we have on the lake tend to favor a monohull's ability to punch through them.

Aside from that, we see all sorts of monohulls here. Most popular are Catalina, Hunter, Beneteau...the usual suspects.

The lake doesn't really favor any particular monohull, so your options are varied.

[sesmith]

Find one you want to sail and spend time on. Then find the best one you can at a price you want to pay and get it surveyed so you minimize surprises. We can all recommend what we sail but you have to find one that fits your use. Doesn't matter the brand. Also, it probably won't be your last boat and next time you'll have a better idea of exactly what you want.

For what it's worth our 3rd sailboat after many power boats is a Catalina 350, and we sail it all over Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan.

Edit: just noticed you may be looking for power not sail. Same thing applies, though sailing is more fun. :-)

[Mike OReilly]

You should spend a lot more time walking the docks in your area. There are hundreds of designs, and thousands of boat, that would meet your limited needs. Clearly, you need to refine this a lot.

Or just get a boat that is available, that is in good shape (get a good survey), and is a good price. Sail this baby for a few seasons. Then you’ll know what you really need and want.

[SY Harmony]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

You should spend a lot more time walking the docks in your area. There are hundreds of designs, and thousands of boat, that would meet your limited needs. Clearly, you need to refine this a lot.

Or just get a boat that is available, that is in good shape (get a good survey), and is a good price. Sail this baby for a few seasons. Then you’ll know what you really need and want.

And get the one that speaks to you.

[valhalla360]

Any boat suitable for the same type of cruising out of a salt water port will be fine.

Only real difference is you will find a lot of raw water cooled engines and a lot less corrosion on great lakes boats.

Multi hulls do just fine.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by SY Harmony

And get the one that speaks to you.

Agreed. Some folks here will tell you to separate your head from your heart when choosing a boat. But if your heart doesn't go 'pitter-patter a little bit more when you look at 'your' boat, then you've chosen the wrong boat.