Traverse Bay Dockage Availability

[so34chi]

We are contemplating retiring to the Traverse Bay area in a few years. It appears that there are no seasonal slips available anywhere on the Bay itself and, not surprisingly, no better at Charlevoix/Petoskey/Harbor Springs. Can't find much info on mooring balls. What does one do? Keep the boat far away until one has sufficient seniority on the various waiting lists?

[LakeSuperior]

Consider retiring in a different town than crowded, high tourist density, over-rated TC. Not surprising there are no slips available. Consider Alpena on Thunder Bay or Rogers City with access to the Straits or the North Channel or Lake Superior in the UP with access to Isle Royale and the Canadian North Shore. TC is limited IMHO.

[so34chi]

Yeah, I hear you. We love the Les Cheneaux but haven't yet gotten to the North Channel. Circumnavigating Superior is definitely on the agenda.

The Admiral is creating pottery as her retirement avocation, so she wants to be near the tourists to peddle her art. And I don't expect to fully retire, which necessitates a useful airport in reasonable proximity (e.g., TC).

Frankfort appears to be an available & affordable alternative, though bay sailing when the Big Lake is too rough doesn't happen. OTOH, it's a reasonable crossing to Door County and Green Bay, plus the Bays de Noc. Cheboygan might be an option, but Alpena & Rogers City are likely too far off from the tourist traffic. And the air service issue.

[serenitytc]

While the waiting lists are long for the municipal marinas in the area, it is definitely possible to find a slip for the season. Check CL in the spring and you will see many listings for leases of private docks at places like Harbor West and Bowers Harbor. Expect to pay anywhere between 2500-3500 for the season. 30' slips at Harbor West, a private marina, are frequently listed for sale in the 25k to 35k range. Most, if not all moorings outside of the marinas are pirated.


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[so34chi]

We need 40', would that significantly limit our choices? We are familiar with the location and amenities of Harbor West ... what's the best way of monitoring slip sale offers there?

[serenitytc]

There is a realtor/broker that seems to get most of the listings for the slips at HW. I can't recall his name but PM me and I can find it for you. I don't know much about the slips in your size range but I do remember seeing a slip for sale in Bowers Harbor that could accommodate up to 50'. The drawback of Bowers Harbor, IMHO, is the location. It is out on Old Mission and isn't exactly a convenient drive. You could also check Centerpointe. Finally, there has been some talk about adding more dock space at Elmwood which could open up their waiting list.


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[No Salt]

Suttons Bay is another area to check out. Don't know if the municipal marina has a wait list or not. I'm on the wait list at Clinch in TC and currently have a slip in a private marina in Suttons. There are two of these private marina's associated with condo's just north of town. Northport is another option but a bit far from TC.

[continuouswave]

Originally Posted by No Salt

Northport is another option but a bit far from TC.

The wait for a seasonal slip at the Marsten Dames municipal marina in Northport, Michigan is said to presently be about 8-years. You really need to plan in advance for one of the municipal marina slips.