baddogz28

I've decided to err on the side of caution this weekend with the new rig and try to launch it on a smaller body of water that's hopefully within an hour or so of the western burbs.

Wanna get a feel for properly launching and then loading the boat onto the trailer, piloting the boat, and generally getting my **** together before putting this thing in the big water. I'd rather get that down pat on a smaller lake than make any dumb mistakes on a lake like Michigan with its diminished margin for error and novice boating.

Any ideas are appreciated, guys. Thanks in advance.

hammer01

I have used a lot of the launches all around lake michigan and several lakes around the Illinois area and I think if you are truly trying to launch, dock, maneuver, etc. the boat to get used to it, try Hammond or East Chicago. They all have 2-4 lanes for launching and I do not think it will be that much easier to practice on a smaller lake. Check the water conditions before you go and I think it will give you more room and space to get used to it. Too many people get intimidated by Lake Michigan that is very boater friendly if you do your homework and watch the weather. Be careful if you use some of the smaller lakes or even the chain of lakes because they enter into low depth issues and more boat traffic in a more condensed area. Congrats on the new ride. Hammer

Magic Medicine

Exactly what he said.

nmogren

Surprisingly the lake michigan lauches (not downtown chicago) are less busy that the smaller lakes. There is usually tumbleweed blowing through some of the kenosha, racine, milwaukee, hammond launches. Lake geneva, chain lakes, get ready to get yelled at, and you will probably feel REALLY stressed (considering what weekend it is) if you're looking for practice. Go to the big lake, launch that boat and have fun.

Jamie B.

Maybe you said it somewhere but I missed it, whats your tow vehicle ?

MILD THUNDER

I agree. Chris, as long as the lake is calm, its the BEST place to practice. You will have all the room in the world. If you were to go up to the chain, you wont get to know the new boat, because you will be watching to make sure you dont hit someone, somthing, etc. Those lakes get very crowded, especially a holiday weekend like this. Not to mention if you are not familiar with the chain, you will destroy your props, or even worse, drives. There are lots of unmarked danger zones. The ramp at east chicago is plenty wide.

sommerfliesby

East Chicago's ramp is your best bet...LOTS of room to manuver, you are, however, limited to using the two sides of the longest pier...if you try to use the shorter piers, by the time you back down far enough, you can't get in your boat! With the predicted warm temps (knock on wood!), it'll most likely be a south/southwest wind, which means FLAT conditions. Also, remember, you've got two engines...USUALLY this means you CAN get back to shore!

Launching tips: If you've got a pickup, drop the tailgate, WAY easier to see. Also, take your time...don't panic! Try to go when there's a lull in traffic...DO NOT go super early...the fishermen are merciless (I launched at LOTO two years ago when a bunch came in, and one almost hit me and my boat...f'r didn't even blink, just took off). Always start the boat when you are still on the trailer(IN THE WATER!!!)...nothing worse than seeing some dude drop their ride and pull away only to come back and find it won't start.

Good luck...and try to remember..this is FUN!

obnoxus

add one tip,,,, make sure your tailgate clears the trailer before you drop it !!!!!!

baddogz28

Thanks for the tips guys.

I don't own a tow vehicle myself, Jamie... I'll probably borrow my cousin's F250. If that doesn't pan out, I'm in the car business... Me or one of my friends in the business will borrow something heavy duty from work.

sommerfliesby

Damn dude...you sound just like me when I bought my first ride! I didn't have a truck either...borrowed a friend's brother's F250. I ended up finding a 1979 GMC dually with a newer 350 for like $3500...just used it to haul the boat.