By NBOA
June 2, 2021
Why the great lakes?
Covering 94,000 sq. miles and accommodating 210,000 recreational boats, the Great Lakes certainly live up to their name. If you are planning a fun fishing trip with friends or a family boating adventure, there is no place like the “Boating Capital of the World."
Lake Huron
With easy access from Detroit and Windsor, Lake Huron is often a hotspot for fishermen or boaters out for a cruise. Everyone can enjoy the scenic nature of the limestone peninsula, fishing islands, and Mackinac Island, home to one of the world’s largest suspension bridges.
Lake Michigan
This hub for watersports is known as the windiest of the Great Lakes, making it ideal for windsurfing and parasailing. Underwater, divers can marvel at the abandoned ruins of wrecks and above water, you might enjoy catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
Lake Erie
Among the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie proves to be one of the best for fishing. As its waters are warm and shallow, Lake Erie is home to the greatest variety of fish and is wonderful for swimming, boating, and watersports.
Lake Ontario
Many have dubbed this lake a “playground” for recreational boating, although the coastline caters best to smaller watercraft. The large collection of marinas and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and St. Lawrence Seaways makes Lake Ontario easy and convenient to cruise the day away with friends, family, or your fur-babies.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest and most northern of the Great Lakes and has deep waters with cool temperatures. “Graveyard of the Great Lakes,” or “Shipwreck Coast” are fascinating locations for divers in the summer months. Boaters cannot help but adore this lake’s pure beauty, and adventure can be found nearby at Isle Royale National Park, which is only accessible by boat.
Boating in the Spring
High waves reaching over six feet, rip currents, and other dangerous conditions often occur in the Great Lakes, especially during the early spring. Ice storms and high winds are also common this time of year, even as the region experiences increasingly warmer and sunnier days. If you are unsure if it is a safe day for boating, it may be best to stay on land and enjoy another activity, like visiting a lakeside town or touring lighthouses.
Boat Safety Tips
All boats on the Great Lakes, especially sailboats, need to be on the lookout for jet skis, water skiers, and wakeboarders and pay close attention to wind predictions. Remember to brush up on basic boat safety and supply appropriate life jackets to everyone on board.
Protecting Your Boat
Aside from maintaining the cleanliness of your boat, keeping your watercraft protected from the conditions of the Great Lakes also means having the best boat insurance in Michigan. Here at NBOA, we make it easy to both purchase and protect your boat, with marine financing and NBOA membership benefits.