Lake Michigan Cruising

[Mark1948]

I am considering a larger boat for more than day sailing on Lake Michigan. General idea is sailing from Milwaukee across to Michigan and crusing the western shore also crusing up to Door County for a week or so with 2 to 4 people. Would, for example, a Catalina 30 or ODay 30 be reasonable considerations? I currently sail a Catalina 27 but it seems just a little tight for more than 2.

[MSN2Travelers]

Seems like a classic case of 2-foot-itis. Both boats would make a great weekender. However, four pax on a 30 footer for 7-14 days will be problematic. IMHO, the couple staying in the aft berth will get real tired of crawling into that tight space.

Save your bucks and get a bigger boat.

[kwaltersmi]

What's your budget?

The 30's you mentioned are certainly both capable of coastal cruising and a planned lake crossing. Comfort and accomadations are definately a person matter. We've cruised several thousand miles aboard a Irwin 28 with 4 aboard (2 adults, 2 children) and spend most of the summer living onboard. More space is almost always appreciated, but it comes to down to what you can afford and what you need.