Auburn, MI

[nickmerc]

I am looking into a new job in the Auburn Michigan area. What are some decent marinas to look at in the southern Saginaw Bay? I found plenty that cater to fishermen, but not many mention sailboats. Would appreciate some local help.

Thanks,
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Vaporizer volcano

[jjablonowski]

You might find something on ActiveCaptain - The Interactive Cruising Guidebook - Marina Reviews, Fuel Prices, Anchorages

[sailortjk1]

That might be because the bay is very shallow.
I can understand the attraction to fishing / power boats.

[tomandchris]

Tim is so right that Saginaw Bay is shallow. However, there are lots of sails in the Bay. I would probably recommend that you do a search for clubs and marinas in Caseville as there are quite a few there.

Even sailing out of Caseville you can go miles and not see much over 20' of water. Just the nature of the bay. I have found that rates are very reasonable in that area compared to the western side of the state.

[nickmerc]

I found some decent places in Caseville. The only issue I have is I will be living/working almost 2.5 hours away. That's why I was interested in the southern part of the Bay.

As for shallow water I currently sail the Chesapeake Bay. I think the average depth is around 25'. I am routinely in 10-20 feet of water.

jj, thanks for the active captain tip.
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legendaryTScums cam

[sailortjk1]

These guys are one of the major players in Bay City....
I spent a couple of weekends there on a friends boat.

Bay Harbor Marina | Kelly Marine Sales

[tomandchris]

Sailing the Chesapeake you will be used to the depth. Lake Huron is great sailing grounds.

So, I assume that you are referring to Auburn Hills and not Auburn. Auburn is between Bay City and Midland, Auburn Hills near Pontiac. You would go up two lanes to Caseville from Auburn Hills and it is about 100 miles or two hours. Not much farther than Bay City, and in Bay City you will have to motor out quite a ways to get good sailing.

If you want to be able to get to the boat quicker then Port Huron and Sarnia could be your answer. Sarnia would mean crossing into Canada, but not really a big issue as long as you have the proper documentation. The last I heard they had slips available. Again, going north, you have great cruising grounds and can enjoy the party for Bayview Yacht Clubs race to Mackinac.

Lots of places on Lake Ste. Claire as well.

Good Luck

[sailortjk1]

I'm so confused!
yep, if in fact it is Auburn Hills than L St. Clair would be the better choice.

[nickmerc]

It is Auburn, near Bay City. I was looking at the charts there and wow, lots of motoring to get out of Bay City.
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Peak Towers Condo

[tomandchris]

That is the problem with the lower bay, lots of motoring out and lots of that no wake. Spend your time in the car or slowly motoring out.

As you are that far north it is really not far to Caseville, which I think is your best bet as far as marinas and clubs are concerned. Caseville is maybe and hour and a half at most. Other options, but not sure of permanent slips available in either, are AuGres and East Tawas, which are an hour and a hour and a half respectively from Auburn.

Good Luck