Anyone taking a yacht up to the Great Lakes this season; plans? route?

Any explanation for them not having fuel?

David, that is strange that they both don't have fuel. I guess us who don't carry as much could run down to Polestar or Port Charles before getting into the Illinois and making the journey back to Chicago. Thanks for the heads up. Looks like your making pretty good time.

I always recommend Barkley Lock for recreational. So much faster and fewer issues. Plus it allows you to utilize Green Turtle Bay and, in cases where needed, get barrels there. Every day I've checked, Kentucky Lock has had lots of commercial traffic and long delays.

Three of my favorite stops between where you are, Capt J, and Kentucky Lake are the Friends Cemetery in Columbus, MS aka the land that time forgot, Lee Spry Marine in Iuka, MS -- Lee has always treated me well when I needed to be hauled out for repairs, and Clifton Marina in Clifton, TN where owner Gene Davidson pulled out a bottle of Makers and told me some tall tales about his life while I was getting fuel. Like Gene, Lee is also in his 80's and had a lot of rich life stories to share as we were hauling my props to the prop shop out in the country. Very memorable.

You will likely start seeing more current and debris. We've had nearly 5" of rain in the last 48 hours here in Chicago. Our boat is still on the hard waiting for the new props we ordered, however speaking with friends in Milwaukee where we keep it part of the time, there is a lot debris flowing out in Lake MI as well.

Max

This is his Captain speaking.

We’re looking at about a 6MPH current at present.

That's all? Holy cow!

Hmmm...Haul out , props, and running gear...keep saying that while on the helm and invert the 21 to 12 or less knots..no need for a long haul out and repair.

Hi all .great updates from all the captains and owners .it looks like we will be leaving west Palm early June following your route as the Erie is to unpredictable.

What charts and publications do you guys recommend ?.
We have all the electronic charts but want to carry cruising guide etc .whats a must?

As soon as we get to the lakes that’s easy been there for many years

Check your electronic charts to make sure they provide sufficient detail on the Mississippi as some don’t. I personally like Navionics and am getter more/better info on my iPhone than I am the dedicated Garmin’s.

LOTS of missing markers on the Tenn-Tom and Mississippi, but run the rivers like they’re there. I’ve seen several doing the submarine thing. One minute they’re there, the next there’s not even a ripple in the water.

Thanks for the heads up Freebird. Spoke to some of the marinas in Illinois yesterday, and they were just above flood level, so it could be a little interesting on your way through there. Spoke with Grafton and Alton marinas, and no diesel Grafton, and Alton will only be during F-Sun due to restricted hours. Illinois Yacht Club has lots of fuel and East Port Marina said he can get fuel if you really need it, but doesn't have his fuel pumps up and running yet due to restrictions.

Good luck on the rivers, and thanks for the heads up. I've got my iPad loaded up with Navionics and the boat has SIMRAD on it. Planning on leaving Lauderdale on the 29th, so hopefully all of the rain in the Illiois / Ohio region has had time to recede by the time I get up there.

We’ll top off at Polestar or Port Charles. That’ll be plenty to make Racine. Alton only had 4’ of water the other day, but that may no longer be the case.

Made the call to short stop at Hoppies (ETA noon) as it was extremely doubtful we could make Polestar before dark running into this current. Hate to lose the time, but it’s no man’s land if the locks are unkind.

Our biggest obstacle is going to be removing this arch to clear the bridge in Chicago. Outside that, we’ll be good anchoring should it come to that.