Hi guys, take it easy on me if this is a stupid question but.......
Last summer I picked up a new to me 1999 Wilker Galaxie 17. Got it outfitted just as I want it for the way I like to fish, which is 90% Lake O/Erie trolling. Coming from a 15’ aluminum, I’m loving it for that kind of fishing. The only thing I missed out on last summer was a weekend or two at the Massassauga PP. Anyone who’s camped in the islands at the Massassauga know that 80% of the sites would be out of the question for any larger aluminium or fiberglass boats (IMO), most of them are suited for smaller aluminums or canoes with rocky landings. There are, however, a handful of nice sites with gentle beach landings. I’ve still never seen anyone in a heavier fiberglass boat at any of these sites, for as long as my memory serves me anyways.
Of course I’ve seen much bigger and heavier boats at anchor at Pottahawk or Turkey Point beach, etc. But would I be stupid to try and actually put a 17’ fiberglass up on a beach and tie off to land like I did with the aluminum? Or should I stick to anchoring in shallow water? I’m not so concerned about the keel/hull on a soft bottom, more about getting the damn thing up off the beach and moving with just myself and the wife for example. I missed the Mass a lot last summer, but canoeing doesn’t do it for me either. Cabin fever is setting in already and I’m trying to weigh my options for this summer coming up.
Hope my question makes sense, thanks fellas and stay safe.
Last summer I picked up a new to me 1999 Wilker Galaxie 17. Got it outfitted just as I want it for the way I like to fish, which is 90% Lake O/Erie trolling. Coming from a 15’ aluminum, I’m loving it for that kind of fishing. The only thing I missed out on last summer was a weekend or two at the Massassauga PP. Anyone who’s camped in the islands at the Massassauga know that 80% of the sites would be out of the question for any larger aluminium or fiberglass boats (IMO), most of them are suited for smaller aluminums or canoes with rocky landings. There are, however, a handful of nice sites with gentle beach landings. I’ve still never seen anyone in a heavier fiberglass boat at any of these sites, for as long as my memory serves me anyways.
Of course I’ve seen much bigger and heavier boats at anchor at Pottahawk or Turkey Point beach, etc. But would I be stupid to try and actually put a 17’ fiberglass up on a beach and tie off to land like I did with the aluminum? Or should I stick to anchoring in shallow water? I’m not so concerned about the keel/hull on a soft bottom, more about getting the damn thing up off the beach and moving with just myself and the wife for example. I missed the Mass a lot last summer, but canoeing doesn’t do it for me either. Cabin fever is setting in already and I’m trying to weigh my options for this summer coming up.
Hope my question makes sense, thanks fellas and stay safe.