Jolly Island Mark Island navigation

[Grove84]

Had a great afternoon on the lake yesterday and decided to navigate a new section of the lake for me. Was heading back from hole in the wall and decided to navigate Jolly Island - Mark Island back to govenors. Was following my chart and comparing it to the GPS on the boat. Then encountered the seam in my Bizer map. I relied on the GPS and the compass in reference to the markers and followed another boat which I try and avoid . While the outcome was positive and I learned a new portion of the lake after being on The big lake for 15 years. I am looking to locate a map that I can study this navigation route to become more comfortable with it,assistance is appreciated

[Descant]

By "seam" in the chart, I expect you have a laminated chart. Usually easy to use. Like many other safety items, it is good to carry multiples on board. So, a laminated chart for gusts to look at, and a paper fold chart to use for navigation. Or a back up when one blows overboard soaks up your coffee, whatever.

For me, the area at the south end of Bear Islands, Jolly, and Mark, has mostly deep water and lot of boats go through the wrong way and have no problems.
Again, mostly, thew water is navigable closer to the islands with a rise in the middle marked by buoys.

I think of it this way: the "Bear" goes to Camp Lawrence, close to shore. The "Sophie C" goes to Jolly Island, close to the main "mail" dock, both good passage. Off the north end of Mark Is. there is plenty of water and you can go between Mark and Mink if you like, at headway speed. Be careful of the markers at the south end of that passage, but mostly, no problem.

[Phantom]

Till you get a non-laminated Chart ..... perhaps this will help


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[Dave R]

I love going through new (to me) marked navigable areas like you did and try not to rely on the same route all the time. Eventually you will run out though; I'm pretty sure I have (for my boat's draft anyway)...

[Grove84]

Phantom thank you. My adventure days are usually solo and during the the week so I can go slow enjoy it without the stress of the 1st mate being on board. Thanks for the assist Phantom have a great 4th

[Rich]

You can also use the Navionics to plan routes right from your home PC:

https://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en#boating@12&key=cngiG%7CbvrL

Then you can scroll around, zoom in/out, etc. Just like a chart plotter!

[Phantom]

Grove --

I have added in some additional "red lines" that will show other areas with plenty of navigable water that might no be so apparent when riding along...

You also have to try going through the "No Wake Zone" between Mink & Mark Islands --- kinda a neat little break up to a trip ..... sorta like Sally's gut

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[Barney Bear]

One of our favorite "side trips". At the north end of the passage, the wide area of rock ledge off of Mink Island is now well marked. There are several boulders along the east side of Mark Island that one should be aware of, particularly when the water level lowers. There may be white water lilies located next to shore at the south end of Mark Island. Enjoy!!! 🐻

[Mink Islander]

Lots of folks misread the three markers here. Provides plenty of entertainment from our porch on Mink. Some unfamiliar boats come to screeching halts when they see the three buoys and putter around trying to divine what they should do. Many assume the three buoys mark a shallow area and go around all three to the South. I see some apparent "regulars" make a concerted effort when coming from the North to swing around all the buoys to the South, blissfully unaware that they are actually travelling outside the marked channel.

It's true that there is plenty of deep water in all directions there so even if you get it wrong, you won't risk prop damage. But.... There is a real ledge on the North side of the markers. In periods of low water levels I suspect a deeper drafting large boat might be at risk there.

There are quite a few large boulders strewn about to the north of Mink. At least one I can stand on with my head above water so roughly six feet below the surface. None that are a nav hazard that I'm aware of.

[Phantom]

are you referring to the markers in the NWZ between Mark & Mink ?

Or South side of Mark above Timber NE corner

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[codeman671]

are you referring to the markers in the NWZ between Mark & Mink ?

Or South side of Mark above Timber NE corner

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Southern tip of Bear near FL30.

[Grove84]

First big thank you for the navigation tips for this area of the lake Phantom got that waterproof paper chart and with your insights. Now ready for that next adventure on the lake without the first mate😀. Had my 21 year old daughter up for the fourth with her 8 girl friends and they loved the lake and what we were able to share from our prior 15 years of adventures topped
Off by the bald eagles and fireworks . Thank you alll for paying
your knowledge forward. Grove

[Phantom]

(8) 21 one year old girls in your boat & you didn't invite ME !!

How dare you say thanks for "paying it forward" !! :D :D


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[Grove84]

Life is funny that way , we kept getting followed to sand bars to 😀