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Mink Islander · 08-04-2021, 08:46 AM

1). Parking at Sheps (Goodhue Meredith). The public parking fills up early during the peak season…. I came in last Thursday PM and there wasn’t an open spot anywhere. Not sure what advice Sheps provides boat renters. There is parking on the right side along the fence for Shep’s customers. Often you can find a spot there.

2). Where to tube/what to do…. As you exit Shep’s, you’re facing Bear Island. If you head east you can work your way over to Mark and Mink Island. There’s a channel between the two islands (no wake please) that is pretty popular to cruise through. If you keep heading east, go between Camp and Jolly Islands towards the Broads. The area to the east of Jolly (Steamboat Island to your north) is a pretty good place to tube on a busy Saturday provided it’s not really windy. That’s where I usually go. It’s tucked away from main boat thoroughfares so easier. Not that you won’t have other boats to deal with, but the islands help reduce the volume/direction they can approach from.

Or go over to the north side of Bear Island. The area in the middle there (near Camp Lawrence) is also out of the way of major traffic and big enough that you can have fun and stay far away from the shore.

3) Beware the Witches! Use a chart. Stay north of Timber Island.

4) The water is very high for this time of the year. If you’re tubing, stay well beyond 150 feet from shore (the legal minimum). Excessive boat wakes can cause dock and shore damage right now.

5). Know how to interpret the markers — it’s actually pretty important. Easy to remember: Stay south and west of Red tops (South and West = SouthWest = Hot/Red). Stay North and East of Black Tops. If you are unsure where you are but see a light buoy, find its number on the chart.

6) put the Navionics app on your phone and download the Winni map.

7). Bring a phone charger. Most newer boats have USB ports.

Enjoy!

08-04-2021, 08:46 AM	#22
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	A few other thoughts. 1). Parking at Sheps (Goodhue Meredith). The public parking fills up early during the peak season…. I came in last Thursday PM and there wasn’t an open spot anywhere. Not sure what advice Sheps provides boat renters. There is parking on the right side along the fence for Shep’s customers. Often you can find a spot there. 2). Where to tube/what to do…. As you exit Shep’s, you’re facing Bear Island. If you head east you can work your way over to Mark and Mink Island. There’s a channel between the two islands (no wake please) that is pretty popular to cruise through. If you keep heading east, go between Camp and Jolly Islands towards the Broads. The area to the east of Jolly (Steamboat Island to your north) is a pretty good place to tube on a busy Saturday provided it’s not really windy. That’s where I usually go. It’s tucked away from main boat thoroughfares so easier. Not that you won’t have other boats to deal with, but the islands help reduce the volume/direction they can approach from. Or go over to the north side of Bear Island. The area in the middle there (near Camp Lawrence) is also out of the way of major traffic and big enough that you can have fun and stay far away from the shore. 3) Beware the Witches! Use a chart. Stay north of Timber Island. 4) The water is very high for this time of the year. If you’re tubing, stay well beyond 150 feet from shore (the legal minimum). Excessive boat wakes can cause dock and shore damage right now. 5). Know how to interpret the markers — it’s actually pretty important. Easy to remember: Stay south and west of Red tops (South and West = SouthWest = Hot/Red). Stay North and East of Black Tops. If you are unsure where you are but see a light buoy, find its number on the chart. 6) put the Navionics app on your phone and download the Winni map. 7). Bring a phone charger. Most newer boats have USB ports. Enjoy!