The Surrounding Lake

The south shore of Lake Erie east of Presque Isle.

Once past the distinctive black and white striped square lighthouse and out on the lake proper, you'll feel like you've entered a larger bay as there will seem to be land on three sides of you. To the west and north is a long stretch of sandy beach that curves outward to a point that marks the eastern end of Presque Isle at Gull Point. Gull Point itself is off limits to the public during the summer months, so avoid landing there. But anywhere along the eastern shore is a great spot to drop anchor and swim ashore to enjoy the long expanse of sandy beach. Keep in mind that this is a public beach within the jurisdiction of the Presque Isle State Park and beaching is not allowed. Park regulations require boats to anchor a minimum of 100 feet offshore.

To the southwest is the Lampe Marina basin and the public launch ramp located within the breakwater there. As mentioned above, Lampe marina does not offer transient slips but a fuel dock and pumpout is available.

Erie is a working town, and huge commercial ships enter and leave the bay on a regular basis. Monitor channel 16 for the "security, security, security" announcements they make in advance of approaching the channel and, if you position yourself just outside the channel markers, it can be quite an experience to pass close alongside. Just be sure to stay outside the channel, as these monsters have virtually no room to maneuver and will have no choice but to crush both you and your boat if you carelessly cross their path. Even outside the channel, be prepared to get out of the way in a hurry if something goes wrong, as even these highly skilled professional seamen sometimes make a mistake and miss their mark.

Head northeast from the channel mouth and you'll quickly pass Gull Point and be in wide, open water. There's no landfall to the north for almost 25 miles, so you can either enjoy the freedom of the open water to the north or cruise along the coastline to the west and enjoy the view.

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