Boat to handle shallow river and Lake Michigan?

Question

I am looking to buy a boat that I can take from a new dock on an inland river from Lake Michigan. At some points, the river goes below 2 feet deep, so I have been told to buy a jet boat (Yamaha or SeaDoo). However, I occasionally would like to go out onto Lake Michigan for short trips closer to shore and was told that jet boats cannot really handle the waves of Lake Michigan. What can I do? Thanks!

Answer 1

Adam,  I suggest going to some of the area boat dealers on Lake Michigan near the river. I'm sure there will be several. They will be able to tell you more about what you can safely use in both types of water.

From my experience, the wider the beam the more stable in rough water.

Answer 2

You do not need a jet boat.  Any boat with a 2 foot draft will do.  You can raise an outboard in the shallow spots.  The sticking part will be to find a 2 foot draft boat that will handle lake Michigan in all but the calmest days.  A jet boat or any boat that will fill your river needs will be able to be used on Lake MI only on good days.  There are a lot of good days in the summer.  Fall and spring are rougher and will not present as many opportunities.

Answer 3

A jon boat. Like the ones in Alaska. They have a flat bottom. They have them everywhere there cause of the water depth difference. We used them all the time and loved it.