Respect for the largeness of Lake Superior
Float Plan
Navigating The Apostle Islands Requires good planning and respect for the Largness of Lake Superior. I will let this park sign of the famous Fisherman Julian Nelson Quote: "The Lake is The Boss."
At CB-Boats.com we go over a chart, the weather, and you show us a float plan (draw a line over a chart). We are fair weather boaters and only let the boats go out in optimal conditions, and we reserve the right to cancel any rental at anytime.
Safety is our #1 priority please make no jokes about it.
What are some places we might go?
Madeline Island: A Must-Visit Boating Destination
The largest of the Apostle Islands and the only one with a town (La Pointe), Madeline Island is a fantastic spot to explore by boat. It offers:
- Public docks & a full-service marina
- Restaurants, bars & a coffee shop
- A museum & local attractions
Whether you're docking for a meal, sightseeing, or just soaking in the island vibe, Madeline Island has someth
Exploring the Apostle Islands
Planning an adventure into the Apostle Islands? Keep in mind—they’re vast!
For a more sheltered experience, stay between Washburn, Raspberry Island, and Stockton Island, where the middle islands provide modest protection from the open lake. Along the way, you’ll find:
- Lighthouses & National Park Service docks
- Dramatic cliffs & sea caves
- Beautiful, secluded beaches
There’s
Devil's Island: The Crown Jewel of the Apostle Islands
Home to the most famous sea caves, Devil's Island is a must-visit for boaters. On calm days, navigating its stunning rock formations is an unforgettable experience.
If conditions are rough, consider exploring Stockton Island or other sheltered spots instead.
Hazards
Is Every Rock Marked?
Navigation buoys mark the 27-foot deep channel for large ships, but once you get near shore, not every rock is marked. In fact, remnants of old industrial sites—like the Basswood Quarry Dock pictured—still exist in the water.
Most of these hazards are on charts, which is why we review a Float Plan before every trip. However, the best navigation tool in shallow water is your own eyes. Lake Superior’s water clarity often lets you see the bottom, giving you a better sense of depth than any color GPS, which only shows depth directly below you.
My dad always had me posted on the bow when entering unfamiliar waters—stay alert, use your eyes, and boat smart!
West End
We launch at Washburn Marina, which offers a great ramp and facilities for a smooth start to your trip.
West End Park is nearby and where we launch the Jet Boat. The small island there is artificial, built from an old sawmill, and underwater pilings from its industrial past remain throughout the area. The picture next to this shows part of that history.
Someday, I’d love to mark these pilings with reflectors or create a buoy path, but for now, Washburn Marina remains the safest and best launch option. Unless you rent the Jet Boat which I would rather keep out of the Marina.
Water Clarity
Navigating Lake Superior: Water Clarity & Safety
One of the best things about Lake Superior is its exceptional water clarity—you can often see straight to the bottom! This makes it easy to judge depth, but also highlights why caution is key when approaching new docks or beaches.
Not every rock is marked—in fact, most aren’t. Growing up, my dad always had me on lookout at the bow when entering unfamiliar waters. The best navigation tools include:
- Charts & GPS – Essential for planning routes.
- Local Knowledge – Insights from experienced boaters matter.
- Your Own Eyes – The most important tool of all!
Always stay alert, be observant, and use your eyes to avoid hazards. Safe boating starts with awareness!