[Reiver]

I grew up on Lake Michigan and the view from our picture windows was the lake. When I finally saw the ocean I was unimpressed...looks just like the lake.
The Great Lakes currents are totally wind driven and the problem for ships in storms is the rogue waves that come at you from odd directions....you can face into the prevailing wind/sea but not a guarantee you won't be hit abeam.
We'd scuba dive on wrecks in my teens. Lots of large vessels to choose from some from the 1800's. The Wheeler, 3 masted wooden schooner, is only at about 50 ft.
Cold water tho under 6 feet even in the dead of summer.