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Grant@Funco

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We have a large group going the last week of July. 24 RVs at Wahweap RV and a few more staying in the hotel. Approximately 19 boats. We are all experienced boaters. Havasu is home. It has been 15 plus years since I have been there. I'm the only one that has ever been and we did a houseboat.

I like to be prepared and since I'm the engineer of this trainwreck I want all passengers to make it off the ride in 1 Piece.

1) Radios .. we are all Glamis people as well so we have some VHF handhelds. VHF or UHF preferred for Powell.

2) If we bring our own Golfcarts can we use them to shuttle People and provisions to the Marina? We all have slips for the week.

3) I'm open to any and all suggestions of the top landmarks. Understanding that DR may or may not be open.

4) We are an adventurous group but we do plan on renting a few satellite phones in case of emergency.

5) Can I get a cliff note version of the QM deal. we have a wide variety of boats, Tritoons with outboards , I/O v hulls , Ski boats but no live well boats. What will we need to be prepared for when we get ready to pull out to go home.

Thanks in advance and I am glad I found this site
 
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I'm not in any position to comment on golf carts at the Wahweap Marina, so maybe someone else can answer this question.

Radios, definitely Marine VHS with Weather Alerts. With a group that large, Digital Select Calling linked with GPS would be just the ticket. DSC will let you operate on something akin to a private network. Marine VHS is supported on the lake with repeaters. Cell coverage is sketchy, but if you can see Navajo Mountain you can get a Verizon signal. Data won't work, but texts will keep hammering until they compile, even if you cant see Navajo. Sat phones with text function make too much sense not to use. A lot of people here have experience with them.

Landmarks, well, Rainbow Bridge is a must see, but fuel is the issue. Don't count on Dangling Rope. It's likely not going to be repaired for this season. Just my opinion.
 
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#2, I would just use a truck to shuttle to the marina parking lot and then use the marinas golf cart to get provision to your boats in the slips. I doubt they will allow privately owned golf carts on the docks.

DR will NOT be open so if you want to run up to the bridge calculate your fuel burn and provision accordingly... Make sure to leave Antelope fully topped off.
 
1. So, Marine VHF is your best bet, but if you are Hams, there are 2 repeaters that work very well on the lake. Look up the setting and you are good to go. Note that VHF seems a little better but I have had good luck with both.

2. Golf Carts = No on the docks. But, if you want to use them around the Wahweep area ie: Hotels and and RV park, it could work.

3. Look at a Stan Jones Map and you will see a bunch of places. Sorry I will not be specific because I have been going to the lake for some many years I would not know what to tell someone new where they should go first. You already know about the bridge. I am thinking that Dangling Rope will be back before you get there ... I will be on the lake around that time as well, if they EVER move the dock, so I can take my boat out.

4. Cell service is spotty at best. As for Sat phone, Iridium coverage is the best out there but others work as long as you have open sky to the south.

5. Do a small search for QM ... The Lake has them so nothing needed to do before launch but, once you pull out you will need to clean and dry.
 
Am I missing the most obvious concern? Maybe someone can enlighten me. Unless we have a heck of a monsoon that starts early, the lake will begin dropping a foot/week (or more) within days. That takes us down to 3555 by the last week of July. Who is going to launch 19 boats at Wahweap from that level, unless temporary ramp extensions are put in place? And even so, can you imagine the wait time? What is the plan?
 
Before you arrive, verify that the marina is repositioned in a fashion that allows access to the overnight slips. Last aerial photo showed no access, but posts here continue to mention the marina is being repositioned. I wouldn’t rely on the odds of being notified if there are no overnight slips accessible.
4-6 passenger golf carts operate between the marina and lower parking lot until around 10pm. Unless the rearrangement changes things, the overnight slips are the closest to the parking lot.
Your trip sounds fun, but could be a cat rodeo...😎
 
Dougie said:
Am I missing the most obvious concern? Maybe someone can enlighten me. Unless we have a heck of a monsoon that starts early, the lake will begin dropping a foot/week (or more) within days. That takes us down to 3555 by the last week of July. Who is going to launch 19 boats at Wahweap from that level, unless temporary ramp extensions are put in place? And even so, can you imagine the wait time? What is the plan?
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While your numbers are are close it will be closer to 3558. Just a few foot drop from what we have now. Whaweep Main launch has a contingency in place and it works. In other words you will be OK. Well, it may be a little harder for the 75 footer to get launched using the mats but It should still be OK.
 
Peto said:
Really? What do you base that assumption on?

I would not count on DR being functional by the end of July. I hope I am wrong.
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Well, I am the optimist and clearly you are the pessimist.
Why do you think it's an assumption on my part?
Where do you get your assumption?
 
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I'd suggest getting mapping systems for your boats, that are adjustable to the low lake level. There are lots of hidden rocks out there. It's a dammed up canyon. You can be in 300 feet of water and then none, in seconds.

To be honest I created maps for Lake Powell that do compensate for water levels. Here's a link to the website: LakePowellgpsMaps

Enjoy your trip!
 
3) Good hikes (not sure which of these will be accessible)
  • Antelope canyon (accessed from the lake)
  • Labyrinth canyon (short slot canyon)
  • Driftwood canyon (short slot canyon)
  • Cathedral canyon (short slot canyon)
  • Cascade canyon (short slot canyon)
  • Rainbow Bridge (world's largest arch)
  • Twilight canyon (narrow, but you can boat up it and see an arch)
 
Jackalope said:
While your numbers are are close it will be closer to 3558. Just a few foot drop from what we have now. Whaweep Main launch has a contingency in place and it works. In other words you will be OK. Well, it may be a little harder for the 75 footer to get launched using the mats but It should still be OK.
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Why do both of you say lake levels will be dropping? The last 14+ days have shown an increase in levels due to snow melt. I'm not arguing your points (I'm new to Lake Powell), but curious if you think the recent increase in level is expected to reverse over the next month or two.
 
TexasPilot71 said:
Why do both of you say lake levels will be dropping? The last 14+ days have shown an increase in levels due to snow melt. I'm not arguing your points (I'm new to Lake Powell), but curious if you think the recent increase in level is expected to reverse over the next month or two.
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It peeks than recedes every summer, and this years run off is one of the worst.
 
Meatwagon said:
It peeks than recedes every summer, and this years run off is one of the worst.
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Thank you, that makes sense. So even though the lake has come up a foot and a half, it will start to recede soon. We are coming the week of June 21, so hopefully it will not be any lower than it is now. I spoke to Antelope a couple weeks ago and they said they do not forecast having to discontinue their valet service due to low water this season. I found that reassuring.

Thanks again! Very excited to make our first trip!!
 
TexasPilot71 said:
Thank you, that makes sense. So even though the lake has come up a foot and a half, it will start to recede soon. We are coming the week of June 21, so hopefully it will not be any lower than it is now. I spoke to Antelope a couple weeks ago and they said they do not forecast having to discontinue their valet service due to low water this season. I found that reassuring.

Thanks again! Very excited to make our first trip!!
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Even if it starts to decline tomorrow,I am sure you'll be fine in 10 days to launch. Have a great trip and watch out for the yellow Water, it can pop up anywhere.
 
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