Bullfrog six night trip planning help for HB rookies.

[Happy Llama]

I had best control steering like tank with throttle, w/no steering wheel closer to beach. 53' adventure gave 1mpg 20 mi each way. gen used 8g. big boulders are way easier than digging 4 holes. ice goes quick , 10lb dry ice =2 1/2 days sealed up.

 

[Eric_Cheney]

Hi All;

Sorry for the late follow-up. When I logged into my account I saw one person emailed me and I thought that was the only reply.

So here is the current plan and a list of ongoing questions or concerns;

• Renting the 46' Voyager from Bullfrog Sept 12th -18th
• Will be boarding the night before
• Six total people; three in their early sixties and three in their eighties.
• Will take the advice to rent a 19' powerboat and use the HB as our base of operations
• Will use the SB for touring side canyons, sight seeing and hiking trips. No fast water toy activities plan as even our youngsters are sixty!
• Was informed the cooler on board is a large Coleman type which will not keep ice for more than a couple of days
• I will be taking a 80 quart Yeti Cooler with Dry Ice to try and keep our frozen foods viable for four days.
• The HB does not have a toy tank to transfer fuel to the SB.

Current Questions;

• How do I navigate the river and side canyons to know where we are? I have the Kelsey LP guide and the main channel bouy's are numbered but that doesn't help much with side canyons and finding specific spots. What technology do you recommend? Saw no indication of this on Aramark's HB material.
• How do I anchor the HB? Have not found good materials on this but I have been told it is really critical. Thought I'd find some YouTube videos but no luck so far.
• I was told I could bring five 5 gallon gas red plastic gas tanks per boat (ten total) but now I wonder if I can actually fit that many in the two vehicles we are taking Subaru Outback and Forester. Marina says they have none to rent/borrow! I can probably borrow that many from friends but I don't know if there is room for them in our vehicles.
• If we use SB as our touring boat how much an issue will fuel be? We plan to anchor the HB somewhere upriver of Escalante. Can we tour side canyons in the SB for five days and NOT run out of gas? Said, other way, what range can I expect on the 19' SB including the extra fuel I can manage to bring? Are we going to run out of gas in a couple of days? How much gas do I need to get back to Bullfrog in the SB?
• Any specific locations for anchoring the HB? From what I have learned we want a sandy beach protected from the wind. Ideally we keep the HB in one location the entire trip.
• Will Aramark provide all necessary mooring and towing lines with our HB/SB package?

Will read all the replies above but wanted to let y'all know I had not abandoned this and thank you for your advice.

Eric

541 760-5129

 

[Eric_Cheney]

I can answer a couple of your questions. First of all, great idea using this site as a resource. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here who can provide info to help you have an enjoyable trip keep your party safe.
1. Research this site to learn about anchoring your houseboat correctly. I strongly suggest 3 anchors per side if wind is even possible.
Here is the Silverstein site:
Houseboating 101 (at Lake Powell, on the Wildwind)
2. Hike at sunrise, and have your 80-year olds back in the houseboat/water by 10 or 11am.
3. You will likely need more ice than you think, especially if it gets hot.
4. Navigate carefully in the middle of the channel, and do not cut corners.
5. Encourage your group to wear a life jacket.
Hopefully someone else with more knowledge on fuel consumption can help in that area. Have a safe trip.

Thanks Raven;

Will read the attached on anchoring and print it out!

Eric

 

[Eric_Cheney]

Welcome! Hopefully some of our members who regularly rent houseboats will be along to help with your fuel/generator/distance questions. As for navigation, the marked buoys are a primary source of location on Lake Powell. Many of us, additionally, carry GPS units and/or apps. Especially popular here is the Navionics Boating app for smartphones. You'll also want a printed map or two. They are easier for groups to gather around and plan next moves, etc.

As for itineraries, you may get a couple of suggestions, but it's not really what we do a lot of here. I would probably recommend the TripAdvisor Lake Powell forum for ideas. They can be found here -

Lake Powell Forum, Travel Discussion for Lake Powell, Utah - Tripadvisor

Travel forums for Lake Powell. Discuss Lake Powell travel with Tripadvisor travelers

www.tripadvisor.com

 

[Eric_Cheney]

Thanks Bill;

I found the Navionics App online but have not bought it yet. Is my I Phone 8 screen big enough to be useful? If I don't have cell service in a side canyon will this still work?

Thanks

Eric

 

[Eric_Cheney]

Will you have a speed boat to go to site seeing destinations or relying on the houseboat alone? Most people use the houseboat as a base camp to avoid multiple anchoring

Yes, I will rent the SB and use it for touring and the HB for base camp.

 

[Eric_Cheney]

Soak with water a big heavy towel or shipping blanket and keep it/them covering the coolers to extend the ice life.by a couple days. Sq

Thanks!

 

[Eric_Cheney]

Things that have worked well for me. Dry ice on made beforehand frozen meals for later in the week. Mark them for each days use for food. Tape those coolers up (duct tape) at the lid to seal them and do not open them until you intend to eat them. Lasagna, casserole type dishes feed a big bunch and freeze nicely. Keep coolers in the shade as much as possible. Bring old heavy blankets or comforters you can soak in lake water and put them on top of the coolers after you soak them. The evaporation will help keep them cool and keep the sun off of them. If you are cooling beverages and putting new ice on cans pre-cool your cans with old cooler water. If you dump new ice on hot cans you can watch your ice disappear. I have even used a heavy net bag and placed cans off the back of the boat with a rope in deeper water to pre-cool them. My first trip in the late 80's we used so much ice. Luckily we had boats to go back to BF. The next trip we used only a 1/4 of the ice we did the first time. Mid Sept. was one of my favortie trips to Powell. Nights were cooler but we had some days that were fairly warm.

I cannot answer to the fuel questions but no need to run the boat at full throttle unless your trying to get somewhere in a hurry. Back it off and fuel usage goes down significantly.

For $15 purchase Navonics for your cell phone. Download the maps for Powell so they are on your memory, put in the correct offset for lake level and you will know exactly where you are. It we be the best money you will have spent on anything your getting for this trip to have peace of mind knowing a few things like depth and location. Download some good maps if you can showing canyon names etc. There's a lot of free stuff online you just need to be PC savvy. Don't plan on seeing buoys or where they should be. Park service doesn't maintain these with any precision. (My experience) The people you are renting your boat form will not be of much help so prepare yourself with as much knowledge as you can before hand. This site has so much info its really unbelievable.

Like Raven said: Plan on more ice than you think. Anchor that boat well. Winds come up out of no where and can be brutal. If you are not ready the wind will win. I never been to Powell all these years and not expreinced a blow of some kind. And yes wear life jackets. The second best thing about a Powell trip is being able to tell everyone you know about it in person.

OK, will get the Navonics App and download Lake Powell Maps to my cell phone tomorrow. Presumably I find these maps once in the App and instruct the app to download to my phone?

 

[Meatwagon]

Thanks Bill;

I found the Navionics App online but have not bought it yet. Is my I Phone 8 screen big enough to be useful? If I don't have cell service in a side canyon will this still work?

Thanks

Eric

It will work without cell service, but you'll need to save the map into the memory and then the GPS in your phone will work to navigate you. The phone screen is small but definitely better than nothing.

 

[Blue x2]

Hi All;

Sorry for the late follow-up. When I logged into my account I saw one person emailed me and I thought that was the only reply.

So here is the current plan and a list of ongoing questions or concerns;

• Renting the 46' Voyager from Bullfrog Sept 12th -18th
• Will be boarding the night before
• Six total people; three in their early sixties and three in their eighties.
• Will take the advice to rent a 19' powerboat and use the HB as our base of operations
• Will use the SB for touring side canyons, sight seeing and hiking trips. No fast water toy activities plan as even our youngsters are sixty!
• Was informed the cooler on board is a large Coleman type which will not keep ice for more than a couple of days
• I will be taking a 80 quart Yeti Cooler with Dry Ice to try and keep our frozen foods viable for four days.
• The HB does not have a toy tank to transfer fuel to the SB.

Current Questions;

• How do I navigate the river and side canyons to know where we are? I have the Kelsey LP guide and the main channel bouy's are numbered but that doesn't help much with side canyons and finding specific spots. What technology do you recommend? Saw no indication of this on Aramark's HB material.
• How do I anchor the HB? Have not found good materials on this but I have been told it is really critical. Thought I'd find some YouTube videos but no luck so far.
• I was told I could bring five 5 gallon gas red plastic gas tanks per boat (ten total) but now I wonder if I can actually fit that many in the two vehicles we are taking Subaru Outback and Forester. Marina says they have none to rent/borrow! I can probably borrow that many from friends but I don't know if there is room for them in our vehicles.
• If we use SB as our touring boat how much an issue will fuel be? We plan to anchor the HB somewhere upriver of Escalante. Can we tour side canyons in the SB for five days and NOT run out of gas? Said, other way, what range can I expect on the 19' SB including the extra fuel I can manage to bring? Are we going to run out of gas in a couple of days? How much gas do I need to get back to Bullfrog in the SB?
• Any specific locations for anchoring the HB? From what I have learned we want a sandy beach protected from the wind. Ideally we keep the HB in one location the entire trip.
• Will Aramark provide all necessary mooring and towing lines with our HB/SB package?

Will read all the replies above but wanted to let y'all know I had not abandoned this and thank you for your advice.

Eric

541 760-5129

Question 3 and 4.
I would plan on needing fuel for the Speed boat. Bring as many fuel jugs as you can manage. Range of the speed boat will depend on the engine and driving style.

 

[Eric_Cheney]

Unless Aramark tells you differently it’s a no-no to run the generator while underway. You run the risk of sucking up an air bubble because of cavitation and burning up the generator.

X2 on Navionics app for your smart phone

Thank You!

 

[Eric_Cheney]

I have to speak up here, as I feel that the type of trip, as you have outlined it, with no one on board having HB experience, could be much more than you bargained for. Others may feel differently ,but it was important for me to say something.

I have been houseboating for over 30 years - owning my own HB for the last 15. It is a wonderful experience and Lake Powell is awesome. Its great that you have a trip planned during September. I would consider September one of the nicest months.

I'll keep this short as I sent you my phone number so we could talk in depth, if you so choose.

I do not feel its necessary, on your first trip to Powell, with no one having houseboat experience to make the journey to the Escalante in the HB. Find a location, such as the Rincon or even closer to Bullfrog and use a powerboat to explore the numerous canyons along the way.

Lake Powell is beautiful and yes the Escalante is special, but it was after 10 years of experience before I made the journey to the Escalante in a houseboat. You didn't mention if you were renting a speed boat, which in my opinion is absolutely necessary for both recreation and if there is a medical need to bring someone back to Bullfrog. In addition, even though I plan ahead, and pack a lot of ice, I still need to make a trip back to the marina for additional ice at least once during a 5-6 night trip in the speed boat.

The wind, navigation hazards, heat (possibly), finding an appropriate place to beach the HB and securing the HB properly are just a few of the items that go along with houseboating.

This forum is full of folks who absolutely love Lake Powell -- as I am one of them -- I think I can speak for many that we want you to have an awesome experience. Reaching out on this board is one of many steps to a successful trip


PS: I left you a message with my phone number

Thanks Richard;

I am taking your advice to moor the HB in one location near Escalante and use the SB to explore/tour. We will talk more about specific locations. Thanks!

 

[Meatwagon]

It will work without cell service, but you'll need to save the map into the memory and then the GPS in your phone will work to navigate you. The phone screen is small but definitely better than nothing.

Also if the navionics app has a trip log to track the mileage on the small boat while exploring it will help greatly in knowing your fuel consumption range. I'm not sure what size tank the rental boats have, but if it's 40gal. And averages 3mpg that would be a 120mile range. I would recommend refueling at 75% of the boats range. Using a paper map to plan your daily adventures and estimate your fuel range is a big plus. Hopefully someone will chime in on the fuel capacity and range of the rental boats.

 

[Palomar]

Lots of solid useful advice above, Mr. Cheney!! I would confirm and emphasize a few things...

Get the Stan Jones folding (non-laminated) map in advance -- at least one for each boat you'll be using, and a spare. They are well worth it.

Stan Jones' & Steve Ward's Lake Powell and Its 96 Canyons Boating and Exploring Map and Guide to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Paper/Non-Laminated: Joshua Ward: Amazon.com: Books

Stan Jones' & Steve Ward's Lake Powell and Its 96 Canyons Boating and Exploring Map and Guide to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Paper/Non-Laminated [Joshua Ward] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Stan Jones' & Steve Ward's Lake Powell and Its 96 Canyons Boating and...

www.amazon.com

Stan Jones Lake Powell Map

Plan your Lake Powell adventure with the Stan Jones Lake Powell Map—an easy-to-read guide featuring detailed boating routes, hiking trails, and must-see locations in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

boatersoutlet.com

Welcome to Wide World Maps & MORE!

Wide World Maps & MORE! is an Arizona-based map company with design, production, wholesale, and retail activities. It has two Map Center & Gallery locations in Arizona.

wideworldmapsandmore.com

Rent a good runabout boat! (Note that Bullfrog launch ramp is closed -- you cannot launch your own boat.) As many have said above, it would be a stretch for newbees to run 30 miles from Bullfrog to Escalante on a houseboat ("HB"). Well, it's not impossible but you really don't want to have to re-anchor the HB again and again. Park that dang thing somewhere and use the runabout to explore and visit the marina for ice and supplies. Iceberg Canyon has good possibilities for parking the HB. Be aware that your 80+ passengers may have a little trouble getting in and out of the runabout.

On our first trip in 1987, we dug holes in a sandy beach for anchors ONCE. Never again. Since then, we always pull up to a rocky shore line with huge multi-ton boulders. Throw the anchors around the boulders and you're set.

Another suggestion...park the HB where it will be in the shade of high cliffs for as much of the day as possible, or at least in the afternoon. This will greatly reduce your cooling needs and generator run time. Also, don't park the HB on the open lake! Look for a protected canyon or cove as the wind and waves on the open lake can be ferocious especially in the middle of the night. Use the runabout to scout for a good location.

As the lake continues to drop, you may need to back the HB off occasionally to avoid getting stuck. Pontoon boats tend to get stuck in soft muck at the shoreline. You may have to call for help somehow if you're stuck. Also, you will find there are very limited opportunities for hiking back in the side canyons now because of the mud. It can be knee deep in places!

As long as it's not raining, the roof of the HB is THE place to sleep! It does start cooling down in September, but if it remains above 75 degrees at night, you'll want a sleeping bag on the roof. There should be plenty of pads provided on the roof that you can use for mattresses.

Ice does go very fast in July/August though it may last a bit longer in September. Back in the olden days when all we had was a propane frig, we would line the bottom of the big double-door ice chest with block ice. Then throw all the drinks in and cover it with ice cubes to the top. Keep the ice chest covered with wet towels any time it's exposed to the sun.

At night, do not leave your gang plank out where mice can easily come aboard. On Day One, go ahead and set at least 2 mouse traps. You will very likely catch some varmits as previous renters always leave the plank out. Mice can also get in on your anchor lines so we always put out plastic baffles made of oversized Frisbees. (Paper plates will not stop them.)

If you will have a runabout with you, bring a sturdy colorful floating rope of about 50 ft length to tow the runabout behind the HB. The rope should have a snap hook on one end to clip to the runabout. Lift the motor on the runabout before towing to reduce drag. Don't back up the HB when the rope is out or you'll surely wrap it around a prop!

When ANY serious emergency arises, the first order of business is to have everyone put on their life jackets! Bring small pocket-sized flashlights for each person on board and extra batteries. Also bring one large powerful LED flashlight and binoculars. Note that you'll probably have limited or zero cell phone service once you get away from the marina. Finally, be sure you understand how the VHF radio works.

Have a great safe trip, and report back here when you get home!

 

[Ryan]

(Note that Bullfrog launch ramp is closed -- you cannot launch your own boat.)

That is not correct. You can launch at Bullfrog.

 

[Palomar]

That is not correct. You can launch at Bullfrog.

Well...water-data.com says Bullfrog is closed. Who is right?

 

[Meatwagon]

You can launch next to the main ramp from a road bed, most are launching off the side of the road bed as it offers a better grade.

 

[PowellBride]

Well...water-data.com says Bullfrog is closed. Who is right?

The main ramp is closed, but like Wahweap an older ramp Is being used to launch at the lower water levels

 

[Ed_on_WD]

I'm sure someone will chime in with the complete answer, but there is an air ambulance service that offers a subscription package for discounted helicopter flights off the lake directly to a properly equipped hospital, should the need arise.

With a crew of advanced age, it may be worth the money to pay the fee. The peace of mind would be priceless in a real emergency.

 

[JFRCalifornia]

Okay, I've rented the 46-footer many times, and most of the other cheaper rental boats too. The good news on that boat is that it has plenty of gas to get to the Escalante and back to Bullfrog. Done that one a lot. WIth side diversions, it might be an 80-mile round trip, and that boat has twin 88-gallon tanks, which is plenty to get you there and back. But there is no toy tank, so any fuel you use on the runabout (if you have one) is going to have to be self-contained--no refuel options short of the long haul back to Bullfrog. The 19-footer rental has a 45-gallon tank, which is plenty if all you use it for is some minor exploration and scouting. You've got about 100-mile range on that boat, probably better than that in reality, but to be conservative, it'll make 100 miles. Keep track of that and don't trust the gauge.

As for whether you should do that trip to the Escalante at all, why not? Once you figure out how to operate the boat, and with a good map (and/or app), you can do this. Just watch the fuel. You might consider stopping for a night along the way (maybe Rincon?) and check your fuel use with the yardstick provided, just to confirm your gas mileage if you're nervous about that. The 46-footer is easy to drive.

Anchoring is way easier in a 46-footer than larger boats. It's only got two anchors, and the small profile makes it more stable on a windy night. Tie the lines to the rear cleat, and spread them at 45 degrees of slightly more. As others have said, a good anchorage is critical. And it is hard sweaty work on a hot day in the sun. But you youngsters in your 50s and 60s are up to the task if you're used to a little physical labor followed by a beer. The 80-year olds can heckle you.

As for good easy hikes in the Escalante at low water, the best bet is Davis Gulch, but you'll need a runabout to get there. You'll be able to ditch that thing at the end as the lake shallows out, and it should be obstacle-free at the end. Tie up either far right or left, and helpful to bring your own spike to tie the boat down--no trees or good boulders there. And do the hike in the morning, because the sun can be brutal later in the day. A good goal is LaGorce Arch (about 3/4 mile each way at current levels), or if you're ambitious, to a small pool and waterfall, which is about 2 miles in. You can go farther, but it becomes a slog. In any case, your feet will be constantly wet on this hike.

Another short excursion in the Escalante is Cathedral in the Desert, worth seeing. Outside the Escalante, you could climb Hole in the Rock, but it's steep and you need to be in good shape--do this one in the afternoon when the climb is in shade. Midday is the worst. If you're into history, you could check out Register Rock across the lake from Hole in the Rock. There are whole threads on this website about those two places.

There are many other hikes in the area, but most involve long distances in the sun, or some degree of rock scrambling. Llewellyn Gulch is nice hike about 5 miles south of the Escalante, if you can get your ski boat to the end and park it... send me a message if you want more details...