I need some advice on having an express cruiser on LP?

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Nice to see the "oversize load" banner. Utah has been noted for parking near the north entrance and citing oversize loads (specifically boats such as seen here" (>96" wide IIRC) for not having the proper permits to be on the road. I live out there and have sen them stopping boats as they turn into the north entrance.
You don't drag your outdrive skegs do you? They seem very lose to the ground
 
There is certainly an evolution of best water platform as life changes. I see the cruiser as the top-pick perfect boat after the kids are gone and the keys to the houseboat are handed off.



Surprisingly, the best platform I have been on so far for solo adventure at Powell is a purpose built larger tri-toon. It has a draft measure in inches and can access the far ends of canyons, well beyond where deep draft boat stop. With drop down clear plastic sides it zips up tight for weather and with the solor powered fridge/freezer, gas stove, hot shower and 150 gallon fuel tank it can go weeks keeping you comfortable without docking. The outboard keeps maintenance cost low and the standard weight allows normal truck for towing for dry dock. It is wide open with lots of space for all types of gear. The multihull is stable and allows instant anchor without any concern for damage even in wind. It is also easy to access from the beach without a ladder. Mine has a huge multi section Bimini for shade or sun.

It is perfect in every way except the cold mornings. It does have a nice inverter and electric sleeping bag with dedicated sleeper lounger, but the chilly winter mornings are not good, for me that is when a cruiser with a heater would be awesome. I do have a generator for summer AC but never use it, I just jump in the lake. The generator is not strong enough for a heater big enough to heat it though. With that being said, one the sun comes up, the clear windows have you down to a t shirt.



I really like the instant camp status of the tri-toon, you drive it up on the sand, or even onto slick rock, tie off to a couple rocks and you are anchored in under 5 minutes. With the solar fridge you never need ice. Pre-made meals makes warming dinner easy. There is zero boat duties or hassles like the houseboat. The other big feature is pulling back the Bimini on clear nights and sleeping under the stars.



In time I do see the tri-toon being replaced with a cruiser (primarily for warmth) but for now, and the next 10 years, I love the tri-toon.
 
Cliff said:
Nice to see the "oversize load" banner. Utah has been noted for parking near the north entrance and citing oversize loads (specifically boats such as seen here" (>96" wide IIRC) for not having the proper permits to be on the road. I live out there and have sen them stopping boats as they turn into the north entrance.
You don't drag your outdrive skegs do you? They seem very lose to the ground
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We always put the oversize load banners and flags on to avoid any unnecessary interest in our travels, many trips to back and forth to Tucson, never a problem. The skegs have about 18" of clearance to the ground when down. bad camera angle.
 
Sold my 32 ft Sea Ray Sundancer last year. The experience of running from end to end on the lake can't be matched. You really have the entire lake at your fingertips with what you are considering. Here's the issue: service work on a boat of this size is difficult, and extremely difficult if you are at the North side of the lake. You really are in a bind when certain things need repair work, very few options. And transporting something of that size out of Lake Powell is difficult too. With my Sundancer, it meant doing the white-knuckles drive towing it back to Grand Junction. With the radar arch, you had to go up and over every single overpass between Bullfrog and Grand Junction. I knew I was embarking on an expensive exercise when I bought it, and I was ok with that. But when you had issues and there were no options for getting things fixed, it really began to take the pleasure / relaxation out of "vacation." Think hard about what you are wanting to do, and what parts of the lake you want to explore. If you boat more at the Southern end of Lake Powell, a big cruiser might be great. If you are a North lake boater, I would think pretty hard about something that is very difficult to get transported out of there because when it breaks, you are on your own.
 
Kevin G said:
Sold my 32 ft Sea Ray Sundancer last year. The experience of running from end to end on the lake can't be matched. You really have the entire lake at your fingertips with what you are considering. Here's the issue: service work on a boat of this size is difficult, and extremely difficult if you are at the North side of the lake. You really are in a bind when certain things need repair work, very few options. And transporting something of that size out of Lake Powell is difficult too. With my Sundancer, it meant doing the white-knuckles drive towing it back to Grand Junction. With the radar arch, you had to go up and over every single overpass between Bullfrog and Grand Junction. I knew I was embarking on an expensive exercise when I bought it, and I was ok with that. But when you had issues and there were no options for getting things fixed, it really began to take the pleasure / relaxation out of "vacation." Think hard about what you are wanting to do, and what parts of the lake you want to explore. If you boat more at the Southern end of Lake Powell, a big cruiser might be great. If you are a North lake boater, I would think pretty hard about something that is very difficult to get transported out of there because when it breaks, you are on your own.
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Thanks...great advice. I would be operating out of the south end of the lake. I wish there was a way to rent an express cruiser on the lake to get a feel for what it would be like but I've been unable to find anything available. I know there are endless areas to explore and a small dinghy or something is a must have.
Cheers, Mike
 
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