Cruising Tahoe

[Capt. Wanabe]

Has anyone tried to trailer/launch at Tahoe recently? My wife and I have been thinking about a family reunion that would include renting a house on the Tahoe keys (with dock) and bringing our R27 to play with. I have read some previous posts that cause some concern as to if that is even possible with all of the regulations involving invasive species. I have read the website material posted by the Tahoe regional water control people and it makes me wonder if a boat like mine could even pass the inspection. I have the bilge and engine cooling to worry about plus the circuits for the genset and the AC. The Tahoe water websites didn't give information on how they expected those problems to be solved only that the boat is to be "clean and dry".

I don't want to spend a lot of time and money on this trip then disappoint everyone when I can't get the boat past the inspection station! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Frank

 

[kskogerson]

I live in Carson City and have launched and cruised Lake Tahoe. You would probably be better to launch at the keys because the other ramps can be a challenge. The inspection process is a PIA. And expensive but don't let that stop you. It is pretty.
Kent

 

[Tug@myHeart]

I have spent several years at Tahoe with our R25. Stayed in the Keys Marina. Been through the inspection process several times. You can call me, I will give you everything you need to enjoy the Big Blue. 209-245-5719

 

[ray]

Any chance you could post a abbreviated high-level summary here for us "lurkers"? 😉 😉
Thanks,
Ray

 

[Tug@myHeart]

Lake Tahoe inspection stations are looking for water in your boat. Any kind of water. Have it dry as a bone. OR they will wash it out with 180 deg water that will kill any bugs living in your boat. I know a slip neighbor that spent 8 hours getting a 32 ft trawler thru the deal. DRY AS A BONE is the trick. AND know your boat. What HOLE goes to what thingy in your dingy. If you have been in the Colorado River system be prepared for a real going thru. My R25 was $75 and it was dry.....but they found water in the floor scupper from a spilled water bottle that morning. REALLY i said. They had to flush it out.
LAUNCHING. The Tahoe Keys are the easiest, but we are going to need much more water or they will need to dredge 1st this year. In years past we were ok but this year not so much. Be prepared to spend over $100 to launch/park/store your truck and trailer/recover......expensive place but the only protected harbor on the south end of the lake. And the marina has a lock on the parking and storage. SO if you have a place to take you truck and trailer you can save some $ there.(Note Obexters Marina on the northwest side can Crane in)
ONCE on the water, just remember it is a big lake with a often 40mph afternoon wind that will have you running for Emerald Bay. If you do get caught in a squall out in the middle run straight into it till you hit the lee side, then go around.
MORRING your boat is always a risk, if you do so, just be sure your gear is ready to rock and roll without you on board. Most of the places that have Morrings will have a pick up and delivery to your Hook.
Its a beautiful Lake and they are trying to keep it that way. All over board water must be caught. I have installed a grey tank to handle shower and sink water. There is 1 pump out at the keys and you better have your own adapter or they will charge you to borrow theirs....plus the pump out...that you will self serve.
FUEL on the water is outrageous so be conservative.
Remember this Lake is at 6000 ft elev. I have a special prop just for Tahoe. You will not come up to speed with a sea level prop. All you will get is black smoke from your aft. So, go slow or clean lots o soot.
PULLING a 11K lb boat to Tahoe is also an adventure. Take your time and dont push it.
Call if you need anything. It is lake Boaters dream lake....other than it lacks places to hide. Have FUN on the water.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

We took Kismet to Lake Tahoe for a three day cruise on our way to Lake Powell a couple of years ago and felt the process to get onto the Lake was manageable, being prepared ahead of time is the key. I've attached a link to our blog on two posts we made about the process and our time at Emerald Bay.

http://trailertrawlerlife.com/category/ ... ake-tahoe/

Jim F

 

[DBBRanger]

DRY AS A BONE is the trick. AND know your boat.

What do they say/do about the water in the engine, A/C, generator, wash down hose, etc? Any place I go where there are inspections, nobody talks about that and I don't bring it up (I have always flushed it at home before the trip, but they may not want to believe me if they thought about it). And yet they make outboards flush their system.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

There are inspection stations on Lake Tahoe and they will hook you up to flush your engine, genet, air/heat. If you google Lake Tahoe invasive species inspections or something close to this you should find the government sight that addresses this, locations, cost etc.

Jim

 

[Capt. Wanabe]

Excellent advice in all of the posts above. Greatly appreciated. Next step is to sacrifice something to the rain gods to bring up the lake water to a usable level!
Frank