Help needed with planing a Powell Trip

[Yessup]

Hello All, I am in the begining stages of planing a Houseboat trip to Powell next summer. I have never been there, so I need advise on everything. I'll be driving there from Central California. I am looking for advise on where to rent the houseboat, which marina to launch from, how much should it cost, where to go once we have the houesboat, and what is the best time to go, etc. I've seen so many killer pictures on this website, and I think it's time to give it a try. Thanks in advace for the pointers

[LovinPowell]

I am looking for advise on where to rent the houseboat, which marina to launch from, how much should it cost

Since you are coming from Central California, the south end of the lake would be the closest for you. The south end offers two places to rent houseboats, Wahweap (actual location is by the stateline launch ramp) and Antelope Point Marina. The competition between these two has helped in upkeep and quality of the rental fleet. Before Antelope existed, the Wahweap houseboats were degradated quite a bit, but that doesn't seem to be the case any more.

As far as the cost, it depends on the size of the houseboat, length of stay and the amenities to choose from. Check out their websites to get prices. Prices also vary depending on the time of year that you go.

Here are a couple of links to their websites:

http://lakepowellhouseboating.com/

http://www.lakepowell.com/houseboats/index.cfm

Also here is a link to other general lake powell information:

http://www.go-utah.com/Lake-Powell

where to go once we have the houesboat, and what is the best time to go, etc.

Once you have the houseboat, your potential locations are limitless. If you plan to stay for 7 nights then you can head out farther up the lake. Houseboats are slow travelers, maxing out at no faster than 10 mph (give or take). If you are staying for 5 nights for fewer you might want to stay closer. Warm Creek is a popular close destination. Padre Bay is a moderately close (and popular destination) and The San Juan river arm is a far destination. You have a ton of options. Probably the most practical would be to go somewhere in Padre bay and then explore the lake in your tige.

The best time to go is purely a matter of opinion. The summer months are crowded at the launch ramps, and you will see many out on the water, but the lake is so big that you rarely feel "cramped". After labor day the crowds disappear and it becomes a much more tranquil place. August is typically monsoon season, with afternoon thunderstorms and winds (some in July also). Late spring and early summer aren't too crowded but the water is a little cooler then too.

Here is a link that you might want to look at as well to get more information:

http://www.wayneswords.com/index.html

http://www.wayneswords.com/cgi-bin/wwlprecreation.pl

Lake Powell is one of my favorite places, but it can be problematic at times, it's good to do the planning and research in advance. You will also want to get opinions on anchoring the houseboat as that can ruin your trip if not done right.

[Yessup]

Thank You Lovin Powell! This great information. I will be doing some studying.