Boat Inspection at Tahoe

[Coop]

I'm taking the boat to Tahoe this summer, and I will need to go through the Quagga/Zebra mussel inspection when I get there.

My main concern is the ballast sacs. The website says that "All ballast tanks will require decontamination." What does this mean? Is it the same flush with 140-degree water that they do on the engine? Is it safe for the sacs and pumps?

Nickypoo or anyone else who's been to Tahoe -- any thoughts?

Thanks.

[motoracer98]

I keep my boat in Tahoe in the summers. Unless anything has changed since last year, they will run hot water through both your engine and ballasts, then lift up your floor board & hose out the area around your gas tank and the bottom of engine compartment. Depending on what time and day of the week you go, it can take 2-3 hrs. I've never heard of anyone having problems with the hot water damaging their ballast systems in the past. Have fun!

[NICKYPOO]

Thanks moto.

I stopped taking my boat there a few years ago. My buddy's Tige is a Tahoe only boat and its always on the water so, its kind of silly to take mine when I can just jump on his. So, I've never actually been through the decontamination process.

I'm assuming this will be the first trip to Tahoe with the Tige? Obviously. Are you familiar with Tahoe?

[Coop]

Thanks for the responses.

Yes, first trip to Tahoe with the Tige. We used to go a lot when I was a kid (with a little 16-foot outboard), but I haven't been there in 10 years.

[NICKYPOO]

Right on. Should be a cool trip for you. If you need advise on where to go or what to do, there's a few of us on here that are somewhat regulars so, don't hesitate to ask.

[Coop]

I would appreciate any and all advice, particularly on good wakeboarding spots (to the extent you don't mind revealing those). Also, any good spots to just hang at or visit during the day.

From what I remember from back in the day, you could find good water early in the mornings, but there was typically a decent amount of wind chop later. And, having at least a spring suit was a good idea.

We're staying in Tahoe Tavern on the west shore near Tahoe City. Can't wait to see that crystal clear water again.

Thanks.

[hyphen79]

Good luck! I hope the process isn't to painful. I refuse to take mine to tahoe. It's to much of a PAIN in the A$$!

IMO the best time to play is in the morning, and in the evening when the sun is setting. I call it the witching hour because everyone is rushing back in to get their boats off of the water.

Let us know how your experience is, and remember to take cash cause it's going to cost you a little.

[NICKYPOO]

Sweet. Are you just going to put the boat on a bouy? That would be the way to go. You're starting off from the west shore. That is also the way to go. As said before, get your riding in early or late. By 9:00 or 10:00 the water is junk for riding. Honestly though, even when its smooth, its Tahoe smooth. Not real smooth. Glass is a relative term. True glass on Tahoe is more myth than reality. That being said, just ride and have fun. If you plan on doing some riding, just head south from your bungalow. Anything between Sunnyside and Sugarpine is all good. I seem to have really good luck between Meeks Bay and Rubicon point. Most don't. You end up getting a lot of traffic from Emerald Bay.

A good day trip would be to head out in the morning and ride your way down to Emerald Bay. You'll pass Fluer de Lac (where Fredo got whacked). Stop at Obexer's in Homewood and get some sandwiches and what not (I personally recommend the Jacob's Ladder). It's a place you really should check out at least once. Its just a store and a dock (they have fuel there) but, its an important part of Tahoe's history. Hallowed ground that is still in the Obexer family. After that, its a quick jaunt around Sugarpine point, a state park where Ty Cobb lived in the film Cobb and another cool place to stop but, not today. Around the next corner is Meeks Bay and time for some more riding if the water is good. Next stop, Emerald Bay for lunch. After that, a nice little boat ride back to base with a stop at Chambers Landing for a drink or two. It just north of Sugarpine. Its a private resort unless you are traveling by boat. If by boat, you are welcome. There is a small bar on a big dock. Not really a kids hangout but, its ok for them to be there. From there, a little more riding, conditions permitting and then to dinner. I'd say Jake's right there in Tahoe city. You can boat park but, its right by you're place so you could just bouy up and walk over. That would be a solid day.

Another way to do it, would be to ride in the morning (heading south of course) and then do lunch at Sunnyside. The seered Ahi to start and perhaps the fish tacos. I like the burger. Boat parking can be a cluster F on the weekends. You usually have to wait for a bouy unless you get lucky and get the dock spot. There are only so many bouys and they fill up quick so, I would recommend this midweek only. After lunch maybe a little jump over to Sugarpine just to check it out. Bring a frisbee. Perhaps a little more riding or floating and then an early dinner at the Westshore Cafe. It's right next to Obexer's. Then a nice little sunset cruise back to base for drinks.

If you really want to drop some coin, charter a cruise on the Thunderbird. I've yet to do this but, someday I will.

[motoracer98]

I totally agree with Nicky and Hyphen - don't expect to ever find absolute glass, and plan on mornings before about 10am, or sunset to get good water. I usually ride around Rubicon Point and Meeks Bay as well. The cove right near the beach at D.L. Bliss Park is usually pretty good. In the mornings, the shoreline around Kiva beach and Ski beach is pretty good if you get out before the masses. Kiva and Ski beaches are on the South shore, just to the west of Camp Richardson - a bit of a trip from where you're staying, but not too far from Emerald Bay, which I assume you'll want to go to as well. If you're down in south shore, I'd definitely hit up the Beacon Bar/Restaurant at Camp Richardson. The food and drinks are amazing, and there is a live band outside in the afternoons 7 days a week. Jakes on the Lake in Tahoe City also has a great happy hour from 4-6pm daily, and Chambers is definitely cool too. It just depends on how far you want to travel on the boat. Have fun & let me know if you have any more questions!

[NICKYPOO]

Hey moto, have you been to Sushi Pier in Southlake? Its the old BK on the Nevada side. My buddy owns all the Sushi Piers and built that one last year. I've yet to go to it and was curious as to an outside opinion.

Coop- Mind the bouys around the lake. I know there's a little outcropping of rock out in Tahoe City. It should be marked by now so just keep your head up around there. There is a really shallow shoreline south of Sunnyside. Just follow the surrounding terrain and you'll see it. It also has docks a mile long. Keep an eye on the depth finder through there. It can seek up on ya. Also pay attention to the entry of Emerald Bay. There's lots of big bouys. Stay in the middle.

I'm sure you'll be launching from the Coast Guard ramp in Tahoe City. Good ramp. Never a bad idea to say hi those guys if you're gonna be around all week.

[motoracer98]

Definitely a fan of Sushi Pier!

[Coop]

Thanks for all the great tips and taking the time to share them. Really looking forward to the trip.

I plan to put the boat on a buoy where we're staying. They also suggested launching at the ramp near the Coast Guard station, so that's now my plan.

Only issue is where to leave the trailer. They say there's a campground near the ramp where people rent spaces to leave the trailers. I guess I'll give that a shot.

Thanks again.

[Joeprunc]

When we put the family's sail boat in at Tahoe we make sure we get the boat inspected away from the ramp areas. Usually the ramps are so much more crowded and take forever to get inspection service. They are all suppose to charge the same amount of money. We have a Tahoe only sail boat that gets put in once for the season, inspection usually takes about 30 min to an hour.

http://tahoeboatinspections.com/inspection-locations/
I'm assuming you are coming up on hwy 5, I'd recommend if you are heading to N.Tahoe on hwy 80 go to the Northstar inspection station.

[NICKYPOO]

Definitely a fan of Sushi Pier!

Right on. He really puts a lot of effort and time in to his restaurants and I know he worries about spreading himself thin but, he also puts a lot of effort in to putting good people in the right positions. I know he has been spending a lot of time up there.

So there you have it Coop. If you're looking for a good Sushi spot, its in South Lake.

[Coop]

So there you have it Coop. If you're looking for a good Sushi spot, its in South Lake.

I'm not a sushi person, but my wife will love it. Thanks.