Lake Havasu

[Paul Middlemore]

I decided this year to make it back to where it all started for me 40 years ago. Although we skied the river back then, I just didn't feel comfortable with the combination of lack of water depth and a new boat (plus all we do is surf).

Kept the boat at Havasu Springs Resort which worked out well in the early mornings as we were able to downwind surf all the way to the bridge if we wanted. I wasn't up to speed on Galvanic Corrosion and Havasu is a hot bed for promoting this. My aluminum swim platform brackets took a hit. My bad, I didn't notice the problem until two weeks in. This is my third Tige and have never had this problem in the Northwest. Oh well.................

Met Tom and Steve, Tige owners during a float; great company and easy to get along with.

Have a few issues, some repairable and others future warranty issues that we are dealing with. Tige emblems on the rear sides of the boat came off (warranty issue that is affecting the fleet). Right rear ballast bag (subfloor) broke at the vent fitting; we were still able to fill it but ended up having to the take the PNP bag off. It also caused excessive bilge use, when the boat wouldn't get up to speed it was the culprit. Armor mooring cover (highly recommend) was amazing for the tow down there. It is pretty sweet to lower the tower and cover the entire boat; it worked perfectly for 3,000 miles. Found a tear up on the top and some stitching is coming apart, another warranty issue.

Since we always had a light crew, only three to five at any one time; we found that 820 lbs in the bow (two 150s one 400 and three 40lb lead bags, worked the best. We ended up with 800 lbs on the floor when only three went out. The 560 PNP bags worked good until the starboard subfloor had the problem. Still with a 400 lb in the locker we still had a great wake.

Pulled everyone at 12mph but the goofy side was still awesome at 12.5. Taps at 1 or 2 and Surf was 4 to 5. We did move the surf up to 7 a few times, as I love the wall. I had viewed all the posts on the setup before we left and wasn't a true believer of lead before the trip but my attitude has changed. I was a bit worried having all that weight up front but the boat performed well and we never buried the nose, although we have limited drivers. Next year I will convert to lead up front and additional in the lockers; heck if I don't like it, I can always just not fill the lockers up.

My buddy showed up with his quad copter and got some great footage. Here is a sample clip.

https://youtu.be/ieGdel7JTQ4

[sandm]

havasu is a great place to stay. never been on the water but spent many a night there at the nautical inn and the old holiday inn. loved golfing london bridge there....

[TeamAllen]

We haven't had our boat there in awhile, but have taken our Jet Skis there the last few years.
Havasu Springs is a great part of the lake. Sounds like a great trip.

[Bubba08]

Took the family to Havasu for the first time this year and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We spent 9 days at the London Bridge Resort. It was super convenient and had a ton of activities for the whole family. We really enjoyed the trip up river to Topock 66 for a tasty lunch. The scenery through the gorge is beautiful. I was super nervous a couple times as we headed up river, at the mouth you definitely want to follow someone with a larger boat so you know you won't hit anything, the depth gauge read under 4' a couple times. We went on a non-holiday weekend the first of June and the place was not busy at all. We will go back for sure.

[D&P Powell]

We try to visit Lake Havasu twice a month from April to October. We store our boat there. Bubba, avoid the stress the next time you head up river... when you get to the mouth, go to the LEFT side of the island, not the right. There are buoys there you can go through where they keep it dredged. Much safer (in my opinion) than going on the much more popular right side. Also, for those who are hesitant to go because of the "party" reputation Havasu has developed over the years, there are literally dozens of spots at the south end of the lake that are much more family (and surf) oriented. We only do a drive through to people watch under the bridge and next to Copper Canyon. Just not our scene. Also, avoid the traditional long weekends... it's always a zoo on Memorial, July 4th, and Labor Day.

[Bubba08]

We try to visit Lake Havasu twice a month from April to October. We store our boat there. Bubba, avoid the stress the next time you head up river... when you get to the mouth, go to the LEFT side of the island, not the right. There are buoys there you can go through where they keep it dredged. Much safer (in my opinion) than going on the much more popular right side. Also, for those who are hesitant to go because of the "party" reputation Havasu has developed over the years, there are literally dozens of spots at the south end of the lake that are much more family (and surf) oriented. We only do a drive through to people watch under the bridge and next to Copper Canyon. Just not our scene. Also, avoid the traditional long weekends... it's always a zoo on Memorial, July 4th, and Labor Day.

Thanks for the input. I didn't see anyone headed up the left side so I went right and was nervous as hell I was going to get beached. My wife was leary of the "Havasu" reputation with taking our kids but even at the London Bridge Resort right in the Channel it was super mellow even on the weekend. We did most of our boating on the south end out of Cattail Cove and around the damn. I couldn't believe how dead it was down on that end.

[ChrisBarnes05-12-84]

I have some very fond memories from 10 years ago hauling my brand new 07 20v 1,000 miles to enjoy spring break at lake havasu. Sure wish I had all that energy back I had then. Now it makes my back ache thinking about doing that trip again. Absolutely loved the lake. I went two years in a row. The name Copper Canyon D&P Powell mentioned definitely rings a bell!

[Thegerman618]

oh man copper canyon!!! DP is little to old for that crowd LOL. We usually go to steamboat or DP really likes rattlesnake cove. Love Hava-brew top 3 favorite lakes.

[Jetdriver]

oh man copper canyon!!! DP is little to old for that crowd LOL. We usually go to steamboat or DP really likes rattlesnake cove. Love Hava-brew top 3 favorite lakes.

Hava-brew... that's perfect!

[h2osk8er00]

Took the family to Havasu for the first time this year and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We spent 9 days at the London Bridge Resort. It was super convenient and had a ton of activities for the whole family. We really enjoyed the trip up river to Topock 66 for a tasty lunch. The scenery through the gorge is beautiful. I was super nervous a couple times as we headed up river, at the mouth you definitely want to follow someone with a larger boat so you know you won't hit anything, the depth gauge read under 4' a couple times. We went on a non-holiday weekend the first of June and the place was not busy at all. We will go back for sure.

I went to Pirate Cove Resort a few times this year. Topock def has the food and a decent setup for staying cool in the pool while enjoying a beer. During the week they have some killer lunch specials! I always wanted to make the drive to Havasu from there but heard it takes over an hour and I just stay local as the beaches at Pirate Cove are awesome! It is a good halfway point if you wanna shoot to Laughlin or to Havasu though! Glad you had a great time! 9 days is a long time!