Want to boat Tahoe . . . Looking for Info

[Climbfast]

Hey guys we live in Valley Springs, Ca and I'm looking to take the family to Tahoe for the day. Thought it would be cool to let the girls board on that BIG BLUE water! How ever we have never been and I'm looking for some info as to thw where, when, and other W's. We are a hour south of Sac and I would like to know about boat ramps, fees, and any other good tid bits ! thanks!

[noworries]

My wife and I took our 20V to Tahoe this summer and had a beautiful couple of days. I put in at the ramp and left the trailer locked at Meeks Bay, and then rented a slip overnight for $60 The ramps nominally close at 7ish in the evening, but rumor has it that you can get at some of them after hours. We didn't take the chance. Our boats don't need lifts so you don't need that expense added on, so look for a ramp.

Check out this site:
http://www.boattahoe.com/boat_launches.htm

There was no wind and we mostly circumnavigated the lake counterclockwise from Meeks Bay, but we also parked out in the middle of the lake to enjoy a glass of wine and the scenery, then motored over to and tied up at Sunnyside for a dinner off their bar menu. Note, you do not want a BUI on Tahoe. That's federal jurisdiction and is a real problem.

Boating on Tahoe really takes the tourist out of Tahoe and is a great way to see the area. We stayed at "The Cottages" just north of Sunnyside. I highly recommend them. Reasonably priced with full breakfast and its more a B&B run by an ex patriot German family.

You do have to watch the weather as wind can turn the lake into a horror for smaller boats with low freeboard and open bows. We lucked out but be wary. Also, Tahoe is considered a navigable body of water so you need to have a real horn (I got a canister horn like used at college games). You also need to have daylight and nighttime signaling devices. I got some flares, all at the local Westmarine. We didn't even see a Coast Guard boat, but safety gear's worth having just the same.

Lastly, please check your boat for zebra mussels. They are in some nor-cal waters and we don't need them in Tahoe.

Have fun.

Edit: You'll find your power way down for hole shots. Amazing what 6200 feet of elevation will do.

[Climbfast]

Thanks for the great info! I hope to have some pics online after the trip.

[jeremiah22]

We just got home from Tahoe but didnt have our boat (we live in AZ to far for towing) We did rent a boat and all I can say is wow that lake is awesome! Can't wait to go back.

[gman]

Lake Tahoe is a wonderful lake, can get nasty and is cold. We use to launch out of the Coast Guard station just east of Tahoe City. You must go to Emerald Bay. It is really beautiful. Make sure you have your markers and bearings because you can miss your ramp going back north from the south. Also, get a good distance from the shore and turn of your engine, you will then realize what quiet is. Have fun!!!

[Climbfast]

Great to know! We can't wait to go we're hopeing to pull it off next friday and Saturday . . . but watching the weather . . .

[NICKYPOO]

Weekends right now are packed. Meeks is a great choice. I would stick to the west shore. I wouldn't bother with Sunny Side. PACKED on the weekends. Just about anywhere will be though. I prefer Jakes or even Garwoods. West Shore Cafe is a bit too upscale for this poor boy, but the food is good and setting even better. It's right next to Obexer's in Homewood, my home base at Tahoe.

Get your riding done before 10 and after 5. The rest of the day is only good for cruising. Be prepared for slow moving everything. It's just how Tahoe works.