Southern California suggestions??

[BTMCB]

I am looking for some recommendations / suggestions for any good so cal boating lakes (day trips). So far, we have done Piru, Castaic, Pyramid. We also launch at Ventura Harbor, Channel Islands Harbor, Long Beach, Marina del Rey and Newport Beach. Of course, after each ocean trip I run it on the muffs for about 20 minutes after retrieval, the last bit with salt away. Usually, we like to just cruise, explore, exercise the engine, anchor, swim and relax. Sometimes we are joined by our sons who ski and tube. Besides the Colorado river, Mead and Mojave, what area lakes am I missing?? We are not afraid to drive if a place is worth it. Thanks in advance for any suggestions guys.

 

[MRS]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

I have not been there but have friends that have and said it was great is mission bay. I hope to try in a few months.....

 

[767Captain]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

San Diego Bay. Far nicer to cruise than Mission Bay. By the way, I wouldn't run the motor so long on the muffs. A few minutes with Salt Away is all it needs to flush. Next time after you're in salt water, taste the water coming out after just a minute or so, (without salt Away...) and you'll find the salt is gone by then.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

I have never been here myself, But I found this area and info for you.
In San Diego, you're pretty much limited to El Capitan Resevoir in Lakeside right now. San Vicente is closed while they raise the height of the Dam.
http://www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/

Also there is Bass lake, Everyone has always said that it is worth the drive there when you get the extra time to do it.
http://www.basslakeboatrentals.com/MapDirections.html
http://basslakeca.com/index.php

And if you want to go up north, Here are a few to look at in the links.
Although I hear lake Nacimiento is almost dry right now, Here is some info on it. http://www.nacimientoresort.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_County,_California
[Here are a few Quotes from others that have been there before]
Although Clear lake is far from clear and some spots can be down right nasty. It is one of the few lakes (maybe the only lake) in NorCal where you rent houses on the water with docks or stay at resorts that have docks. You can take your boat to bars and restaurants for lunch or drinks. Just a different lake experience than the usuall reservour with one ramp and a marina.
The "Largest Natural Lake in California". Still can't believe many boaters around Calif dont know Clear Lake. The Bass Pros sure know about it "Bass Capital of the West". And it dont cost anything to launch your boat at the ramps. If you are looking for a place to stay try Konocti Vista Casino Resort and Marina or for camping The State Park by Kelseyville. Not sure if Willow Point in Lakeport is open yet. Just dont wait til late summer, early fall, aquantic plants get bad near the shore. April through June is the best. July, ok.

Well I hope this helps you a bit, Have fun.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

767Captain, you have to run the motor long enough for the tstats to open, and flush the head. proper water supply on muffs, it can run forever.

 

[767Captain]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

767Captain, you have to run the motor long enough for the tstats to open, and flush the head. proper water supply on muffs, it can run forever.

Good point. Whenever I flush my engine, the water feels pretty warm right from the beginning. I assumed the thermostats were already open after running the motor.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I'm hoping to hit all the lakes suggested as some point! Also, thanks TD for your comments regarding running the engine on muffs. Exactly what I thought and was told to do by mechanic. I usually run for 10-12 minutes after ocean use and then the last 30 seconds or so with "salt away" - until the "foam" starts coming out as stated in the salt away instructions.

 

[QC]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

Sorry I missed this . . . What power plant? Don't forget the effect of altitude on performance. If that is not an issue Silverwood, and especially Big Bear Lake, are beautiful. We like longer cruises so we have pretty much ended up going only to Mead, Mohave, Havasu and Parker. We used to do the local lakes a lot, but just got really bored with them. Big Bear is a tough tow BTW . . .

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

QC - Thanks. Power plant is 4.3L, V6 190HP. Alpha 1. Thought about the "tough tow" to Big Bear. Love that lake though but haven't been up there since buying the boat. Plan on doing the river / mead / mojave / havasu come spring - maybe even a trip to powell. Gotta admit our "local" lakes are beginning to bore me too as much as I just enjoy being out on the boat anywhere! That's why I splash it in the ocean periodically.

 

[QC]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

Yeah, pretty much Long Beach or I'm heading east . . . How many laps can you really do on our local lakes?

I've never done Nacimiento or San Antonio. There's some options there too as they are bigger, but they are as far as the Riv, so again, we head east . . .

 

[jaycozer]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

Just came across thread.

East to river or long trips to Mead or Mojave considered when we have the time. Sometimes to El Capitan but also taking out out to San Diego or Mission Bay a little bit out of necessity. Our preference with same type of boat and our waterskiing needs is San Vicente - like earlier post mentions not available. I know it was only put out there as an option but El Capitan down here probably not worth coming down for you unless you are just looking for a little fishing time on a new lake.

Keep up the fun!

 

[gjmsd]

Re: Southern California suggestions??

In north San Diego county there is also Lake Elsinore but it gets pretty choppy on weekends.