Austin boaters

[thesledhead]

Re: Austin boaters

Lake Travis is a nice big lake. I am not sure how big your boat is, but be careful. I have been out there on a non holiday weekend and felt like I was in a row boat. My boat is not the biggest, it does what I need and want. Early in the morning is the best time to get out on that lake, in my opinion. Seems like all the college kids with parent?s money come out usually around 1:00. They are cruising in big boats at WOT and making power turns all day long. The kids didn?t have a great time rocking back and forth and not being able to wakeboard or ski. Watch out for some coves, you don?t want to have to explain to the kid some of the things you might see.
We go back to the lake all the time, it is clean and clear. We just go out around 9 and back in by 1. We put in at Briarcliff and have seen vacation houses on the lake there that are for rent. It is around 20 or 25 miles up the lake from Mansfield dam, which has all the bars and restaurants.

well my boat is 22+'. do you think the end of march is too early to be down there????

I thought of a Lake Travis safety tip from years ago. It was one of my early posts here, but I can't search back that far right now.

Most of hot spot restaurant/bars are closer to the dam. Years ago our group saved some money by renting a house about ten miles away.

No problem during the day. Night time was a different story as I piloted a boat full of partiers from Carlos and Charlie's after a Fabulous Thunderbirds concert.

I didn't own the boat but I was very familiar driving it. It was my roommate's and I ended up buying the Lil' Ray from him. I wasn't familiar with the lake, though and decided it was safe to follow the lights of a bigger boat heading the same direction.

Well the boat ahead of us started a turn to starboard, so I did the same; still on plane at 1:00 am. Unfortunately we weren't at the bend yet and cut the turn early. The next thing I heard was my friend, the owner, scream, "TREES!!!" I had cut the corner into a forest of stumps.

I think this was the bend,
Arkansas Bend

After the shock wore off, we nursed the boat back to the channel and proceeded back at a very painful idle. I guess I was destined to buy the boat one way or the other.

So...A long way to say, rent near where you want to play on Travis or have someone who knows the lake onboard. A good map is handy, too(when someone actually has it open).

Safe voyages!

LMAO... been there but we wern't soo lucky, the boat ended up about 20 yards on shore with party anmials scattered everywhere.......... the good ole days LOL

 

[kailec00]

Re: Austin boaters

The end of March will be nice weather. My guess is the temp will be mid to upper 70?s, but the water might still be cool. If you have a 22 foot boat then you will still be a small boat for that lake. Most of the boats that come out to show off are 35+ feet. I would make sure that you do not hit the UT spring break, otherwise it will be wild time on that lake. Have fun enjoy the lake. It fun to cruise the entire length of the lake. Takes a while and give you nice views or the area.

 

[thesledhead]

Re: Austin boaters

well sweet, sounds like a good time thanks for the tips