Big Bear Lake, CA

[rmurray]

I'm thinking of taking my boat up to Big Bear Lake. I was just wondering what to expect. I am thinking the drive could be difficult. I'm pulling a 21' open bow with an F250 powerstroke 6.0L. The boat is probably pushing 5000lbs. Would it be better to go the back way using HWY 38? I believe the truck has enough power, just worried about the curvy narrow roads. Also, will the boat run OK? I know there is some loss of power with altitude, but it should still run ok, right? Its a 260hp merc 5.7L. Are there any beaches on the lake, or places to park the boat on the shore? Finally, is the water cold? I've got young kids and I'm hoping they'll enjoy the lake, but if its cold, they may not want to get wet. I've been to Big Bear many times, just never to the lake. I am thinking it would be nice to take the boat up there for the weekend and cruise the lake. Any feedback is greatly aprpeciated. Thanks!

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

I took our previous boat (maxum 1900SR3 w/ 4.3L A1) up to Big Bear. Believe all said and done it was just a hair under 5K lbs. on trailer. Pulled it with new F-150, Super Crew, 5.3 with tow package. Truck did just fine getting up there - performed like a champ. We had a great time - beautiful lake and can't wait to do it again with current boat (bit heavier) / same truck very soon. We got a slip at the BB marina for a week. We were up there mid JUNE 2011. Weather was great albeit high 30's at night mid 70's during the day. Water temp was cool but do-able once you got in LOL. Might depend on the age of your kids as to whether or not they will find the water "refreshing" or "too cold". But, again - well worth the trip. Besides the BB marina and some hotel slips, I think there was one other place where you could dock (public) and get something to eat besides the other public launches. Don't recall any "beaches" where boats would be allowed but we weren't looking for them. We'd simply anchor, float and swim. Early mornings were best time to "open her up" and run on smooth water. Boat performed OK but I could tell the altitude made a difference (WOT RPM / top speed were both a bit lower).

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

I took our previous boat (maxum 1900SR3 w/ 4.3L A1) up to Big Bear. Believe all said and done it was just a hair under 5K lbs. on trailer. Pulled it with new F-150, Super Crew, 5.3 with tow package. Truck did just fine getting up there - performed like a champ. We had a great time - beautiful lake and can't wait to do it again with current boat (bit heavier) / same truck very soon. We got a slip at the BB marina for a week. We were up there mid JUNE 2011. Weather was great albeit high 30's at night mid 70's during the day. Water temp was cool but do-able once you got in LOL. Might depend on the age of your kids as to whether or not they will find the water "refreshing" or "too cold". But, again - well worth the trip. Besides the BB marina and some hotel slips, I think there was one other place where you could dock (public) and get something to eat besides the other public launches. Don't recall any "beaches" where boats would be allowed but we weren't looking for them. We'd simply anchor, float and swim. Early mornings were best time to "open her up" and run on smooth water. Boat performed OK but I could tell the altitude made a difference (WOT RPM / top speed were both a bit lower).

Sorry - don't know what happened to the rest of my post! I also said that this time of year both the water and air temps would be much warmer. I also said that if you have a spare lower pitched prop that might help with the altitude. But, even with the reduced WOT / RPM / top speed, we were still able to get to the mid 40's GPS. We had a great time and are planning another trip soon. It is a beautiful lake and great scenery. Sorry for the incomplete first post - still can't figure out why it didn't "auto save" the whole post. Good luck, enjoy the trip

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

Been there before. Very beautiful scenery, but water was cold (high 60s in August) and my carbureted boat lost about 1/3 of its power. There were a few places to beach and set up camp. Overall pretty nice, but have been going to warmer places since. The kids didn't appreciate the cold water. Also, if it gets cloudy, it makes for a cool day.

 

[rmurray]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

My boat is carbureted, so I'm guessing I will lose a significant amount of power. I do have a lower pitched prop which I could use I suppose. It might be nice to get a slip for the night. My kids are 4 and 6, so I'm guessing the water is going to be cold. We were in Laughlin recently, where I think the water is in the low 70s, and even when its 100 degrees outside, the water can still be a little chilly. Regardless, I should probably give it a try since we have a relative with a cabin not far from the marina. So, I should be okay using the 18 to get up there?

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

I am no mechanic, but I think you can adjust your carb for the altitude.

 

[MRS]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

If you are talking 18 thur Apple Valley it is steep and full of switch backs I know because that is the way we go we live in Apple Valley. Plus on the way down if you do not have trailer brakes that work right forget it can and will burn up brakes big time. Cannot remember but I think it is hwy. 38 thru Redlands is way better and not so steep and wider turns but check it out first like I said have not been on that side of the hill in a long time. Also so you will need a permit bought there for the boat and they use to ask for proof of insurance when buying permit but like I said it has been awhile since I have boated there.
Plus do not mess with the carb. maybe change to lower pitch prop. Oh ya and have fun beautiful up there...

 

[QC]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

I think Laughlin water is colder than low 70s. Definitely run the lower pitch prop. Big Bear is 6700 ft. or so. Very significant.

http://www.bbmwd.com/Lake_Info.html

 

[MRS]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

Laughlin Buuurrrrr was at Havasu two weeks ago surface temp. 88.5 deg.s

 

[QC]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

Flippin' turn your legs blue just holding the boat on the beach . . .

 

[rmurray]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

I plan on taking Highway 18 through Running Springs (from San Bernardino). I'll do Highway 38 if it's worth the extra time it will take. I do have trailer brakes for the trip down. With the F250 and the boat, I'm probably pushing 50' in length, so switchbacks and sharp turns are no fun.

 

[QC]

Re: Big Bear Lake, CA

With the F250 and the boat, I'm probably pushing 50' in length, so switchbacks and sharp turns are no fun.

330 to 18? They run Tractor trailers up these routes, turn radius will not be an issue.