Sailing on Lake Powell?

OK, trip of a lifetime coming up. My brothers and I have decided to do a "family reunion" get together on one of those big Lake Powell houseboats for a week in late June. Really looking forward to it. Our rough plan is to pick up the houseboat at Wahweep and head up to the other end of Padre Bay. Park the houseboat, then explore the upper reaches of the lake and canyons by ski boat .

My brother (whose been there a couple of times before) keeps telling me about the big wind/whitecaps that come up frequently in the afternoon on the lake.

When I hear "big wind" I immediately start thinking "big thrills" with my Hobie 18! As I research Lake Powell sailing though, I seem to routinely run into the fact that the lake is not really known for good sailing due to all the deep canyons.

Anyone here sail their cat on Padre Bay at Lake Powell and was it worth it? Would you go through the efforts again? In the big wind afternoons on Padre Bay, was it "ohmygeeeooood this is awesome...." or was it "slam, slam, slam.....geeezo, can't wait to get to shore, I'm beating the living crap outta my boat...."

I would really appreciate any advice from those who have "been there, done that" before I haul my 18 all the way out there.

And yes, I understand the concepts of depowering the 18 and the importance of a good righting system, as well as the good judgment necessary to just leave the boat on the beach when conditions so dictate. But if I'm gonna leave the boat on the beach a good portion of the time, is it really worth taking it? Ah, the million dollar question.......

Thanks for the help,

Mike Bennett
Madera Ca
1981 Hobie 18 with SX wings
1986 Hobie 16
1971 Hobie 14 turbo

I took my Hobie 16 there 25 years ago in the middle of the summer. Launched at Wawheep and drifted across the bay to our family campsite - much like you describe. The rest of the week, there was zero, zilch, nada no wind and I was pretty disappointed.

If the wind blows, the bays would be good for sailing. They are big enough and open enough. Look out for rocks just under the surface. Using the 18 to try to travel up the lake would not be possible/practical because of the narrow deep canyons.

When I go again, I will take my boat - I would rather be disappointed that I had the boat and it did not blow, than not have the boat with great conditions.

Good luck!

Ernie Luce
San Antonio
Hobie 17

Ernie,

Thanks for the reply. I agree, using the 18 for sightseeing would be an exercise in futility on this lake. If I take it, it would really only be there for the "fun factor" in the afternoons if/when the wind comes up.

I'm with you, I hate being at a lake when it blows without my Hobie. Would generally rather take it and not need it due to lack of wind, than not take it and sit there on the beach wishing I had it 'cause it's blowing like stink! Problem is, there's a lot to consider when "bringing the Hobie" in a situation like this.

Thanks for the thoughts,

mike