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View Full Version : Katherine's Landing to Hoover Dam questions.



thumbs
07-30-2007, 08:50 AM
Next Thursday the wife and I are thinking about launching at Katherine's Landing and heading to Hoover Dam and back for a day trip. I have only been to Mojave once and we didn't go to far. I was wondering how long of a trip it is. Where we could get gas if needed? Anything that we must see on the way? Is there a good place to eat on the water?
Let's hear some suggestions from the Lake Mojave regulars.

bunny 166
07-30-2007, 08:52 AM
Next Thursday the wife and I are thinking about launching at Katherine's Landing and heading to Hoover Dam and back for a day trip. I have only been to Mojave once and we didn't go to far. I was wondering how long of a trip it is. Where we could get gas if needed? Anything that we must see on the way? Is there a good place to eat on the water?
Let's hear some suggestions from the Lake Mojave regulars.
63 miles I believe--great trip! We have only done it once, but would love to do it again. Take pics!! :)

UltraStealth
07-30-2007, 08:53 AM
I would guess about a 2-3 hour drive depending on lake conditions and speed. It is a nice drive if you haven't done it. I think it is about 60-80 miles each way. I believe both Cottonwood and Willow have restuarants.

dirty old man
07-30-2007, 08:55 AM
Really great trip, but becareful if Mohave is rough. From Cottonwood on up to the dam is a great trip

Chubby4Life
07-30-2007, 08:56 AM
Gas can be had at Cottonwood Cove or Willow Beach. It's a great ride with plenty to see n/o C.C. through the canyons. The lake is closed on Sun. & Mon. north of Willow Beach so plan accordingly.

juicy noodle
07-30-2007, 08:57 AM
the wife and I did that run last month. It is about 55 miles each way. We averaged around 30-40 there and back (total trip 6 hours with food stop and a few kodak moments. There is gas avail near Hoover Dam (can't think of the marina name). Leave very early in the morning, we hit the main channel at around 2:00pm coming back and were met with 4-5' rollers. Very smooth early for a fast ride up.
Have fun, hope this helped

OLD MAN ON THE LAKE
07-30-2007, 08:59 AM
Gas at Cottonwood cove and Willow Beach.Lots of coves for lunch time.Look for Desert Big Horn north of cottonwood. Hot springs north of Willow Beach. Get a map. Go very early,come back across the basin as late as you can. The basin is usually very rough during the day.When you get up to Willow beach go for a swim.Check out the fish photos in the store. Its a great run,wish I was going.

Ziggy
07-30-2007, 09:00 AM
Best ride I've ever taken...don't rush it and you'll see more things. See if there's space on the beach to go check out the hot water springs on the Az side about 5 miles south of damn....if you see a small beach with a porta potty that's it.
Cottonwood(mile 42'ish) and Willow(mile 10ish) both have food and gas if needed, otherwise pack a picnic and enjoy a float back down river....midweek can't be beat.
Very distinctive mile markers once past Cottonwood...and no real underwater hazards to worry about all the way up unless beaching it.:)

Chubby4Life
07-30-2007, 09:01 AM
Also, when you get north of Willow a ways keep an eye out for the wooden catwalk on the right side and the cables that cross the river. At this point the water shallows quite a bit. Lots of sandbars on the west side and shallow ground on the right. Stay in the channel and you'll be fine.

HALLETT BOY
07-30-2007, 09:03 AM
Willow beach only has 7-11 type food, no restaurant, eat at Cottonwood, it has a nice little cafe.

HOOTER SLED-
07-30-2007, 09:14 AM
Bitchen ass run....................my only warnings would be..........................be careful in the basin, it can be VERY rough waters.........................if you value your nutsack, think before jumping in the cold ass water near the dam. LOL...............................and last, don't forget what a pain in the ass launching and retrieving can be on the weekends at Katherines. When I do this again, I think I will take the time and do the drive to Cottonwood to launch. Then more time can be spent exploring and hangin' between that area and the dam. The only real thing missed will be the cruise through the basin. :)

burtandnancy2
07-30-2007, 09:49 AM
Hootersled may be right, I've heard its faster to drive to Cottonwood than to launch/retrieve there on weekends. The water below the dam is 54, day/night, summer/winter. Very few people swim there...

warlock 27
07-30-2007, 09:54 AM
We went up last year and it took at lest 3 hours up.But make sure you look up in the hills going up theres mt goats up there.We saw a family last time. have fun

UltraStealth
07-30-2007, 10:01 AM
I few weeks back I did the drive to Cottonwood, launch, then run up to the dam. Sure beats the headache at Katherine's and the rough water in the basin. The drive to Cottonwood from Laughlin is about 40 minutes towing. Calculate the time on the boat from Cottonwood to Katherine's and the time waiting on the ramp.

thumbs
07-30-2007, 10:05 AM
We will be launching at 8am next Thursday to avoid the weekend crowds. We cruise in the 40mph range so I guess it's about 2 to 2.5 hours each way. Sounds like this will be a great little day trip.
Thanks for all the good information everyone.

Magic34
07-30-2007, 10:07 AM
Also, when you get north of Willow a ways keep an eye out for the wooden catwalk on the right side and the cables that cross the river. At this point the water shallows quite a bit. Lots of sandbars on the west side and shallow ground on the right. Stay in the channel and you'll be fine.
Is the water deeper at different times of the year?

Chubby4Life
07-30-2007, 10:21 AM
Is the water deeper at different times of the year?
I couldn't tell you, the water has allways been fine when we've run it. The channel is wide enough for 2-3 boats.
You shouldn't have a problem if you took your ride up there.

Magic34
07-30-2007, 10:31 AM
I couldn't tell you, the water has allways been fine when we've run it. The channel is wide enough for 2-3 boats.
You shouldn't have a problem if you took your ride up there.
Cool, thanks. Is the channel set up with markers?

meaniam
07-30-2007, 10:36 AM
man the cottonwood cove to the damn is a awesome run. i did it july 3rd. wish i would have known about the hot springs before. cottonwood cove area is the smoothest water i have ever seen. messing around in the current was fun on the boats near the cables. and jumping in that cold nut shrinking water below the damn was refreshing with it being 110+ i stayed in about 3 or 4 mins did it twice. we were all alone out there. i never thought i would like that but it is good 1 day out of 5-7 days lots of scenery. i am gonna try to go back out there the friday on the next holiday weekend aug 31st. do the trip from kathrines. i dont understand why people drive in car at the river when you can get to the same spot on boat.

LuckyStrike
07-30-2007, 10:41 AM
Ive boated most my life in S. Fla. the Keys and the Bahamas. The run from Kathrines to Hoover is the Best Boating Ive Ever Done. Ive made the Trip a couple of Dozen times and you can Always See something New.Cottonwood has a Great little Diner with Gas and Willow Has a Great Gift shop with Pop Beer and Chips Ect..And Sinclar Gas:D
Im planning on being up there the 23rd thru the 26th with some East Coast people to give them the Chamber of Commerce ride:D :D
Also check out the Great Sandy Beach Coves that are the west side of the lake before Cottonwood.

wildcat
07-30-2007, 10:51 AM
Skip Katherines and launch at Cottonwood. You will have a lot more time to spend on the canyon part of the lake and you wont miss anything at the south end by the dam. You can easily spend a day exploring the north part of the lake. The basin is fun if you can cruise at a nice 120mph otherwise it just beats you up at 40 or 50. We spend a lot of time up there and make it a point to jump in the water around willow:sqeyes: it is invigorating to say the least.

Chubby4Life
07-30-2007, 10:52 AM
Cool, thanks. Is the channel set up with markers?
The only markers I know are: Dark water = deep enough, light water, not so deep! :D

lalhc
07-30-2007, 10:58 AM
I was thinking about making the same trip, but I would prefer to launch from Cottonwood. I have a couple of questions because I am not familiar w/that area:
#1 - How far is it from Cottonwood Cove to Hoover dam?
#2 - Which is the best/safest way to travel to Cottonwood Cove from Havasu?

pw_Tony
07-30-2007, 11:09 AM
One more warning when you go up to the Dam. If you park your boat and go for a hike make sure you're anchored at least five feet deep. And the current is fast so it's kinda tricky. Cause if yah go for a hike you might come back to your boat out of the water!:jawdrop:
http://i15.tinypic.com/4ose2i1.jpg

thumbs
07-30-2007, 11:09 AM
The basin is fun if you can cruise at a nice 120mph otherwise it just beats you up at 40 or 50.
120mph....I wish. My boat is good for about 60mph on a good day. Beside, my wife is of the belief that going fast is only fun for the driver.:jawdrop:

Magic34
07-30-2007, 11:10 AM
I was thinking about making the same trip, but I would prefer to launch from Cottonwood. I have a couple of questions because I am not familiar w/that area:
#1 - How far is it from Cottonwood Cove to Hoover dam?
#2 - Which is the best/safest way to travel to Cottonwood Cove from Havasu?
#3 what are the launch ramps like at cottonwood?

wildcat
07-30-2007, 11:20 AM
ramps are great parking is much better than KL and there are fewer lake lice up there. We took 3 Skaters (32,36,40) plus a 40 fountain and didnt have any problems. Did not do fuel there so I cant tell you about that. The breakfast is good and the marina people are nice. Cant say the same for KL
Thumbs - Sorry to hear about the wife and speed problem. Mine enjoys the 100-120 wants out over 150. Other option is let her drive then 100+ wont be an issue:)

Ziggy
07-30-2007, 11:23 AM
I echo the idea of going to Cottonwood to launch, thats what we did too.
You can not get all the way up there and not jump in the water, that's a must not matter how cold it feels on the toes.
Couple of pics to wet the appetite.
At the damn Dam.. :D
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35965&stc=1&d=1185823239
My daughter climbing ladder at the Hot Springs....That is all very hot water pouring off there. Continue climbing and it gets hotter the farther up you go, water is just oozing out of the walls.
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35966&stc=1&d=1185823251

dicudmore
07-30-2007, 11:46 AM
I was thinking about making the same trip, but I would prefer to launch from Cottonwood. I have a couple of questions because I am not familiar w/that area:
#1 - How far is it from Cottonwood Cove to Hoover dam?
#2 - Which is the best/safest way to travel to Cottonwood Cove from Havasu?
#1...about 25 miles to willow beach marina then approx 13 to the dam...
#2...40 to just past Needles, 95 North towards Vegas/Searchlight...pass the terribles in searchlight you'll see a sign that says Cottonwood cove marina, and cottonwood cove road. Turn right--14 miles, the road will dead end at the launch ramp. Can't miss it.

dicudmore
07-30-2007, 11:48 AM
We will be launching at 8am next Thursday to avoid the weekend crowds. We cruise in the 40mph range so I guess it's about 2 to 2.5 hours each way. Sounds like this will be a great little day trip.
Thanks for all the good information everyone.
your time frame is including several stops...its really not that far...

LEADFOOTjosh
07-30-2007, 11:55 AM
One more warning when you go up to the Dam. If you park your boat and go for a hike make sure you're anchored at least five feet deep. And the current is fast so it's kinda tricky. Cause if yah go for a hike you might come back to your boat out of the water!:jawdrop:
http://i15.tinypic.com/4ose2i1.jpg
so.. how long till the water came back??

pw_Tony
07-30-2007, 03:18 PM
so.. how long till the water came back??
We didn't wait for the water to come back... yah see with a jet boat we can just push it back!:D

CoolCruzinCobra
07-30-2007, 04:21 PM
We didn't wait for the water to come back... yah see with a jet boat we can just push it back!:D
:eek:

UltraStealth
07-31-2007, 06:56 AM
I was thinking about making the same trip, but I would prefer to launch from Cottonwood. I have a couple of questions because I am not familiar w/that area:
#1 - How far is it from Cottonwood Cove to Hoover dam?
#2 - Which is the best/safest way to travel to Cottonwood Cove from Havasu?
I believe it is about 30-40 miles from Cottonwood. The time all depends on speed. I ran at about an average of 40-45 up there and it took I believe 1 1/2 to 2 hours. We stopped along the way.
Once you get past Willow watch out for people in canoe's. I am not sure if it is a constant occurance, but they were fockin everywhere. It was like navigating through a mine field. :jawdrop: :D

UltraStealth
07-31-2007, 06:57 AM
your time frame is including several stops...its really not that far...
I think Dan can do it in 5, maybe 10 minutes. :jawdrop: :D

DILLIGAF
07-31-2007, 07:45 AM
We will be launching at 8am next Thursday to avoid the weekend crowds. We cruise in the 40mph range so I guess it's about 2 to 2.5 hours each way. Sounds like this will be a great little day trip.
Thanks for all the good information everyone.
lAUNCH BETWEEN 7-7:3a TO BEAT ANY CROWDS THAT MIGHT AT kl. Very nice ride up and back. If you feel wind coming back before Cottonwood chances are the basin will be rough. That would be my only concern.
Have fun and take lots of picsl

OLD MAN ON THE LAKE
07-31-2007, 08:01 AM
If your going from Phoenix the shortest drive is to Willow Beach.I have put in at four places on Mohave ,Willow is easiest.Cottonwood cove is a very long drive.We use to put in at Willow with all our stuff and boat down to Cottonwood to stay.Awesome trip.ENJOY

STV_Keith
07-31-2007, 08:56 AM
What day are you going? Supposed to be thunderstorms this Thursday. If the wind kicks up, it can be a real bear in the basin.
http://a921.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/25/l_067b0c3bc3022d6095ffbfbbeb50dd58.jpg
North of Cottonwood, it's usually not too bad. Once you get around owl point, it will be smooth sailing. :)
Dolly Hill Cove / Stopover Beach is a nice place (about centered between the dam and owl) to stop.
http://www.speedcraving.com/keith/mojave-gps-points.jpg

finsfan4life
07-31-2007, 09:07 AM
I was always told, do the 45 min drive and launch from Cottonwood, U skip the main part of the basin, even on a Thr, u could still wait a long time at Kathrines boat ramp...
If u do leave from Kathrines, make it 0600 instead...

Big Warlock
07-31-2007, 09:07 AM
This is my favorite trips ever! I have been making this run for years. It has been a pain since they set up restrictions above Willow Beach. I need to go this year sometime!

DILLIGAF
07-31-2007, 09:20 AM
I was always told, do the 45 min drive and launch from Cottonwood, U skip the main part of the basin, even on a Thr, u could still wait a long time at Kathrines boat ramp...
If u do leave from Kathrines, make it 0600 instead...
The KL launch ramp is not busy until between 7:30-8A on a Thursday. 6A isn't necessary.
The biggest benefit to launching from CC is..
1) Shorter lines than KL (beat the crowd by launching early)
2) You don't have to cross the basin

UltraStealth
07-31-2007, 09:30 AM
The KL launch ramp is not busy until between 7:30-8A on a Thursday. 6A isn't necessary.
The biggest benefit to launching from CC is..
1) Shorter lines than KL (beat the crowd by launching early)
2) You don't have to cross the basin
Very true....These two reasons make it worth going to Cottonwood. If you have a big boat, then I would just run from Katherine's.

essexjet
07-31-2007, 09:41 AM
http://www.riverlakes.com/maps,_lake_mohave.htm
Here is a link for a map of Lake Mohave with GPS coordinates to marinas and hot springs

Dan Lorenze
07-31-2007, 10:03 AM
Good thread.......

thumbs
07-31-2007, 10:09 AM
How bad can the basin be in my 23' Ultra? Sometimes I kinda like the adverse conditions. Makes for a better adventure.
If I choose launch at Katherine's we will take DILLIGAF's advice and do so by 7ish.
If I do decide to launch at CC how do I get there from Laughlin?

COELIMINATOR
07-31-2007, 10:12 AM
Curious as to why no boat traffic Sunday and Monday????
Sam

DILLIGAF
07-31-2007, 10:20 AM
How bad can the basin be in my 23' Ultra? Sometimes I kinda like the adverse conditions. Makes for a better adventure.
If I choose launch at Katherine's we will take DILLIGAF's advice and do so by 7ish.
If I do decide to launch at CC how do I get there from Laughlin?
I am sure you would be fine going across the basin in the AM...It could be a problem coming back in the PM. If so...stop at CC and wait it out. I have been thru there on a 23' boat a few times. Twice I had to run into a cove and wait it out. The water can get very, very rough with winds 15+ accross that basin.
To get to CC from Laughlin just come down Casino Drive to where it ends and you can take the bridge over to AZ. Instead of taking a right take a left and go up the mountain. At the top (apx 15-20 miles) you take a right and it is a straight shot to Searchlight. At Searchlight you will see a sign for CC and you take a right and follow it all the way down. I am thinking more like an hour tow for you. DO NOT speed when you get to Searchlight as they love to give out tickets there. The speed limit changes very quickly.
Have fun

AirtimeLavey
07-31-2007, 10:35 AM
I am sure you would be fine going across the basin in the AM...It could be a problem coming back in the PM. If so...stop at CC and wait it out. I have been thru there on a 23' boat a few times. Twice I had to run into a cove and wait it out. The water can get very, very rough with winds 15+ accross that basin.
To get to CC from Laughlin just come down Casino Drive to where it ends and you can take the bridge over to AZ. Instead of taking a right take a left and go up the mountain. At the top (apx 15-20 miles) you take a right and it is a straight shot to Searchlight. At Searchlight you will see a sign for CC and you take a right and follow it all the way down. I am thinking more like an hour tow for you. DO NOT speed when you get to Searchlight as they love to give out tickets there. The speed limit changes very quickly.
Have fun
Even though he actually watches and routes for the Clippers, this is good advice. People die in the Basin on big days. This time of year, the afternoons can get rough. I have a 24' Lavey that handles chop real well, but I always launch from Cottonwood for the Hoover Dam trips. It's no fun crossing the Basin on big days.
Also, when you get close to the dam, stay to the right (east side) as there is a sand bar there that is above water some times. I think there's a tree on it, and like someone else said, watch as you come around the corners above Willow, there are frequently canoes/kayakers and tour boats.
Have fun. Hope you get good weather.

AirtimeLavey
07-31-2007, 10:37 AM
Curious as to why no boat traffic Sunday and Monday????
Sam
Not 100% certain, but I believe it is environmental concerns. I think it's even more restricted after Labor day, until Memorial Day.

thumbs
07-31-2007, 11:06 AM
OK - I have had enough warnings and will be launching from CC. What time do I need to be there by to avoid lines at the launch on a Thursday?
Thanks again for all the advise everyone.

DILLIGAF
07-31-2007, 11:13 AM
OK - I have had enough warnings and will be launching from CC. What time do I need to be there by to avoid lines at the launch on a Thursday?
Thanks again for all the advise everyone.
I would not worry about CC...8, 9, 10...you should be fine at the ramp.

SnakeCharmer
07-31-2007, 11:21 AM
Our last run--in March--was from the bouy line (near Parker Dam) To Davis Dam! :D Had a great time! :) I Can't wait to make this Run!!
Davis To Hoover!---Oct!, Nov!!---When it Ain't so friggin HOT!! :D
A couple foot of mud kept us from exploring the river around Moab last yr!---lol, had to run some trails instead! :eek: ;) ---But, looking forward to seeing as much as possible (to class 5, if any?) of the river this year.
Also want to see & Fish the river above and below Blyth! :)
Liking them Tips!

thumbs
07-31-2007, 11:28 AM
I would not worry about CC...8, 9, 10...you should be fine at the ramp.
Perfect!

wildcat
07-31-2007, 11:43 AM
I have never had more than a 10 trailer wait at Cottonwood any time of the year.
Can the basin get bad? You bet I was in a 27 Hallett a couple of years ago and we turned around in the afternoon and got out of it. Now in Wildcat we can make 4 or 5 runs a day dam to dam. It's way to much fun going fast:D

franky
07-31-2007, 11:59 AM
Can you go all the way to the base (view) of the damn?

DILLIGAF
07-31-2007, 12:00 PM
Can you go all the way to the base (view) of the damn?
You can't go to the base but you can get some good pics and so forth. The days of going right up to the base of the dam(s) are over. You can blame that on 9-11

meaniam
07-31-2007, 12:19 PM
i think you may want to lock your trailer brake out (non use) when making the drive down to cottonwood cove. it is a bit steep. and depending on the size and weight of the boat. the trailer brakes will be on pretty good the whole 14 miles down. if you decide to leave the brakes active. you may want to wait a few minutes for them to cool down before putting it in water. may also want to check your grease on your axles to make sure it didnt liquify and run out.
would a 24ft cheetah have problems making it threw the basin in the afternoon? still learning about my boat. and dont know how big the water gets in the basin.

Essexive G's
07-31-2007, 01:44 PM
Davis To Hoover!---Oct!, Nov!!---When it Ain't so friggin HOT!! :
Liking them Tips!
Try this tip. After Labor day weekend you can't go any farther north than Willow Beach which is about 10 miles south of the dam.
Can only go up their between Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Plus, I believe there are day restrictions on Fri., Sat.

wildcat
07-31-2007, 01:45 PM
Its fine from a safety standpoint. It is just when the wind comes up the basin gets sloppy in all directions. A 2 or 3 foot wind chop is not uncommon, and in a 24'er at 40 mph the ride tends to be less than desirable.

dicudmore
07-31-2007, 01:55 PM
I have never had more than a 10 trailer wait at Cottonwood any time of the year.
Can the basin get bad? You bet I was in a 27 Hallett a couple of years ago and we turned around in the afternoon and got out of it. Now in Wildcat we can make 4 or 5 runs a day dam to dam. It's way to much fun going fast:D
you CAN make said 4 or 5 trips...its the fill-ups required that hurt :eek: :(

wildcat
07-31-2007, 02:06 PM
you CAN make said 4 or 5 trips...its the fill-ups required that hurt :eek: :(
The Sunoco guys love it when we race the lake all day. About 500 gal on a good weekend:jawdrop:

dicudmore
07-31-2007, 02:13 PM
The Sunoco guys love it when we race the lake all day. About 500 gal on a good weekend:jawdrop:
carry a few extra DRUMS of fuel on the truck?? :D

wildcat
07-31-2007, 02:49 PM
carry a few extra DRUMS of fuel on the truck?? :D
When we know we are going to be there multiple days or when we take several boats, we have it drop shipped up there to a friends business then we fuel from there. Its not really that big of a hassle, just requires some planning

plaster dave
07-31-2007, 03:58 PM
We are doing it on the 16-18. Thanks Jay for planing it.

SnakeCharmer
07-31-2007, 04:45 PM
Try this tip. After Labor day weekend you can't go any farther north than Willow Beach which is about 10 miles south of the dam.
Can only go up their between Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Plus, I believe there are day restrictions on Fri., Sat.
:jawdrop: Can't say'z I like them tips at All! :(
Wonder how big the fine is?? :idea: :wink:

Pheelin Phroggy
07-31-2007, 05:33 PM
We make this run from KL 3-4 times a year... yes the lower basin can get down right nasty.. not much of a problem in a 28', but you could definately have an interesting ride in a 23'. If you have not done it.. its definately worth checking the box for. CC to the damn is a nice run also, we just prefer to be on the water instead of driving up there, so we normally try to launch and get a slip at KL the day prior. Normally cruise about 60 up there, then take our time cruising back and enjoying the sights. Plenty of time to have a good trip.
Have fun... take pics...

Pheelin Phroggy
07-31-2007, 05:40 PM
Wonder how big the fine is?? :idea: :wink:[/QUOTE]
I only know of one guy that went up out of season... by the time they got done going through all his stuff and almost arresting him and impounding his boat for boating in a seasonal wildlife sanctuary, he wound up with around around 1,500 in fines.

pw_Tony
07-31-2007, 06:25 PM
And I remember our CRAZY ride in our 19' Charger jet boat, a storm kickin up in the middle of the day. WHEN IN DOUBT THROTTLE OUT! Oh the wife was cryin, and wanting me to go back! Anyone that knows boats knows to not slow down, keep it to the fiberglass!