?Boating in Laughlin?

[clownpuncher]

We were gonna hit Havasu this Saturday till Monday until Mrs CP learned of the big boys running 150+ in the poker run plus no rooms at the Nautical, and Parker until there was no rooms at the Bluewater. So now were thinking about Laughlin. Can anyone tell me the typical scenario? H2O levels for my 21 ultra, parking at the casino (I know there was a thread on here recently), best place to launch away from the crazy mofo seadoo rentals :mad: , etc? I'm thinking I might just avoid all doubt and tow to Topok and put in there. We'll have kids and looking for a safe place for em. Thanks in advance.
[ September 30, 2003, 06:12 PM: Message edited by: clownpuncher ]

[Ziggy]

Think the Edgewater has the most secure parking for boats---in their employees parking area with Security Gaurds and tons of space. Shuttle runs you back/forth to hotel.
I used to stay at Riverside and never had a problem but read that others weren't so happy with it now. Either way, don't leave valuables in the boat.
Been 4-5 years since I've stayed up there so my info is somewhat dated.
River is usually navigable with some freaky spots in the Big Bend area south of casino's 3-4 miles or so.(where pipe crosses river,sharp left curve southbound) Jet much easier wink
Otherwise a short drive up to Lake Mohave and plenty of space up there to boat...although Katherines Landing can be busy...other alternate launch spot is Telephone cove or the Indian reservation ramp down a 5 mile dirt road.

[BALLSDEEP]

CP, We just got back last night. Unless you have a jet boat, I wouldn't recommend launching at the casinos, the water was really low. We drove down to Needles marina and launched from there. We lauunched at the Needles Marina around 12, which is about the lowest point in the day. The Needles Marina launch ramp was pretty shallow, they were actually sending people down to Park Moabi. The river itself down there is fine, it was pleanty high enough to go to Havasu.

[al cole'holic]

clownpuncher:
We were gonna hit Havasu this Saturday till Monday until Mrs CP learned of the big boys running 150+ in the poker run plus no rooms at the Nautical, and Parker until there was no rooms at the Bluewater. So now were thinking about Laughlin. Can anyone tell me the typical scenario? H2O levels for my 21 ultra, parking at the casino (I know there was a thread on here recently), best place to launch away from the crazy mofo seadoo rentals :mad: , etc? I'm thinking I might just avoid all doubt and tow to Topok and put in there. We'll have kids and looking for a safe place for em. Thanks in advance. What up CP...OTR will have absolutely no problems making that run. It will be sweet for you guys too, drop in next to the Riverside and head down...just plan on it being 2 hours or so! See ya out there!! :D

[Trailer Park Casanova]

I just booked for Columbus Day weekend, the Weekend Super special at the Riverside.
Up to 4 nights for $70. Probably go boatless. If not, I won't park my boat at the Riverside,, I'll drop it off someplace else with security, and cover it.
The best way to go to Laughlin if you have a nice boat is the Edgewater:
Lighted, manned, secure boat parking. I went back out to the boat to get my girls tampons, sunglasses, and camera & security was immediatly all over me checking out what I was doing.
I looked pretty goofy standing there talking to security with a box of Tampax Tampon Lights (hard to find) in my hand.
Riverside can be OK if you park in the main lot,, Lots of bad tales otherwise.

[woodster]

[ September 30, 2003, 09:41 PM: Message edited by: woodster ]

[HOOTER SLED-]

Riverside is fine. I had an ice chest jacked from my boat last year. It was probably just some punk kids though just looking for some beers. Just inches away under my seats are neoprene vests, tube, small sub box, anchor, etc. They could've easily taken those. Now I just cover my boat EVERY time and try to stay away from the far corner of the lot.
If you want to boat on the river, I think the best place to launch closest to the casinos is Big Bend. There is a small two ramp boat launch and it's never a zoo there, even on holiday weekends. Big Bend is just South of Casino Dr. Be careful if you don't have a jet when you head out from the launch, especially if you are gonna head South on the River. Watch the other boats. Everyone swoops to the left (towards the homes). Once you get around the "Big Bend", the levels get better. There is also a cool little lagoon just North of Big Bend. Look for a palm tree and a small opening on the West side of the river.
At Mojave, I'd imagine the crowds have simmered down at Katherine's. With a 21 footer, you could easily launch at Telephone Cove. When you get past the pay booth at Katherine's, you'll turn right down a road. Look for the sign. The only downfall to Telephone is the dirt road. When I pull off, I just go back to the casino to wipe down the boat. I use the water from my ice chest w/ my squirt gun. When you launch, take a peek at the water before you back in. It sometimes get some holes that you can get stuck in. Head to Gasoline Alley on the lake. It's on the AZ side just North of Telephone Cove and Katherine's. Cliffs to jump off, that's usually everyone goes to kick it, especially on holidays. There is a cool cove to kick it down by the dam just to float too. I hear they have checkpoints at Katherine's AND up near Big Bend on the River sometimes, so watchout.
Hope this info helps, I could go on and on. My post is long enough. Have fun. Be safe.
HOOTER

[clownpuncher]

Thanks for all the input fellas. Hopefully with school starting the weekends will be much quieter. Ziggy - any luck selling your ride yet? Al cole'holic keep an eye out for otr, we should be between the sandbar and laughlin.

[Essex502]

My personal recommendation is to stay in Laughlin and drive the rig to Cottonwood Cove (about an hour or so) and launch there. Never a line, great area and the whole northern part of the lake to play in.

[Ziggy]

clownpuncher:
Thanks for all the input fellas. Hopefully with school starting the weekends will be much quieter. Ziggy - any luck selling your ride yet? Al cole'holic keep an eye out for otr, we should be between the sandbar and laughlin. Three new bites this week...It'll sell pretty soon, I can feel it :D wink
Thanks for asking

[Mandelon]

Have you tried Avi? Nice beach, big ramp. Easy drive down to Topoc to launch and run down the the sandbar. I think the river up by the casinos is kinda lame. Not that much to do. Too many jetskis, too.
Avi's gambling is not that great, but they do have tables unlike Bluewater. Cross the bridge and buy gas at the Safeway. Save 4 cents a gallon if you are a Vons or Safeway club card holder too. Well lit lot and decent security.
www.avicasino.com (http://www.avicasino.com)

[clownpuncher]

Thanks Mandelon. Never really gave much thought about Avi but it aounds like it could be nice. Anyone else been there and like it as much as Mandelon?
[ October 01, 2003, 07:10 PM: Message edited by: clownpuncher ]

[CA Stu]

clownpuncher:
Thanks Mandelon. Never really gave much thought about Avi but it aounds like it could be nice. Anyone else been there and like it as much as Mandelon? I have and I agree.
Good food, too.
Also, if you want a break for / from your kids, they have a really nice supervised area for children, complete with all kinds of video games, playground equipment, etc.
Ya know, in case you and the missus would like a little time alone :)
Avi is a nice place, plus you can buy fireworks and set them off in the dirt lot right next to the hotel and teach your kids fireworks and beer drinking at the same time. Now if I could just sneak them up to the blackjack table....
CA Stu
PS Their security is pretty good, too. The missus sent them out looking for me in the casino at 3 am, and they told her they couldn't find me.
I was sitting right there, and I had $600 in nickels on the machine. Time flies when you're having fun... I'm still in the doghouse for that, though...

[FletchMonster]

All the above info is cool, just be careful if you are not a jet. I hit somthing last summer and ruined a prop had the skeg on the outdrive bent to the side at a 45 degree angel. I was going slow, toward the AZ side, etc. etc. Have no idea what it was, obviously not a consistant problem as I seemed to be the only "lucky one" the find the magic spot. Just be careful.

[fourspeednup]

Avi security are a bunch of a$$holes! Good all-you-can-eat buffet though.
Never stayed there cuz my buddy has a place with a private community ramp (willow valley about a mile down river). If I was out there you could launch as a guest, sorry.
Last outing I went off a wierd wake in my 18ft Brendella jet and stuffed her in front of the casino. Took on a bunch of water and went in to the beach at Avi.
As I'm bailing out water in my half sunken boat the security focker informs me that I have 3 min to vacate the premises. Real sympathetic THANKS!

[phuggit]

Screw Laughlin. Too many snow birds pulling in this time of year. Ever tried launching from Park Moabi? Never waited more than 5 min to launch or retrieve my boat and it's close to the gorge and Topock Lemonaid.

[Danhercules]

check you pm's

[clownpuncher]

Got it and just replied. Thanks

[HOOTER SLED-]

Riverside has one of those supervised kids areas too. It's up by the bowling alley and sports bar. They give you pagers too. So you can be close to them. You have to walk through the bowling alley and the sports bar to get out. Pretty cool little place.

[Mandelon]

Avi security can be "dickish"..but if you act respectful to them they are alright. Don't call them kemosabe if you know what I mean.
Also the beaches at the rez are pay for use. If the chubby indian lady shows up she will demand $10.00. So I would be careful about hanging out on the beaches.
There are some shallow areas for sure, especially heading south. It is a looooong drive down to the sandbar. We usually tow to Topoc to put in. It is a bit further drive than Moabi, but does not have the 20 minute idle back out to the river..
Have Fun!

[89checkmate]

Essex502:
My personal recommendation is to stay in Laughlin and drive the rig to Cottonwood Cove (about an hour or so) and launch there. Never a line, great area and the whole northern part of the lake to play in. I am with Essex, we just got back from Laughlin and I launched at Cottonwood for the first time and it was great, I will never go back to Katherines again.
We took a trip up to the Hoover Dam and the ride was awesome. (approx 42 miles each way).