04/20 - 04/30 - Lake Powell

Mike --
Thanks for updating the dates for the Powell cruise. What do we know about being the Director of a Gathering? You're right, Mike -- nothing! This is our first time -- urg! Responsibility -- double urg!
 
George...I would recommend the Stan Jones map...it's available at the stores and marinas in the area. It's got the buoy numbers and lots of info on the sights to see. Also, I like the Boaters Guide to Lake Powell by Michael Kelsey. Lots of info on the geology, archaeology, hikes, campsites etc. You can also get the chip for your plotter of the lake. Just go to whatever cartography you use and look in the lakes fishing area for Lake Powell...remember Powell is in Arizona as well as Utah. Some companies list it as being in one state or the other. If I remember correctly...you use Navionics...their lake product is called Hotmaps....and Powell is on the western chip.
You will love Lake Powell...some of the finest cruising available.
 
Hi George,

There is also "Lake Powell Magazine" ( http://www.lakepowellmag.com/maps.html ) which usually has pretty decent sectional maps of Powell. Chris' comment regarding the Stan Jones map is correct - an excellent resource.

Does anyone know of a nav chip (or topo...) that would permit you to color-in portions of the lake according to elevation? With the changes in lake level ( -108 feet last week...) the configuration of Lake Powell is significantly different that most charts depict!

Casey
C-Dory Naknek
 
I do not know if this will help you people going to Lake Powell. You can download topographical maps at the following location.
http://nrwrt1.nr.state.ut.us/cgi-bin/quadview.exe
They are large tiff maps. 12 to 20 Megs in size. The maps can be printed on one page or as actual size and taped together, however you will need a printer that will handle a file this size and it will be more than 80 pages per image or 74”x93”.

The best way to put the files on paper would be to load it into a graphics program, then reduce it to 25% of the original size or about 15”x18” then print on four pages and tape together. The other option is to crop the image into quarters and print each quarter on one page then tape together.

If you have, a GPS program that will handle tiff files you can use them in it also. You would use them the same as a nautical chart.
 
Chris, Casey,

I've not been able to get through to Navionics. They list a Western Hotspots chip, for my C80, which includes Lake Powell. However, I don't know what their "coverage" looks like. West Marine could not provide any information except what I can get off the Navionics web site. If either of you have such a chip, is it useful?

I've ordered the Jones "map".

Casey,

I own but don't have with me a DeLorme topo CD for the US. I wonder what it shows for Lake Powell????
 
George,

I have a Raymarine system that uses C-Map NT+ chips.

We bought the NT+ chip for a previous trip to Lake Powell but it failed to arrive in time for us to use it - so I really don't know how good it is/isn't. If it's like other NT+ chips I suspect it's useable (but marginal in my opinion).

As to the DeLorme CD ... don't know. I've never used it!

Sounds like you're thinking of coming this way?? Cool!

Casey
 
George...I have the Garmin machine and their cartography, even on the lakes, is fabulous. These "lakes" products are designed with fisherman in mind...so the bottom and structure are important. On a flooded canyon like Powell, the plotter makes it possible for you to stay above the old river channel. Since almost none of the hazards are marked on the water, the ability to stay over the old channell is a real advantage when transitting an area, and makes it easy to maintain the maximum amount of water under the boat, which helps you stay off the rocks.
Most of the Navionics stuff is pretty good...not as good as Garmin in my opinion, but I think it would be very useful.
The DeLorme topo products are useful too...especially for finding the name of that mountain in the distance. Not much use on the water though. And of course they are not much good at showing you where you are....which the plotter/chip do very well.
 
:arrow: Casey,

Yes, we are planning on Lake Powell. We would like to be there when you Chris, El and Bill and others are there. We are aware of the signup sheel. We also know that some arrive sooner and stay later.

When will you arrive? When will you leave?

:arrow: Chris,

I would think that all the HotMaps use the same basic data - no matter the vender. Do you know otherwise? I will get the product if you think they use the same data.

We are planning to cruise Lake Powell in April. When will you arrive and when will you leave?

:arrow: Both, et al.

We are also considering some cruising in BC while we're out that way. I'd very much like to talk to both of you about your thoughts on a "get me home kicker". Casey, I have you cell phone number. I will give you a call. Chris, I didn't bring your number here to Florida. If you are willing to discuss the subject, send me an email with the number and a good time to call.

I have read many of the threads on the subject.
 
George...It could be said that all the plotters use the same raw data...but they sure end up looking different on the screen. It's absolutely amazing to see my Garmin and Raymarine plotters side by side, looking at the same area...and noting how different they are. I would buy the chip...you can always use it for a trade-in on another area if you really don't like it.

I will be at Powell from 4/20-4/29.

I wouldn't buy a kicker. I believe in the 4 strokes...they are dependable. I think kickers are a royal hassle, unless you absolutely need it for fishing. I think your money would be better spent on a Sat phone if you are concerned about safety. And buddy boating works very well also.
 
G&P --
We will probably arrive on Powell somewhat before Chris -- perhaps Brad and two grandkids will be joining us -- they will likely tent ashore at night. The most important piece of equipment to bring along is your camera!!
 
Chris and Bill,

I'll do more checking on the chip. If I can't find out more, I'll probably buy it - in case.

I remember in the spring that the two of you were talking about cruising BC. What are your current plans? It would be nice if either or both of you were buddy boats.

Casey, what about you?

Here, here on the camera.
 
Well, we're certainly looking forward to spending time on Powell with "the group." No specific agenda.

RE BC Coast ... yes, we're looking/planning for that. B&E have been talking about BC (our plan is to roughly follow in their wake wherever they go...we'll just follow). During a recent conversation about the summer while they were here in Lake Montezuma, Bill actually mentioned the word "Alaska" one one brief occasion. Hmmm...(we're always ready for another trip to Alaska). I didn't interrogate him RE Alaska ... but should have.

As I recall we got sidetracked on another Grand Adventure Idea (GAI). Can't go into too much detail, GAI is still classified, but do you know where Fort Providence is? ...looks like there's a bit of river there.

Casey
C-Dory Naknek
 
Casey...doesn't do any good to talk to Bill...you know who you have to talk to!

George...yep...will be up there somewhere...say between Anacortes and Glacier Bay. Haven't really nailed it down yet. Sounds like a good topic for the camp fire at Powell. Suggest you get the Douglass Guides and planning maps and be ready to reconnoiter.

http://www.fineedge.com/
 
Chris,

Thanks for the tip on the guides. Spent some time looking but so far have ordered only the planning charts.

Bill may smack my hand for cross-threading; but, I just want to know if you have a time frame for the NW?
 
George...I think some boats are headed up to the NW after Powell. I will be up there in June-July.
Iridium is the Sat phone I like...Global Star is good...but their coverage gets a little iffy in Alaska. They say they will remedy that this year. Don't know when. Iridium has worldwide coverage. The Motorola stuff is always good...but of course not the cheapest.
There are rental programs around for cruises.
Google it.
 
Hi Chris,
Is there a plan for the NW in June-July? I would like to go the Powell in April but I wll be there in Sept. and only have so much vacation. I was think about the NW the end of June.

Steve
 
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