I've done it. There are a few shallow spots that you have to look for. The water levels change dramatically throughout the day. If you look on Google Earth, you can clearly see the shallow areas. Print and study those few spots and you'll be okay, assuming you have an experienced eye on the river. You can also always follow one of the tour boats down.
When I lived in needles I used to run from Needles Marina up to Laughlin for breakfast weekly. It gets skinny here and there but if you can read the water you're fine. We have a jet boat. Never had any troubles. When the water is down the river is SKINNY! Its a nice ride. One of our favorite things to do was float down after breakfast and catch up on our tan and save fuel. Those were the good ole days.
It helps if there is a little breeze or some chop. You will be able to see where the water is smooth and where the ripples are. Stay in the ripples. River reading 101.
i boat there every other weekend my place is in willow valley the best advise is to get you a pair of polarized sun glasses it will be night and day you will see it all makes easy navigation
Just check the river flow schedule. If it's a 2 or 3 forget it. If it's a 4 be very careful. If it's a 5 pretty easy all the way
Just Google Davis Dam water flow. Keep in mind the chart tells you the flow and time at the dam. Takes about 4 hours to reach pirates. Travel accordingly. Make sure water flow is good for the return trip
Worst stretch of river in the world and extremely dangerous. I'd suggest going to Lake Havasu or Parker where the water is always deep enough for boating.
The bottom is all rock ! with many hazards, one mistake and its your last.
That said, the Church boats at sunrise from Bullhead Az. in a half unit of water.
One very tight lane in low water conditions that you switch side to side at times and you can't come off plane. Less than a foot of water under the boat :grin:
You have gotten some good feedback dallas13.
My advice would be to follow someone down who knows that section of the river. Preferably a boat similar to yours.
YMMV.
HD
You have gotten some good feedback dallas13.
My advice would be to follow someone down who knows that section of the river. Preferably a boat similar to yours.
HD
Worst stretch of river in the world and extremely dangerous. I'd suggest going to Lake Havasu or Parker where the water is always deep enough for boating.
Launched at Big Bend, went all the way to Havasu and back in my 18' Tahiti. First time on that part of the river and went for it without following anyone else.
Had polarized sunglasses which made a night and day difference on telling the shallow/deep spots. There were some areas where you could look over and see bottom but we stayed on a plane and had zero issues. Once you get to Needles, it's all good for the rest of the trip.
I say do some research and go for it. It's a bitchin' ride! )THumbsUp
Launched my 24' Lightning in Bullhead last Sunday. Ran down to Topack for lunch. No issues. Plenty of water in the afternoon. Great ride!
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