Are there any lakes for boating in Orange County or around the area? (Long Beach: rent, how much)

[ENJS]

As we are preparing for a move to California...Southern OC area...we have a 19' inboard/outboard boat that we use for relaxing and wakeboarding. We are wondering if there are any areas around that we will still be able to use our boat or if we should sell before we make the move. Are we crazy to bring it with us??

Thank you in advance for your time and replies!

[Hobgoblin]

Whether or not its worth it bring it with you depends on how far away you're moving from and how much extra you'll pay to move it.

I don't know about lakes, but you're close to the ocean, lots of boating opportunities there.

[ENJS]

We are moving from MN and we are checking into the costs associated...we would be bummed to sell as it is less than a year old. Being new to CA a 19' boat in the ocean just sounds....too small. Or are the bay areas more calm?

[MisterDuke]

Lake Elsinore, Lake Perris, Salton Sea, Havasu are probably the most common but they aren't in OC.

There are manmade 'lakes' in OC, but they are for fishing and pedal boats.

[Fontucky]

Irvine Lake, 750 acres.

Irvine Lake - Fishing and Camping in Orange County, Southern California

[OC Investor2]

Originally Posted by ENJS

As we are preparing for a move to California...Southern OC area...we have a 19' inboard/outboard boat that we use for relaxing and wakeboarding. We are wondering if there are any areas around that we will still be able to use our boat or if we should sell before we make the move. Are we crazy to bring it with us??

Thank you in advance for your time and replies!

There's quite a thing out here about "going to the river" (CO river I believe) or out to one of the large lakes mentioned by others for boating/ water skiing/ wake boarding/ drinking, etc. Alot people do it frequently, sort of like people on the east coast having a "shore house" they go to during the summer weekends.

None of the places are in OC, but you can easily get to them in 3-6 hours for a weekend of fun. While they may be further away, the upside for you is I think you can use the boat in these areas 12 months a year, unlike MN. So you may have more opportuntiy to go boating, just have to drive further to get to the water.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by ENJS

We are moving from MN and we are checking into the costs associated...we would be bummed to sell as it is less than a year old. Being new to CA a 19' boat in the ocean just sounds....too small. Or are the bay areas more calm?

I used to take my 17 footer out of Dana Point Harbor all the time. No big deal.

[Coldjensens]

Irvine lake is a fishing lake (no wake). Elisinore and Perris are both pretty shallow, small and not very clear (some would say dirty). I am not sure what is in it, but the water is not very clear. I am not sure whether either allows high speed boating, but you have to watch out for shallow spots. I have only been fishing and diving on these lakes and simply cannot remember if they allow high speed watersports. The River is your best place for skiing and boarding, It is marvelous for that but a very long drive. (several hours). There are moutnain lakes (big Bear and Arrowhead) within a couple of hours, but they may be no wake as well. I have not been in a boat up there in years and cannot remember. You can use your boat in the ocean, but it is often too rough for any skiing or boarding, however they do have or used to have a ski race from Long Beach to Catalina Island. I would not take a 17 out that far though. It is up to you.

Remember, the salt water will cause your boat to decay quickly.

If you are lucky, you will be able to find someone with a house or trailer at the river and use their place, maybe even keep your boat there in exchange for letting them use your boat.

Bigger lakes are within a days drive, but it is a long drive Havasau (Arizona) is nice as is lake meade (Nevada?).

There is no where in OC that you can ski locally except the ocean.

[bhcompy]

I believe you can wakeboard and such on Pyramid Lake or Castaic Lake(both in/near Castaic, CA north of LA).

Most people go to Elsinore(friend jetskis there), the river(CO), or in the ocean.

[missionhome]

Another weekend lake you can go to is Lake Isabella near Bakersfield. I know many people have boats here in Orange County. They just take them out for weekend getaways.

We do our yearly boat trip (we rent though) at Lake San Antonio, just west of Paso Robles, CA. It is a beautiful large lake and doesn't get very crowded. Lake Nacimiento is adjacent. It is roughly 6 hours away though.

Pyramid Lake allows speed boats too like bhcompy said, as well as the lake in the Insland Empire.