Boating on the lake

Okay, I believed for years that motorboats were banned from the lake (above the putt-putt speed of fishing boats anyway) but of course this year they had the Pan-Am competition here with speed boats. Since then I've seen the occasional speedboat, making me wonder more.

What IS the boating situation? Are they permitted? Where and how and how much? Can anybody point me to specifics?

TIA,
Merry

Me thinks Speedboats + Wire Fences ( found in lake ) could = headless corpse in lake

One the Cartels couldn't take Credit for..

I believe there are quite a few large cabin cruisers and such at the Chapala Yacht club. As well I see lots of guys putting ski boats into the lake at the Chapala malecon. The secret would be to stay within the middle where there would be little danger from underwater hazards.

Kayaks and small sailing vessels seem to be having a pretty good time.

CanuckBob wrote:I believe there are quite a few large cabin cruisers and such at the Chapala Yacht club. As well I see lots of guys putting ski boats into the lake at the Chapala malecon. The secret would be to stay within the middle where there would be little danger from underwater hazards.

I'm just thinking of a little skiff that I could use to putt across the lake instead of driving. Both sets of my grandparents lived on a lake and boated to town.

Not a rowboat or kayak or sailboat, but small motorized boat. Wondering about the permitting etc.

Merry

I would think so; all the boats that take you to Scorpion Island and such have small engines and can’t think why you couldn’t do the same. Extremely noisy sports vehicles could be another matter as there are still those that count on fishing to help support their families.

merry wrote:

I'm just thinking of a little skiff that I could use to putt across the lake instead of driving. Both sets of my grandparents lived on a lake and boated to town.

Not a rowboat or kayak or sailboat, but small motorized boat. Wondering about the permitting etc.

Merry

Just be sure to "hit the head" before you set off across the lake.

Porta head for the lancha? Then you can take a couple of beers and a picnic lunch. L

I was talking with my Realtor about his speedboat "ski boat" that he keeps at Club Nautico. It is basically flat bottomed, has a Ford 351 engine in it with outboard prop (not inboard/outboard drive) and goes 45 mph. His son loves to water ski. His cousin and brother also have speedboats there too. They're from GDL.

He told me that the Tapatios come in on weekends with boats and Jet Skis. He also said he avoids the Chapala area due to under the water stuff. And if you have a nice boat stay away from Scorpion Island, load of rocks there.

Ever thought about bringing in a HOBIE cat (catamaran) lightweight, faster than blazes and can be powered by a small Seagull type outboard when the sail isn't used? Easy to pull out of the water; One healthy person handling. They used to have them all over the beach in Santa Cruz.

The Ajijic to Joco part of the lake is a minefield of obstacles because, when it was almost gone, it was used for agriculture.... complete with fences.

There is a harbor master in chapala. I cannot remember what the word is in Spanish, anyway he can tell you anything you need to know.

gringal wrote:Ever thought about bringing in a HOBIE cat (catamaran) lightweight, faster than blazes and can be powered by a small Seagull type outboard when the sail isn't used? Easy to pull out of the water; One healthy person handling. They used to have them all over the beach in Santa Cruz.

No I was thinking of something that could hold groceries and supplies if I lived on the south side. Also I'm not in a hurry!

Merry

I have seen a few older 16 ft runabouts with what looked to be about 50hp engines for sale on the carratera. Would be perfect for running back and forth.

CanuckBob wrote:I have seen a few older 16 ft runabouts with what looked to be about 50hp engines for sale on the carratera. Would be perfect for running back and forth.

Wow that sounds perfect. Any idea where on the carretera? ;-)

Merry

I saw one across from Walmart on the nothwest corner of the intersection and I think another one around S&S auto. I will pay closer attention and get a phone number for you if I see them again.

Merry, I have a friend in Chapala who has a panga for sale. It has a canopy and it comes with a good engine. It had been used for fishing on the coast.

Let me know if you're interested and I'll put you 2 together.

Maybe three or four years ago, when the lake was much higher than it is now, had a friend with a 22 foot with an outboard engine. We took it out on the lake, maybe twice. The only free ramp at that time was on the Joco malecon. We travelled from there out and around Mezcala Island and back to Joco. It was a nightmare both times. There is still a lot of fencing and other things underwater from when the lake was a mile or more from shore. Once you get out into the lake, it becomes an obstacle course of trying to avoid the hundreds of fishing nets, marked by bobbing plastic bottles. On our journey, the deepest spot we found in the lake was 22 feet and this was when the lake was much higher than now. My friend took his boat back to Canada and sold it. chico

Sounds like a prop guard would be in order, or, for the fiscally well endowed, a jet boat.

Permanent prop protection = AIRBOAT guaranteed never to foul a prop. Can carry one helluva load too. Lizzy

Had an airboat here about four years ago selling rides from Joco to Chapala. Man, it was great fun, but was it noisy. Due to complaints from lakefront homeowners, its license was lifted and it returned to the Florida Everglades. chico

Never heard of an airboat muffler...

Yes, they were fun. I can't think what they are called. It's flat bottom shallow draft boat that is powered by an airplane motor spinning a propeller.

A couple of us took a ride along the shores of Ajijic to Chapala and back. When I would see someone on shore I would wave, and those seeing me waving would look back with an angry expression because of the terribly loud noise these airplane motors made.

But it was fun to ride. It’s just that I wouldn't like to live too close to the shore if they return to the lake.

How could anyone complain about one of these?

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Nope......and the boat & dog are nice too!!!!!

Like I said... airboat mufflers.

We can get Aunt Nell to knit one
and we'll wrap it's throat real well.
Rub Vic's on carburetor
that throaty cough to quell. Lizzy