rad1026
Jet Boat Addict
- Messages
- 215
- Reaction score
- 156
- Points
- 117
- Location
- Albuquerque/Havasu
- Boat Make
- Yamaha
- Year
- 2016
- Boat Model
- AR
- Boat Length
- 24
I have lived in the state of New Mexico since 1979. Been a sailor for many years and had a power boat since 2006. I have only been to Navajo Lake a few times. We made a commitment to head that way this weekend. If you are not familiar with the water rights of the Western US, let's just say things are challenging. Our states Largest Reservoir, Elephant Butte, is taken down to 3% or less of its capacity every year in order to satisfy packs that were signed with Texas and Mexico in the 1930's. The Lake becomes basically a mud pit. The demand of NM, AZ, Nevada, California are tremendous and the drought conditions continue to worsen. Those of us that love Lake Powell have seen our gem in the desert dwindle and the news continues to report devastating drought levels. Navajo Lake is fed by three tributaries, the largest of which are born in the Colorado Rockies. The San Juan arm takes you to Arboles, CO and a nice marina about 40 miles from the NM main marina. We had a great day. Lots of boats and people enjoying the crystal clear water, upper 90's air temps, low 70's water temps, but gets very cold very quickly only a few feet from the surface.
The Navajo earth dam feeds the San Juan River. San Juan River is home to world class fly fishing. People come from all over the world to fish the quality waters. It is absolutely outstanding. From Navajo Lake, the San Juan River feeds the mighty Lake Powell, and then joins the Colorado to Lake Meade outside Las Vegas, NV. From there in to Lake Mojave near Laughlin then on to Lake Havasu and finally right down to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) Mexico dumping in the the Sea of Cortez.
We cruised for a few hours then filled up a few ballast bags and surfed. Well the boys surfed. I got up on the board and got in the wave a few times. At 63 I felt good to get up on the board. I'm getting better at finding the sweet spot. The boat ran great until we stopped at the marina. When we went to leave the boat just cranked and cranked, no spark. Finally figured out I had pulled the safety cord and locked it in the glove box. Ha, yeah I did it. Oh well, learn a little every time. We stayed right on the San Juan in my brother in law's place and just had a great weekend.
So, at 6900 feet, the best I could get was 35MPH with full fuel, beer, etc. and 5 people. 6,100 rpm on port engine and 6,300 rpm on starboard. I was a little disappointed, but really not sure what to expect. I know that's about all I got from my Chaparral when I had it up there in the past, but I didn't think it would affect the RPM's as much. I really am starting to love the jet boat.
The Navajo earth dam feeds the San Juan River. San Juan River is home to world class fly fishing. People come from all over the world to fish the quality waters. It is absolutely outstanding. From Navajo Lake, the San Juan River feeds the mighty Lake Powell, and then joins the Colorado to Lake Meade outside Las Vegas, NV. From there in to Lake Mojave near Laughlin then on to Lake Havasu and finally right down to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) Mexico dumping in the the Sea of Cortez.
We cruised for a few hours then filled up a few ballast bags and surfed. Well the boys surfed. I got up on the board and got in the wave a few times. At 63 I felt good to get up on the board. I'm getting better at finding the sweet spot. The boat ran great until we stopped at the marina. When we went to leave the boat just cranked and cranked, no spark. Finally figured out I had pulled the safety cord and locked it in the glove box. Ha, yeah I did it. Oh well, learn a little every time. We stayed right on the San Juan in my brother in law's place and just had a great weekend.
So, at 6900 feet, the best I could get was 35MPH with full fuel, beer, etc. and 5 people. 6,100 rpm on port engine and 6,300 rpm on starboard. I was a little disappointed, but really not sure what to expect. I know that's about all I got from my Chaparral when I had it up there in the past, but I didn't think it would affect the RPM's as much. I really am starting to love the jet boat.
