[dsh1126]

Hello,

I am getting back into sailing and live closer to Lake Conroe, TX (North of Houston) than Clear Lake/Galveston Bay. I want to put a small (25) cruiser on the lake just for local enjoyment (not trying to get anywhere) but I have not noticed a lot of sailing resources on the lake. Specifically, I would like to know if there is a boat yard where a boat can be hauled in/out via travel lift for a bottom job; and speaking of bottom jobs, what (paint) works well in the lake? My prior experience was all on CL/GB so I am not familiar with Lake Conroe. Any other words of advice about sailing on Lake Conroe would also be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[TSOJOURNER]

Lake Conroe

I haven't sailed on Conroe, but we take our powerboat out on it often. I'm in Magnolia, so I understand the temptation since it's so close. Lake Conroe is a washtub basically, with all of the bulkheads and the large dam, it gets very rough and choppy, so it may not be the most pleasant sail. In our powerboat drafting a whopping 1 ft, we still have to be very careful of stumps and floating debris, especially on the North side. For sailing, you'll mainly be on the Southern side of the lake, since the bridge splits it in half and there's little clearance (enough for a powerboat with T-top, but not a mast). There are other sailboats on the lake, including a few 34'+ Bene's, so I'm sure there's a lift / yard, just don't recall where it is. We typically put in at April Sound, which is a traditional boat ramp. Not sure if this helps at all, but couldn't resist responding since I'm local!

 

[dsh1126]

Thanks for your info. Every bit helps!

 

[markpillow]

i've got a catalina 22 at Inland Marina, just east of April Sound on 105. They have a lift there but you can't work on your own boat there. they will do cleanings and outboard work and such there, but they told me for painting some companies on the lake will trailer it from the marinas lift and back. Also the Lake Conroe Yatch Club has a lift. they're way in the back in the Walden subdivision. I may be able to dig up there number, if you can't find them on the web. Welcome to the pond

 

[soulfinger]

Also consider Lake Livingston; probably a bit farther away, but it's a bigger, deeper lake.