Long term Anchoring on Lake Travis

[Houstonhorseman]

I am thinking about buying a cruiser in Austin Texas, and would like to long term anchor(and not use a marina/slip) it in Lake Travis Tx.(but not live aboard). I would use a dinghy to go back and forth to it, and I have a few local freinds who can help keep a eye on it. My question is: Can I do that on lake Travis/Texas lakes, as long as I keep it out of the navigation channels/restricted areas/etc.?

[Stu Jackson]

Have you considered googling Lake Travis and finding out which agency is responsible for it? usually they post their rules & regs online.

[TexasBoating]

Originally Posted by Houstonhorseman

I am thinking about buying a cruiser in Austin Texas, and would like to long term anchor(and not use a marina/slip) it in Lake Travis Tx.(but not live aboard). I would use a dinghy to go back and forth to it, and I have a few local freinds who can help keep a eye on it. My question is: Can I do that on lake Travis/Texas lakes, as long as I keep it out of the navigation channels/restricted areas/etc.?

I have been thinking of doing the same in Lake Travis, TX. Did you get an answer? Is it allowed?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Houstonhorseman, and TexasBoating.

I don’t see any anchoring restrictions, here: ➥ https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish.../lakes/travis/

But, it is illegal to uproot seagrass, in Texas. This shouldn't present a problem in a F/W reservoir.

However, don’t try to commit a crime, without giving a 24-hour notice, in Texas!
➥ https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/16...in-texas-54411

[tbodine88]

Originally Posted by TexasBoating

I have been thinking of doing the same in Lake Travis, TX. Did you get an answer? Is it allowed?

The problem is where to anchor There are not many protected coves where you could leave a boat. Especially in the lower portions of the lake.



I once saw a house boat anchored near the ramp at the Mule shoe bend Recreation area. That was a few years ago.


Another problem with this idea is the lake is not constant level. During the 2012 drought while I was sailing upriver near the Narrow bend recreation area, I saw many boats on shore where their captains had anchored them and the water fell out from underneath them.


I think it would be a better idea to pay the slip lease, and have the marina ensure your boat stays afloat in dry years.