Raystown Lake Houseboating Info needed

[mpyoung33]

I was having trouble locating any information or reviews on houseboating at Raystown Lake. I am planning on booking 3 house boats for the first weekend in Aug. I normally book houseboats at Lake Cumberland, Ky but we are getting sick of the 8-9 hr drive from western Pa. I know of 2 places to rent from on this lake and just wanted some feeback on either one. Is there a regular "party spot" on this lake? I see that most boats sleep 8-10 but are the marianas strict on this rule? I'd like to get maybe 12 people on the boat. A few of my friends wouldn't mind sleeping on an air mattress in the living room area. Are there Pa laws about how many people can be on a boat while it its moving? I know in KY it was 12 passsengers and anything more than that you needed a captains license. Obviously we will not be drinking and boating but are there any alcohol restrictions on this lake? We plan on having a DJ for all 3 days that we are there. I would like to know where on the lake would we want to tie off so we didn't piss anybody off but still attract people that want to come aboard to party? If anybody responds to this thank you for your help.

[Thalasso]

I used top take my boat to RaysTown.The only place to rent them that i know of is at Seven Points Marina.( The end where the dam is ) I don't think there is a restriction as far as the marina is concerned. The fish and game patrol the lake pretty good, on jet skis and boats. You don't need any captians liscense unless you are a charter boat.The only law is what the info plate would say. Weight, Hp etc. By law you are not allowed any alcohol on Corp of Enginer Compounds. Not that it isn't done discreatly. It is a nice place to boat. Lake has alot of no wake areas all over the place, out of the way of main traffic to tie off.Lake can be as deep as 160Ft in the main channel. No wake areas are near this depth also.You can run the boat up on the shore in places and stay there over night.

[mpyoung33]

Thanks we are planning on renting from Raystown Resort. Can't wait until the first weekend in Aug. We're renting 3 houseboats and we have a DJ. See ya at party cove if we can find it.

[gsent]

There are many places to party on Raystown Lake. Coffee Run is a very popular place on weekends. It is also very close to the resort. Right under 994 going into the resort area.
S1, S2, are also popular party spots during the day. Get a lake map, and make your plans. Find a no wake zone out of the main stream, and have fun.
Remember to have a ski boat along with a houseboat, as they are alot cheaper on fuel.

[mpyoung33]

Thanks for the info! A quick google search turned up this map.

http://raystown.org/assets/files/Raystown-Lake-Map.pdf

S1 S2 and coffee run would be the most economical spot to setup for the weekend. I was considering j1,2,3 because I thought that was where "party cove" was. I guess I'll make that decision 6 months from now lol.

I know this is wishful thinking but I would prefer the party to look like this. These are pics from our trip to Lake Cumberland last year.

[JZelt]

J1-J3 is a nice spot. H3 gets shallow. There are restrictions as to where you can take the houseboat and where they say to stay out of. I don't think you will find that type of party area...

We go to Cave Run Lake, KY every year. (6 1/2-7 hr tow).
Keep alcohol in glasses. Water won't be as warm either... Have a blast!

[mpyoung33]

I know Raystown isn't going to be anything like the above pictues but we're going to throw the best party we can. So far we have 2 ten person houseboats booked and looks like we will have enough people to get 3 eight person houseboats. I am going to DJ most of the weekend. I saw that there were quiet hours from 10 pm - 6 am. Is there anywhere on the lake that people won't be bothered by music after 10?

[JZelt]

The quiet hours relates to the camp grounds. As long as you aren't tied up on one of their shores, I don't think it will matter. If you start loud early enough in the day, you may chase the boaters that want to tie up in a cove away and have it to yourself.