Reservation & confirmation
During your booking we’ll collect information including your houseboat boarding time, ideal launch time, preferred anchoring destination, and some other good stuff. It’s all gathered to help us establish a preliminary on-lake meet-up time and anchoring location. We’ll also collect a $500 non-refundable Reservation Deposit, allowing us to hold your spot on the anchoring schedule. (Your remaining balance is due 30 days prior to departure.) Then, 2-3 days before your trip, we’ll text you via SMS to review details, make any necessary adjustments (yours or ours), and finalize our rendezvous plan.
Anchor-day communication
We’ll stay connected via the same number previously established. Text us when you depart the marina. And be sure keep us updated about any unforeseen issues impacting our confirmed schedule. We’ll do the same.
As you approach the established meet-up destination, hail your Beach Bags Anchor Crew on CH 16. It may take a moment for them to respond, especially if they're wrapping up a previous job. But, rest assured, we've connected with thousands of houseboats this way. All without missing a beat.
Site selection
Knowing where to go and finding a great location can be stressful. Don’t worry. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to Lake Powell, we’re your partner on the voyage.
Customer Scout - Find a location suitable for Beach Bags prior to our scheduled meet-up and we’ll anchor you there. Send us a GPS ahead of time or show us your paradise when we connect.
Co-Scout - If the Lake’s a bit crowded and nothing’s looking good, our Crew will use its insider knowledge to co-scout with you for up to 30 min and recommend the best of what’s available. Options can become limited during peak season (mid-June through mid-August), but our Crew’s intimate knowledge of the Lake gives you the scoop on the cream of the available crop.
Pro Tip – The early bird gets the worm. Houseboats typically depart their on-lake locations at the start of the day. Picking an early anchor time or sending up a scout improves your site selection options.
Beach Bags does not reserve locations in advance of your arrival. Any site selected prior to our scheduled meeting time must remain occupied by your own gear and someone from your crew until your Beach Bags Crew arives.
Anchoring
We'll rendezvous at the pre-determined rally point outside your desired canyon or bay and get your anchoring underway. Once your site is chosen and professionally set with Beach Bags, your houseboat is beached, positioned, and the anchor lines are attached and tensioned by our Anchoring Crew.
Who's at the helm? That all depends on the service you purchased.
- Anchoring - You're at the helm for beaching and anchoring. Looking for extra assistance? Add our Beach Piloting Option to your reservation.
- Piloted Anchoring - A professional APEX pilot is at the helm during your trip, for beaching, and while being anchored.
Beach Piloting Option
Booked in advance, as an add-on to Anchoring, this service helps newer captains secure the most desirable locations or grab their gold under sporty conditions. Enjoy stress-free beaching on rock, in sand, and within those spectacular tight coves.
Our Beach Piloting Option provides a professional pilot who takes the helm and drives your boat from our rendezvous point to the shore, beaches it, and holds it in place during anchoring. This option starts at $250 (based on boat size), must be booked in advance, and is subject to availability.
Maintaining your anchorage
It's A Team Sport - We're Partners At Powell
Beach Bags anchorages are engineered to hold your houseboat in +60 mph broadside winds. We’ll get you moored professionally, safely, and securely. We’ll also properly attach and tension your anchor lines, and share tips and tricks for maintaining your anchorage. That’s our job, and we love doing it.
You have a critical role to play in keeping your family, friends, and property safe and secure too–it's how our partnership thrives. As the Captain, and boss of your boat, it’s critical you diligently implement the mooring maintenance information we share with you. Always:
- maintain proper bow position
- maintain proper anchor line tension
- be aware of rapidly changing conditions
- respond quickly and accordingly
When the storm becomes an Instagram moment, it's time to grab the helm.
When the storm rolls in…
massive black wall, items and sand blowing around, downpour, hail ... Time to be at the helm. Fire-up the engines and power into shore.
Most of all, use good judgement to keep your family, friends, and property safe.
Un-anchor day
Self-Unmoor: simply detach from your Beach Bags, attach your anchor lines to your front cleats, and sail away. One of our Crews will be by shortly to collect the gear.
IMPORTANT NOTE - if you must cut your vacation short, please notify us promptly so we can be curtious of our fellow houseboaters by removing our gear quickly.
Assisted Unmoor with Off-Beach Piloting: We'll take care of detaching your anchor lines and securing them to your boat, piloting you off the beach, and collecting our equipment. This optional service is subject to availability, must be booked in advance, and requires an additional fee. Contact us for details.
Other Important Stuff
Our service area
Beach Bags operates out of Antelope Point Marina with a CUA from the National Park Service. We currently anchor on the shorelines between Warm Creek and Wetherill Canyon.
Included canyons/bays: Warm Creek, Labyrinth, Gunsight, Padre Bay, Face, Last Chance, West, Rock Creek, Wetherill and the various less-known nooks and notches that exist in between. Dangling Rope & Mtn Sheep Canyons available by special request.
Due to logistical considerations, we DO NOT provide anchoring service in: Wahweap Bay, Lone Rock, Navajo Canyon, Halls Crossing nor Bullfrog areas.
What's included
- Personalized attention during your reservation process
- Beach Bags Anchors technology for the duration of your stay
- Professional anchoring service performed by a expert crew on a custom designed vessel equipped for the task
- Tightrope®, our patented line tightening system (where applicable)
- Draining and packing of anchors upon the completion the service
Anchor times & delays
Like the estimated delivery day for a new boat, our scheduled anchor times are approximate and subject to change. We strive however to accommodate your scheduled times within an hour of your request.
We're experienced houseboaters too and understand when you're at the Lake, you're on vacation. We also know stuff can happen, lot's of it sometimes, making you late for our meet-up time. Delays come from forgotten pump-outs, essential gas-ups, mechanical failures ... the list goes on and on.
Multiply these, sometimes not so little delays, by numerous daily anchorings and you can image how a ripple effect grows to impact not only your anchoring, but your fellow houseboaters' as well–all at a time when everyone just wants to be vacationing on the lake.
We ask for patience in times like these, as we all work together doing our best to get back on schedule.
When weather rolls in
Antelope Point Marina & Beach Bags adhere to maritime guidelines (click here). For the safety of our Crew, your family, vessel, and just good old common sense, we abide by the following protocols when the winds or the monsoons come rolling in:
- If you have not left dock, we may ask you to stay in your slip. This may, in some cases, mean enjoying the safety of the marina overnight. "Better to be in the marina wishing you were out on the lake, than out on the lake wishing you were in the marina." - Jeff Doss, Beach Bags founder & aviator
- Our first priority will be to get those customers currently underway safely and quickly anchored. This means we may need to temporarily anchor you in an unpreferred, but safe, location.
- Once the weather has passed, we will work to re-anchor you in your desired location.
- Our scheduling team will re-schedule you at the earliest available time. However, like the airline industry it would be unfair of us to bump existing scheduled customers from their pre-scheduled time.
Reservation deposit
A $500 Reservation Deposit is required at the time of booking and is applied to your Anchoring Fees. The Reservation Deposit is Non-Refundable.
The balance of your trip's Anchoring and Piloting Fees is due 30 days prior to departure. We understand unforeseen events occur and, therefore, we intend to make cancellations as easy and “pain free” as possible. If you need to cancel your reservation, at any time, just let us know. You'll receive a refund for any payments made beyond the $500 deposit.
Cancellations
We understand unforeseen events occur such as last minute mechanical issues or family emergencies. Therefore, we intend to make cancellations as easy and “pain free” as possible. If you need to cancel your reservation, at any time, just let us know to receive a refund for any payments made beyond the $500 deposit.
Terms and Conditions
When anchoring with Beach Bags Anchors, you adhere to the Terms & Conditions outlined here.
FAQ
Anchor Sites
Does Beach Bags save spots?
No.
Beach Bags does not save spots. Lake Powell's beaches are for everyone.
If you come across a location with unattended Beach Bags, please feel free to anchor there. One of our courteous Anchoring Crews will be by shortly to collect our gear and be on their way.
If I see unattended anchors, is the site reserved or can I self-anchor there?
Lake Powell's beaches are for everyone and Beach Bags does not reserve locations.
If you come across a set of unattended Beach Bags and would like to anchor in that location, please don't hesitate to do so. Don't connect to the anchors though.
They weren't set to safely anchor your boat boat and one of our friendly Anchor Crews will be by shortly to pick them up and be on their way.
If I see unattended anchors, can I hook up?
No.
For safety and convenience reasons, don't connect to unattended Beach Bags.
1. Beach Bags sites were specifically set for the houseboat they previously anchored. The site you're contemplating may not adequately hold your houseboat.
2. Properly attaching to Beach Bags requires specific knowledge and expertise. Incorrect connections may not adequately hold your houseboat.
3. Attaching to Beach Bags will require you to reanchor as soon as our Anchoring Crew comes by to collect the gear later in the day. And, the site your considering may not be suitable for safely anchoring your boat with conventional methods.
Can we "reserve" a specific location?
Lake Powell's beaches are for everyone and are available on a first come, first served basis. The best way to secure your ideal spot is to find it early in the day as houseboats are departing their on-lake locations.
We recommend sending a scout boat up to your favorite area well ahead of your anchoring time. Find your paradise, drop some crew and gear on the beach, settle-in, and start having fun as your houseboat makes it way.
Can Beach Bags pick a site for me?
Yes.
We are happy to help you with site selection. Once we meet outside your selected canyon or bay, our Anchoring Crew will use its insider knowledge to co-scout with you for up to 30 min and recommend the best available locations.
Please note options can become limited during peak season (mid-June through mid-August), but our Crew’s intimate knowledge of the Lake gives you the scoop on the cream of the available crop.
Can I pick my own campsite?
Absolutely.
Simply find a location suitable for Beach Bags prior to our scheduled meet-up and we’ll anchor you there. Send us a GPS ahead of time or show us your paradise when we connect.
If the Lake’s a bit crowded and nothing’s looking good when we arrive, our Crew will use its insider knowledge to co-scout with you for up to 30 min and recommend the best of what’s available.
Please note options can become limited during peak season (mid-June through mid-August), but our Crew’s intimate knowledge of the Lake gives you the scoop on the cream of the available crop.
Safety
Can Beach Bags handle the crazy winds on Lake Powell?
Yes.
Beach Bags are specifically engineered for use on Lake Powell and have been wind load tested to provide houseboat moorings withstanding +60 mph broadside winds. They've successfully anchored all shapes and sizes of houseboats including frequent anchorings of Lake's largest +120 foot, 5-story tall vessel .
Will Beach Bags hold my big boat?
Certainly.
Beach Bags are specifically engineered for use on Lake Powell and have been wind load tested to provide houseboat moorings withstanding +60 mph broadside winds. They've successfully anchored all shapes and sizes of houseboats including frequent anchorings of Lake's largest +120 foot, 5-story tall vessel .
What should I do during a wind event / storm?
When storms come it's time to grab the helm. Fire-up the engines and power into shore. Use good judgement to keep your family, friends, and property safe.
As the Captain, and boss of your boat, it’s also critical you diligently implement the mooring maintenance information we share with you.
Always:
- maintain proper bow position
- maintain proper anchor line tension
- be aware of rapidly changing conditions
- respond quickly and accordingly
Delays & Cancellations
Why do you keep my $500 bucks if I cancel?
The $500 non-refundable Reservation Deposit we collect allows us to hold your spot on the anchoring schedule. Think of it as Cancellation Insurance.
We operate a seasonal business and our decisions regarding crew availability,, inventory, and vessels are heavily impacted by advance reservations. Each booking receives individual attention and scheduling - we reserve anchors and assign crew for each and every customer. All cancelations, even those we are able to rebook, cause operational disruptions, costing time and money.
We understand unforeseen events occur and, therefore, we make cancellations as easy and “pain free” as possible. If you need to cancel your reservation, at any time, just let us know. You'll receive a refund for any payments made beyond your $500 Reservation Deposit.
What happens if I am late for my anchoring time?
If you are late for your scheduled anchoring we will do our absolutely very best to accommodate you. Please understand however that, out of fairness, we must attend to on-time customers first.
Should you be meaningfully delayed, the following options can be considered.
- You may have you scout boat meet our crew up-lake to select your site, attend to the anchors we set, and then self-moor upon your houseboat's arrival.
- We can reschedule you for the next available time in our schedule. This could mean staying on-dock for a while or overnight.
- You may self anchor, without the use of Beach Bags.
Wind & Monsoon delays
Antelope Point Marina & Beach Bags adhere to maritime guidelines (click here). For the safety of our Crew, your family, vessel, and just good old common sense, we abide by the following protocols when the winds or the monsoons come rolling in:
- If you have not left dock, we may ask you to stay in your slip. This may, in some cases, mean enjoying the safety of the marina overnight. "Better to be in the marina wishing you were out on the lake, than out on the lake wishing you were in the marina." - Jeff Doss, Beach Bags founder & aviator
- Our first priority will be to get those customers currently underway safely and quickly anchored. This means we may need to temporarily anchor you in an unpreferred, but safe, location.
- Once the weather has passed, we will work to re-anchor you in your desired location.
- Our scheduling team will re-schedule you at the earliest available time. However, like the airline industry it would be unfair of us to bump existing scheduled customers from their pre-scheduled time.
