Questions about Rattlesnake Island.
 

I think one of the most interesting islands on Winnipesaukee is Rattlesnake. I believe that it has the highest elevation of any island on the lake and must have some fantastic views at it's summit.

I have been told that the property owners of the island have an association which does not permit visitors unless they are the guest of one of the members. However, I have also been told that anyone can visit and hike the trail to the summit.

I would love to climb up there and take some pictures, but I don't want invade someone's privacy and get caught trespassing. Can someone with knowledge please fill me in!

I would also welcome some stories of the history of the island if somebody would like to share!

The island is private property, however the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) has a 2-boat dock on the southeast end of the island that is available to any member of the LRCT. If you become a member by making a donation you have the right to use the dock.

The hiking trail to access the center of the island runs between two homes; please respect the homeowners by staying on the trail.

Ownership of the inland portions is split with LRCT owning the southern portion and the association the northern.

BTW Rattlesnake was formed as part of the outer ring dike of an ancient volcano.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ight=ring+dike

Here is the link to the Trust's donation page. Its only $35.00 for single membership. http://lrct.org/join-support/join-lrct/

I would love to be able to use that dock. I've looked all over the website and can't find any mention of Rattlesnake. Is it possible they no longer maintain that dock? Thank you.

Yes the dock is still maintained and is there for strict use of LRCT members as stated above. Read about it here...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattle...w_Hampshire%29

Scroll down to where it says "conservation land"

Dan

Do they give you a sticker for your boat or do you get some type of card? $35.00 to have access to Rattlesnake is certainly a good deal.
U

Ive been a member for many years through donations I have made and simply receive a thank you letter as membership confirmation. I keep a copy of this letter in my boat. Never got a card...

Dan

How much water is at the dock, and how large of a boat can it handle?

Or is this only for very small boats?

I had no problem docking a 24' boat there nor do I remember any water depth issues. I always raise my motor however when coming in at an unfamiliar dock and I would recommend you do the same to be certain.

There is a camp very close to the right of the dock, being quiet and respectful when visiting will go a long ways in preserving this dock for all members.

Dan

I'm about 38' and need 3 feet of water at my stern as a minimum. It would be cool to have a destination and I would join if I could do it, but I may be a bit large for small docks.

38 !!!

Your a Floating Condo !!

LOL



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Just anchor out, and take the dinghy in. :D NB

Absolutely! :)

This is my own little slice of waterfront property! :)

If you ever see us on the lake, stop by and say hi.

Unfortunately, I don't carry a dingy... I have too much to carry as it is with all the pool noodles and other water toys. Sometimes even my R/C Aircraft.

Most aircraft carriers have tender boats:D

Where you located? I'll be @ MVYC this year - D Dock....if it ever warms up.

Somehow
 

Rich's posts somehow reminds me of a thread a few years ago. Don't know why.....:look: :confused:

Back in the day when I was boating on salt water...anyone with a boat with a Cabin..ie: overnight accommodations.. probably over 20 feet..HAD a Dinghy. That's just the way it was. :look: :confused:

Yea Yea..I know: I realize that the lake doesn't allow overnights...but with a 38 foot boat I would think going ashore from time to time would be a nice option. :D NB

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...light=Hatteras

Smith Cove... out on the dock, PM me anytime!

We do go ashore from time to time. Usually anchor and swim, or tie up at a dock, if we can find room!

A few of my friends have similar sized boats, or larger. I'm certainly not the largest, but my LOA is just an inch over 38. Friends have a 40 ft boat, which seems huge to me, but he has a bow thruster and much more experience than I do!

I sure don't understand why I can't overnight on the lake (I know it's trouble to start mentioning this in any threads here). I have holding tanks, and have been inspected, not a drop of grey or black water can go overboard on my boat. I have power, generator, AC, berths, head, shower, etc. There is no environmental reason not to spend over night. Heck, I do it every weekend, just tied to a dock, so what's the difference? (sorry to get started on this again).

Oh, I do remember that thread too! :)

Two words: Erica Blizzard....

If an island can be hit at night (and she isn't the only one to do it), so can an anchored boat.

I agree, unfortunately we always make rules based on the least skilled. We use to do it on Mossehead, don't no if it's still legal. I understand the difference in population.

I would hate having boats anchored out overnight--I think that'd be a runaway train.

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Overnight
 

I don't think the ban on overnight anchoring has much to do with "sanitation or pollution", although that will probably be the excuse given for the ban.

The problem is the people who own expensive waterfront property don't want boats anchoring in front of their property all night...maybe extending to days, or a week or more. Don't need no squatters partying til 2:00AM.

I ran across this problem out at Menemsha Pond, Martha's Vineyard years ago. Martha's Vineyard has waterfront property owners who are arguably even more wealthy than some on the lake. They have a lot of clout with the local town management and constabulary. I once anchored in the wrong place..anchoring overnight was not prohibited at the time....I just anchored in the wrong place. Half hour later I was escorted out of that nice little cove under threat of arrest by the young and very determined harbormaster. Lessons learned. :rolleye1: NB

As much as I love the idea of doing it again, the lake is just to popular to allow it. Can you imagine the summer, it would look like one of those pictures of a busy sand bar.

The Marine Patrol could designate certain overnight anchoring spots, for a temporary trial period.

there goes this thread !!!



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So does anyone have guidance on where exactly this dock is. I envision people trying to find it and ending up on the wrong dock...unless it is very well marked.

Based on the way this thread is going, I need to suggest this: This is a problem in RV parks as well. In RV parks, running Generators is a problem, ...but in an RV park this is tightly regulated..No generators after some set time at night, and before some time in the morning.

I noticed this a few years ago when visiting the "Sun & Fun" Aviation get together in Florida in the spring. The park had no "Shore Power" so everyone had to make their own power. BTW: This event is HUGE with aviation enthusiasts. :D

SO Picture this: I am a RICH guy with very expensive waterfront property on the lake. I don't want some boat out there in front of my property running a generator at all hours to support his air conditioner or refrigeration system. I like the Peace and Quiet I PAID For Dearly when I bought my property. :) NB

First: That is absolutely not the case and has nothing to do with the rule against anchoring overnight on the lake. That rule was in place long before the incident.

Second: Boating at night is still allowed and always has been.

I never said boating at night was not allowed...Where did you get that?

My point is that all it takes is one moron to anchor overnight with no lights on to get hit to prove my point. If an unlit island can get hit so can a boat sitting somewhere in the dark, especially if parked in an open area. If you think nothing will come of it you must be assuming that everyone on the lake uses common sense and there are many threads here that prove otherwise.

Every year we had multiple occurrences of boats either coming inside our moorings (between shore and the moorings which were 90 feet out) on the island at night, and many close calls of our moored boats getting hit.

Church?
 

Isn't there a Church that anybody can go to on the island. Is there a "public" way to do so and aren't they able to use the docks for that purpose.

Dave M

The dock is well-marked with a sign showing it is owned by the LRCT. It's at the southeast end of the island just west of the tip.

Bear Island has a church. I'm not aware of one on Rattlesnake.

https://stjohnsonthelake.org/

Just read that whole site--what a wonderful piece of history. I've added it to my list of must sees this summer. Thanks!

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