boat ramps

[jt3kids]

42 yr old newbie here. Headed up for the first time with the family with first boat. I'm sure I'll make some mistakes, but hoping for a good family vacation. We are staying on governors Island by the bridge. Any Ideas on where the closest boat ramp is? I have a small 17ft Larson Bowrider. Thanks for any information - Jim

[codeman671]

You can pay to launch at silver sands, fays, thurstons or channel. all are within 5 minutes of you.

[Charlie T]

You mention this is your first boat. I just want you to be aware that a NH boating license is a requirement to operate a boat on any NH lake. Here is a link to the appropriate state agency for info

http://www.dmv.com/nh/new-hampshire/boating-license

Have a safe visit to our beautiful lake

CT

[AC2717]

You can pay to launch at silver sands, fays, thurstons or channel. all are within 5 minutes of you.

can he also launch at Ellacoya?

[codeman671]

can he also launch at Ellacoya?

Yes, there are plenty of others as well, I was giving him close options.

[ishoot308]

can he also launch at Ellacoya?

Even with a 17' Larson Bowrider I would not recommend launching at Elacoya. Way too shallow, way to easy to get stuck in the sand and simply not worth saving the $15.00 not to launch at one of the other places noted above that have real ramps with concrete and asphalt.

Just my opinion;

Dan

[AC2717]

got it, I was thinking about ease of getting to the ramp, not the actual ramp, good to know though,
mine gets stored at marina for the winter so it is already launched for me so did not know it was sandy, yeah, I would want a concrete ramp myself

Thurstons is great because it is in the channel but not right in the way of traffic at all, i launch my jetski there
docks to tie on both sides
plenty of turn around room, and no line of people waiting to use it.
also very wide,

[MikeF-NH]

All these ramps will be crazy busy this weekend. If you are not practiced in backing up and launching your boat, spend some time in a parking lot. Make sure you are ready when its your turn and get out of the way ASAP after tying up (and not tying up where it affects others launching). The first launch on a busy ramp for an inexperienced person can be VERY intimidating. You MAY want to consider a more "out of the way" ramp" if you are easily stressed. Don't forget to put your plug in! In essence picture how what you are doing looks to the other people waiting in line to launch and you will probably do the right thing.

I would also STRONGLY recommend a Bizer map (for sale all over the lake). Even with the map, its easy to get lost or off track. Get familar with places near Governors and REALLY comformtable then begin slowly expanding your comfort zone. make sure you know what the ATON markers mean as you will be seeing them. You are very near to Marine patrol HQ so behave..remember to have all kids under 16 in life jackets. Since its weekend of the 4th expect to be boarded and checked on safety equipment.

The Lake is absolutely beautiful and loads of fun but don't left her fool you. She turns ugly in the blink of an eye and there are lots of boaters out there still learning their way.

[Barney Bear]

The ramp at Fay's Boat Yard on Varney Point in Gilford is easy to use, and I believe trailer storage in available just down the road.

[Mariahman81]

I agree... having camped at Ellacoya for years, launching at Ellacoya can very easily result in getting stuck in the sand... and cost you another $50 to get pulled out. Do yourself a favor and launch at one of the Marinas!

And... I would recommend picking up a Navigational Map from the Marina before heading out on the lake! You'll be glad you did!

Have a great vacation JT3KIDS! :liplick:

[LIforrelaxin]

I would suggest one of the Marinas as well.... especially if you aren't overly experienced in launching the boat....

[gigreg2]

Thrustons is great and for a fee you can keep your trailer there. I use them every year we come up for our vacation.

[jt3kids]

MikeF, thanks for the info. I have my boaters certificate, and all the research I've done says anyone 12 and under have to wear life jackets. Your post says 16. Am I missing something?

[Resident 2B]

It is 12, not 16.

R2B

[jt3kids]

thanks for all the info. This will be the second time putting the boat in the water for me. The bigger and less busy the ramp the better:)...Any ideas?

thanks again, Jim

[MikeF-NH]

thanks for all the info. This will be the second time putting the boat in the water for me. The bigger and less busy the ramp the better:)...Any ideas?

thanks again, Jim

I REALLY like launching at Shep Browns. It's never been busy there for me and it's a nice launch with ample parking. The only time I've had to store my trailer, it was free at the top parking lot but that is before memorial day so I don't know about peak season rules. Getting from Sheps to Governors requires that you pay attention past Cattle Landing and watch for the "sunken island" once you clear Merideth Neck (the Bizer helps here). Maybe a 20 minute boat ride to Governors from Sheps. I also like West Alton Marina which will be right at the sandbar mentioned above BUT it's a single ramp and bass tourneys come out of there a lot so it can get busy. parking can also get tight in there. I think they do trailer storage at the road end of the access road in.

Yeah I missed on the age requirement for PFDs. That said, my kids will where them until they are 16 while we are underway on Winni unless I get a bigger boat.

[AC2717]

i would go with thurstons then big wide, no traffic, plenty of take your time space

[Fargo]

There's water access not far from the GI bridge on the island. Has a chain and lock on it, maybe your landlord has a key for it.

[Belmont Resident]

I REALLY like launching at Shep Browns. It's never been busy there for me and it's a nice launch with ample parking. The only time I've had to store my trailer, it was free at the top parking lot but that is before memorial day so I don't know about peak season rules. Getting from Sheps to Governors requires that you pay attention past Cattle Landing and watch for the "sunken island" once you clear Merideth Neck (the Bizer helps here). Maybe a 20 minute boat ride to Governors from Sheps. I also like West Alton Marina which will be right at the sandbar mentioned above BUT it's a single ramp and bass tourneys come out of there a lot so it can get busy. parking can also get tight in there. I think they do trailer storage at the road end of the access road in.

Yeah I missed on the age requirement for PFDs. That said, my kids will where them until they are 16 while we are underway on Winni unless I get a bigger boat.

Shep Browns is an awfull long drive from GI to launch. And getting out of the Neck onto 25 can be a pain depending on the time of day.