Measured Mile

[coltgov101]

Does anyone remember the measured mile along side Rattlesnake Island? Used to use it to time our boats. We had no speedos in those days. Curious when it was taken down.

[dave603]

Right fater the tird sambuca

[Descant]

The measured mile is marked on my 1962 (blue and tan) navigation chart published by the Public Utilities Commission. Chart also showed seaplane landing strips. The Birch tree with the red paint that marked one end of the mile obviously died. Birch trees have a short lifespan compared to other species. When that side of Rattlesnake began to be developed, I suspect residents were not appreciative of boats running up and down the island doing time trials. Prior to the 60's I think nobody ever expected that side of the island would ever be developed. Too deep. Too steep. I think it was gone by the time we did water ski marathons by there in the late 60's. Sometime in the 60's was when the PUC turned over to the Marine Patrol. Perhaps the same time Goodhue Boat Yard was sold to the state as MP headquarters. The PUC had two Steelcraft boats operating out of the Weirs Channel.
More than you wanted to know.

[secondcurve]

The measured mile is marked on my 1962 (blue and tan) navigation chart published by the Public Utilities Commission. Chart also showed seaplane landing strips. The Birch tree with the red paint that marked one end of the mile obviously died. Birch trees have a short lifespan compared to other species. When that side of Rattlesnake began to be developed, I suspect residents were not appreciative of boats running up and down the island doing time trials. Prior to the 60's I think nobody ever expected that side of the island would ever be developed. Too deep. Too steep. I think it was gone by the time we did water ski marathons by there in the late 60's. Sometime in the 60's was when the PUC turned over to the Marine Patrol. Perhaps the same time Goodhue Boat Yard was sold to the state as MP headquarters. The PUC had two Steelcraft boats operating out of the Weirs Channel.
More than you wanted to know.

Excellent response. The amount of history that is being recorded on this site is amazing.

[ApS]

Does anyone remember the measured mile along side Rattlesnake Island? Used to use it to time our boats.

We had no speedos in those days. Curious when it was taken down.
Speedos are still around, mostly brought here by European visitors. ;)

Actually, there was a product sold back then.

"This is an early hand held speedometer from the late 1950's to early 60's. It is named the "Speed Wand". It is used by holding it in the water while you are moving, and measures up to 35mph. It was made by Design Products Inc. in Sarasota Florida, and sold by Benj. Allen & Co. Inc. in Chicago."
—eBay

http://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/0607/08/vintage-portable-boat-speedometer-speed-wand-w_1_56ed03c80b1081fe8f4dcacbf4a15138.jpg

:look:

"Missed" by a lot! :mad: 'Don't think I ever got the same reading twice in a row! :rolleye1: The "Speed Wand" even bent at modest speeds.

As for the Measured Mile: Mid-60s, I recall motoring-by and measuring the time it took. 'Not remembering exactly, but maybe 15 minutes.

:)

'Course, the family boat ("Yellow Jacket" with Mercury 40) was much faster.

;)



.

[coltgov101]

Thanks, I remember two rather large signs indicating the exact start and finish. Don't remember the birch tree. You're right about development on that side of Rattlesnake back then, there was none. We had maps of the lake that showed the measured mile and the sea plane landing strips too.

[Barney Bear]

I remember the alligator that dwelled on the north tip of Rattlesnake Island. 🐊

[Bizer]

Assuming the buoys have not moved, here are three measured statute miles, +/- 20 feet:
from the black-and-white buoy north of Ship Island to the black-and-white buoy just north of FL24;
from the black-and-white buoy north of Black Island to FL12 in Moultonborough Bay
from the red-and-white buoy southeast (towards Pitchwood Island) of Spindle Point to the black-and-white buoy just east of Maiden Lady Cove.

Be sure to stay on the proper side of each buoy.

[mcdude]

This 1962 fishing map shows the measured mile along Rattlesnake

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/507/medium/20scanfishmapaltonbay.jpg

[Lakeboater]

This 1962 fishing map shows the measured mile along Rattlesnake

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/507/medium/20scanfishmapaltonbay.jpg

Never saw this map. I'd like to have one to frame and put on the wall!

[Rich]

Who's map is that?

It also shows FL46 is nipple rock.

Lots of history here!