Tuftonboro neck Rd. passage to basin

[bobkatfly]

Hi everyone. With the current water levels, anyone know if there is an issue passing under the neck road right now? I have a 21 ft bowrider with 8.5 ft beam. Did it last year with no problems (as long as top was down) until we got the low water when we pulled her out early. This will be my first time in high water. From what I saw last weekend from the road, it looks okay but wondering if anyone with similar size boat has been through.
Thanks
Bob F

[Old Sarge]

My boats got a 8'6" beam and is 24ft. I wouldn't take my boat in there. It almost looks like a culvert. :eek:

[tis]

It is a culvert. Boats are going in and out of there. I don't think there is a problem. I think the worse problem is in the fall when it gets low. Of course a big boat could never get under there nor could a bimini top.

[bobkatfly]

Went back and forth all last year with no problems. A little scary at first but got used to it. Always have the outdrive up half way. With the low levels last fall I got nervous about rocks so pulled her out early Oct. With these high levels I'm concerned about topside but as I said, it looks okay from the road. Might just go for it easy with paddles.

Thanks for the replies
Bob F

[tis]

It is scary. You need to be careful until you get used to it. I am glad i don't have to go in there except for the fun of it. There is something about going under a bridge, even if it is a culvert. I heard a couple of people actually got out and pushed their boat through last fall when they took them out.

[bobkatfly]

I believe it. Glad I got out when I did. We rent a slip back there. Very inexpensive especially with the lack of available slips this year. Another thing to be aware of is if it's very windy the approach or exit from the culvert is tricky. Not a lot of wiggle room. One time as we were exiting the culvert into the basin the wind caught me and knocked me starboard. Ended up bumping a rock. No real damage as you have to be under no wake speed anyway. Definitely woke me up though.

Bob F

[tis]

Yes, Bob and I think when you exit into the Basin it is tricky even in calm weather, because you would expect to go right straight through, but you can't because of the rocks.

[Hillcountry]

Just curious as I've never been to "the basin" but is this the only way to get in there? If so, I assume a pontoon can't get through this!?

I just checked google earth and realized "The Basin" is not Greene's Basin...didn't know this.

[bobkatfly]

Right. Lot of steering trying not to over or under compensate. I always feel like I'm in training for something when I go through.
Bob F.

[bobkatfly]

Hillcountry. Other than private ramps, it's the only way. Doubt if any pontoon would get through.

Bob F.

[tis]

Hillcountry. Other than private ramps, it's the only way. Doubt if any pontoon would get through.

Bob F.


There was somebody that lived in there that had a pontoon. But the rails were not high.

[DBreskin]

It is a culvert. Of course a big boat could never get under there nor could a bimini top.

Two years ago my brother took a rental boat with a bimini into the culvert. He exited without the bimini.

[tis]

Two years ago my brother took a rental boat with a bimini into the culvert. He exited without the bimini.

:laugh: (Not really funny) He is not the only one. I have seen that happen more than once. And more times in recent years.

[Janet]

Been coming to the lake for many many years and have never heard of this passageway. Where is it located and how do I get to it? Our cottage is near Melvin Village Marina.

[Hillcountry]

Been coming to the lake for many many years and have never heard of this passageway. Where is it located and how do I get to it? Our cottage is near Melvin Village Marina.

Google "The Basin" "Lake Winni"(not Greene's Basin) on google maps and you'll see it plain as day with the "culvert" under the road.

[Old Sarge]

Travel to the all the way back on Northern end of Winter Harbor.

[bobkatfly]

Janet, It's not far from Melvin Village. See attached map. As mentioned in other posts, if you go through, be very careful. Top down, stay in the middle of the culvert and pay attention to the markers on the entry and exit. Also, consider your boat size. As I mentioned, I have a 21 ft bowrider and can get through okay but I'm not sure how much larger you can go. If you go to just have a look at the culvert without going in, you can still moor just outside of it at the North end of winter harbor which is a nice area to hang out.

[bobkatfly]

Sorry, meant to sketch route on the map.

[Janet]

Thanks bobkatfly for the map and guidance. Not sure we'll give the culvert a try but always fun to learn of new places in the region after so many years.