Newbie

wendyg · 05-27-2010, 09:11 PM

WE ARE NOT KEEPING THE NAME "TAX RE-FUN"
We've been tossing around different ideas for a new name and will have the work done sometime in June...so for now that's the name...
We took delivery today and everything went really well. The salesman took us from Irwin Marine over to Mountain View. We went through Paugus Bay and up around Governor's Island to Timber Island. We anchored there for a bit and then went past the Witches and over to Mountain View! Our salesman was great and went over everything we us out on the water...markers, boat handling, docking...in additon to all the mechanics of the boat! It was a great experience and we are ready to get out there and practice and explore. We are camping this weekend up by Lake Ossippee, so we probably won't get out until Mon on our way home...

I'm sure we'll be seeking lots of advice...looking forward to making new friends and having a great time on the lake!!!

Thanks for all the info/advice....we got our Bizer charts and are looking for the right GPS system for the boat!

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Rattlesnake Guy · 05-27-2010, 09:52 PM

Welcome to the lake. Turning right on your first trips out will be a lot easier as stated earlier.

One piece of advice I can offer is keep track of exactly where you are on the chart. This can keep you rather busy when you are new to the lake but it won't take long before certain areas become familiar enough that the chart is only a back up. When new to an area and you are not quite sure where you are and see a bunch of markers that don't look like they should on the map don't be afraid to simply stop. I can't tell you how many times I found myself headed to the wrong side of a marker. When you stop you have time to figure it out. If you continue at 25 mph it is hard to fix the mistake. The lake is high right now which will cover a lot of mistakes but their's no shame in getting it right.

If you get lost and are not sure which island or marker you are driving by we have the closest thing to street signs available. Their are many lighted markers that also have a number on them. If you are next to lighted marker 15 you can look on the map to see exactly where you are. Confirming my location was very comforting in the early days. It's a big lake and you are going to really enjoy discovering all it has to offer.

ApS · 05-28-2010, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

"...don't be afraid to simply stop..."

Before a "Stop", first check behind you.

Though there are those who would "bend" the rules; when being overtaken, you are required to maintain course and speed.

jack1706 · 05-28-2010, 09:13 PM

wendyg

venture over to Wolfebor0 & Winter Harbor & beyond... great boating, people & wildlife..

Best of luck with your new venture & see you out on the BiG Puddle!!

Enjoy !!

Breakwater · 05-30-2010, 03:53 PM

Don't venture too far from home at night! This is a different lake at night and most learn the hard way. Getting caught away from home in an unfamiliar part of the lake after the sun goes down is easy to do. Start close to home and learn the lake a bit at a time. Enjoy!

tis · 05-30-2010, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breakwater

Don't venture too far from home at night! This is a different lake at night and most learn the hard way. Getting caught away from home in an unfamiliar part of the lake after the sun goes down is easy to do. Start close to home and learn the lake a bit at a time. Enjoy!

That is probably one of the best pieces of advice I can think of. I grew up on the lake and things STILL look different to me at night.

trfour · 05-30-2010, 07:16 PM

Before, and during boating... We all can navigate under good conditions as human nature has given us a sense of direction, and being able to use landmarks to learn our way around in good visibility [ slowly ]...

GPS, has progressed exponentially over the years, however I wouldn't rely on it Not knowing the area that I was in, if the visibility goes to zero... I would not want to have my prop marks all over folks front lawns and having to suggest that I was using my GPS at the time, What would you want me to DO!?
Sides, GPS requires more multi tasking while under way! Kind'a like texting while driving, A big NO NO.
Take it slow, Learn the Lake and then if it tickles you're fancy, by all means get GPS, A great toole!

Last but not least, Welcome! and I'm older than Lakegeezer, so's ya know that I am still here, and got around this Lake pretty good since years!

Terry
________________________________

XCR-700 · 05-30-2010, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breakwater

Don't venture too far from home at night! This is a different lake at night and most learn the hard way. Getting caught away from home in an unfamiliar part of the lake after the sun goes down is easy to do. Start close to home and learn the lake a bit at a time. Enjoy!

I agree with TIS, Breakwaters advice is spot-on.

Night operation is just a totally different experience and may be harder than driving blindfolded because it so easy to mistake points of reference in the dark.

Once you feel ready to it a try, wait for a full moon and then dont venture too far at first as Winnipesaukee has way too many hazards to risk an accident and ruin your fun.

Plan to be back and tied up well before dark for these first trips and you will always end the day with a smile. You will have plenty of time to explore the "adventure" of night boating after you log a some sucessful day trips.

ENJOY!

BroadHopper · 05-30-2010, 10:06 PM

All good advise Wendy. I am a native on the lake as I live on her shores for over 50 years.

More advice. If in doubt as to where you are on the lake. Go to the nearest Light buoy and determine the number. Look up that number on your lake chart and there you have it. The location of where you are on the lake.

If you decide to navigate after dark. Best to start out on a full moon night. Determine which light buoy you will be using as your guide before you venture out. Normally you can navigate from one light buoy to the next.

Most important rule of all! Be safe and have fun!

Rattlesnake Guy · 05-31-2010, 09:55 PM

Joining the crowd at fireworks may not be the best first night out on the water. This event can challenge those of us with plenty of experience. Boaters who would normally follow the rules seem to bend them quite dramatically in the stress or anonymity of the crowd. If you are old enough to have experienced a drive in theater at the end of the night, it can be a lot like this without the headlights or roads.

OCDACTIVE · 06-02-2010, 05:30 PM

So Wendyg.... How was your weekend? did you venture out? anything catch you by surprise? I bet you had a wonderful time with the weather to match!

wendyg · 06-04-2010, 05:09 PM

We didn't venture out Memorial Day weekend, mainly because my hubby wasn't able to get his certificate in time and we certainly didn't want to take the risk of being pulled over by marine patrol our first time out! That would have just really ruined the whole experience. Also we were camping in Ossipee which is a pretty long haul from the marina. So...we were hoping to get out this weekend now that the certification is complete...however the weather isn't cooperating! Really don't want to venture out in rainy/stormy conditions for the first time

...so again we wait! We are hoping to get out before our summer vacation to Florida the last two weeks of June, but the clock is ticking...maybe we'll be able to get out during the week...which would be even better for the first run!

trfour · 06-04-2010, 05:43 PM

Very refreshing to know how much common sense that you put forward! Stay you're course, and you will be reworded.
Again, Welcome and Happy Boating!

Terry
___________________________

wendyg · 06-05-2010, 07:43 AM

Thank you Terry...it's disturbing that more people don't use that same common sense! We have made a BIG investment and safety always comes first. It's not worth the risk...

no-engine · 06-05-2010, 06:29 PM

I've seen some uninformed boaters out there; BUT you have great common sense, which is needed.
I was taught my first boating "rules of the road" as a child on the coastal waters, and I mean a real small child, mostly sailing. Have been on Lake for 35 years. We were always taught the respect of others. Good input here.
Regardless of the actual right of way, show respect for other boaters.

robmac · 06-06-2010, 08:54 AM

Some marinas also sell a sticker outlining the spars and bouys as a reminder of where and what the safest way to navigate them. IE. North,South,East or west. Very handy for getting used to the lake. Good luck and enjoy!

chipj29 · 06-07-2010, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendyg

We didn't venture out Memorial Day weekend, mainly because my hubby wasn't able to get his certificate in time and we certainly didn't want to take the risk of being pulled over by marine patrol our first time out! That would have just really ruined the whole experience. Also we were camping in Ossipee which is a pretty long haul from the marina. So...we were hoping to get out this weekend now that the certification is complete...however the weather isn't cooperating! Really don't want to venture out in rainy/stormy conditions for the first time

...so again we wait! We are hoping to get out before our summer vacation to Florida the last two weeks of June, but the clock is ticking...maybe we'll be able to get out during the week...which would be even better for the first run!

You have already made 2 excellent decisions...congrats!

OCDACTIVE · 06-07-2010, 06:58 AM

Weather is looking perfect for this upcoming weekend... hopefully you can make it out. From the sounds of it you and your family will be a GREAT addition to the lakes boating community!

wendyg · 06-07-2010, 07:40 AM

Hoping to head out on Wed afternoon for a little while!

Capt. Quint · 06-08-2010, 12:56 PM

Wendy- welcome to boating. All the talk about the markers, witches and following boneheads through rocky areas is true- and all easily overcome by common sense, patience and being careful...

The only really stressful part of taking your boat out- is taking it back in,(or to any town dock). Here is the best advice you will get to enhance your enjoyment of your boat and the lake: reduce your docking anxiety- take a quiet weekday or early morning weekend, run your boat and first mate from MVYC up to the Weirs town docks and spend 2 or 3 hours docking every which way. Do it until you are bored with it, and then do it some more. If there is a little breeze- even better. These hours will make you so sure of how your boat will handle in these conditions and reduce your anxiety when approaching the dock with a boatload of people and "ghouls & fools" on the docks.

Two more items-
1) get one solid first mate/deckhand trained to understand your commands and respond calmly. One who will always have the lines ready, and who won't LEAP from the boat to the dock (or into the drink).
2) Pay no attention to the dock ghouls, and never trust the dock fools who will assist you in tying your boat up in a manner deserving of a dunce cap.

If you're going to pass a line to anyone standing on the town dock- make him tie a sheep shank for you first. If he ties a trumpet knot instead like that wealthy college boy Hooper, you'll have to straighten him out!

NoRegrets · 06-08-2010, 02:00 PM

Insure everyone keeps their hands inside the boat while approaching the dock. Use your dock lines to catch a pole or cleat and not hands, arms, or body parts.

Try to move very slow when docking. (weather permitting!)

Mark · 06-17-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendyg

Hoping to head out on Wed afternoon for a little while!

Can we get a report from your recent boating experiences? How did they go?

Welcome to the lake and happy boating.

wendyg · 07-12-2010, 07:31 AM

Not too many yet. We have been out three times in the late afternoon on weekdays. Cloudy and cool conditions! Ready for a warm, sunny, weekend day! We were in Florida for three weeks on vacation as well and are hoping to get out soon! Going crazy! We basically have crossed the Broads, gone around Gov. Island, and taken the boat from Mountain View to Irwin Marine. All good experiences so far. Working on getting the GPS as well, mainly just to help us bring those markers into better view. They are tough to see, but I can see that once you learn your way around, it's not too bad. We are used to the ICW in Florida...the markers are high out of the water and OBVIOUS. We are looking for some nice places to go tubing that are safe and not too busy. Any suggestions???

Dave R · 07-12-2010, 07:54 AM

We usually tube in the area between Long Island and 5 and 6 mile Islands. Not too much boat traffic and enough chop to keep it interesting but not so much that it's dangerous. Plenty of space too. I cannot recommend tubing in any quiet coves because I like to leave those for skiers and wakeboarders who really prefer no chop at all.

BroadHopper · 07-12-2010, 09:37 AM

Twenty Mile Bay and Winter Harbor are great places to tube. The area around Blanchard Island is also another great spot. I would not try the Blanchard Island area until you feel comfortable with the markers and only when you scout out the area. It is a little rocky.

Dave R · 07-12-2010, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

The area around Blanchard Island is also another great spot. I would not try the Blanchard Island area until you feel comfortable with the markers and only when you scout out the area. It is a little rocky.

Where's Blanchard Island?

05-30-2010, 07:16 PM	#7
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	Keep An Eye Out On The Weather... Before, and during boating... We all can navigate under good conditions as human nature has given us a sense of direction, and being able to use landmarks to learn our way around in good visibility [ slowly ]... GPS, has progressed exponentially over the years, however I wouldn't rely on it Not knowing the area that I was in, if the visibility goes to zero... I would not want to have my prop marks all over folks front lawns and having to suggest that I was using my GPS at the time, What would you want me to DO!? Sides, GPS requires more multi tasking while under way! Kind'a like texting while driving, A big NO NO. Take it slow, Learn the Lake and then if it tickles you're fancy, by all means get GPS, A great toole! Last but not least, Welcome! and I'm older than Lakegeezer, so's ya know that I am still here, and got around this Lake pretty good since years! Terry ________________________________ __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

05-30-2010, 10:06 PM	#9
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,572 Thanks: 3,209 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Welcome to The Lake All good advise Wendy. I am a native on the lake as I live on her shores for over 50 years. More advice. If in doubt as to where you are on the lake. Go to the nearest Light buoy and determine the number. Look up that number on your lake chart and there you have it. The location of where you are on the lake. If you decide to navigate after dark. Best to start out on a full moon night. Determine which light buoy you will be using as your guide before you venture out. Normally you can navigate from one light buoy to the next. Most important rule of all! Be safe and have fun! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

05-31-2010, 09:55 PM	#10
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	First night on the lake Joining the crowd at fireworks may not be the best first night out on the water. This event can challenge those of us with plenty of experience. Boaters who would normally follow the rules seem to bend them quite dramatically in the stress or anonymity of the crowd. If you are old enough to have experienced a drive in theater at the end of the night, it can be a lot like this without the headlights or roads.

06-02-2010, 05:30 PM	#11
OCDACTIVE Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fort Myers FL / Moultonboro Posts: 1,045 Thanks: 444 Thanked 574 Times in 178 Posts	So Wendyg.... How was your weekend? did you venture out? anything catch you by surprise? I bet you had a wonderful time with the weather to match! __________________ Have you had your Vessel Inspected Yet?

06-04-2010, 05:09 PM	#12
wendyg Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 32 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	We didn't venture out Memorial Day weekend, mainly because my hubby wasn't able to get his certificate in time and we certainly didn't want to take the risk of being pulled over by marine patrol our first time out! That would have just really ruined the whole experience. Also we were camping in Ossipee which is a pretty long haul from the marina. So...we were hoping to get out this weekend now that the certification is complete...however the weather isn't cooperating! Really don't want to venture out in rainy/stormy conditions for the first time...so again we wait! We are hoping to get out before our summer vacation to Florida the last two weeks of June, but the clock is ticking...maybe we'll be able to get out during the week...which would be even better for the first run!

05-27-2010, 09:11 PM	#1
wendyg Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 32 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	WE ARE NOT KEEPING THE NAME "TAX RE-FUN" We've been tossing around different ideas for a new name and will have the work done sometime in June...so for now that's the name... We took delivery today and everything went really well. The salesman took us from Irwin Marine over to Mountain View. We went through Paugus Bay and up around Governor's Island to Timber Island. We anchored there for a bit and then went past the Witches and over to Mountain View! Our salesman was great and went over everything we us out on the water...markers, boat handling, docking...in additon to all the mechanics of the boat! It was a great experience and we are ready to get out there and practice and explore. We are camping this weekend up by Lake Ossippee, so we probably won't get out until Mon on our way home... I'm sure we'll be seeking lots of advice...looking forward to making new friends and having a great time on the lake!!! Thanks for all the info/advice....we got our Bizer charts and are looking for the right GPS system for the boat! Enjoy the weekend everyone!

05-27-2010, 09:52 PM	#2
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	Welcome to the lake. Turning right on your first trips out will be a lot easier as stated earlier. One piece of advice I can offer is keep track of exactly where you are on the chart. This can keep you rather busy when you are new to the lake but it won't take long before certain areas become familiar enough that the chart is only a back up. When new to an area and you are not quite sure where you are and see a bunch of markers that don't look like they should on the map don't be afraid to simply stop. I can't tell you how many times I found myself headed to the wrong side of a marker. When you stop you have time to figure it out. If you continue at 25 mph it is hard to fix the mistake. The lake is high right now which will cover a lot of mistakes but their's no shame in getting it right. If you get lost and are not sure which island or marker you are driving by we have the closest thing to street signs available. Their are many lighted markers that also have a number on them. If you are next to lighted marker 15 you can look on the map to see exactly where you are. Confirming my location was very comforting in the early days. It's a big lake and you are going to really enjoy discovering all it has to offer.

05-28-2010, 09:13 PM	#4
jack1706 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft.Laud.,Fl & Winter Harbor Posts: 150 Thanks: 40 Thanked 19 Times in 17 Posts	wendyg venture over to Wolfebor0 & Winter Harbor & beyond... great boating, people & wildlife.. Best of luck with your new venture & see you out on the BiG Puddle!! Enjoy !!

05-30-2010, 03:53 PM	#5
Breakwater Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 47 Thanks: 0 Thanked 76 Times in 18 Posts	Don't venture too far from home at night! This is a different lake at night and most learn the hard way. Getting caught away from home in an unfamiliar part of the lake after the sun goes down is easy to do. Start close to home and learn the lake a bit at a time. Enjoy!

The Following User Says Thank You to Breakwater For This Useful Post:
XCR-700 (05-30-2010)

The Following User Says Thank You to Rattlesnake Guy For This Useful Post:
ApS (06-01-2010)

06-04-2010, 05:43 PM	#13
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	You Folks Are Going To Do Just Fine... Very refreshing to know how much common sense that you put forward! Stay you're course, and you will be reworded. Again, Welcome and Happy Boating! Terry ___________________________ __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

The Following User Says Thank You to trfour For This Useful Post:
wendyg (06-05-2010)

06-05-2010, 07:43 AM	#14
wendyg Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 32 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you Terry...it's disturbing that more people don't use that same common sense! We have made a BIG investment and safety always comes first. It's not worth the risk...

06-05-2010, 06:29 PM	#15
no-engine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West side Winnipesaukee, Lakes Region Posts: 516 Thanks: 20 Thanked 52 Times in 40 Posts	Great posts, but one phrase.... I've seen some uninformed boaters out there; BUT you have great common sense, which is needed. I was taught my first boating "rules of the road" as a child on the coastal waters, and I mean a real small child, mostly sailing. Have been on Lake for 35 years. We were always taught the respect of others. Good input here. Regardless of the actual right of way, show respect for other boaters.

06-06-2010, 08:54 AM	#16
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	Some marinas also sell a sticker outlining the spars and bouys as a reminder of where and what the safest way to navigate them. IE. North,South,East or west. Very handy for getting used to the lake. Good luck and enjoy!

06-07-2010, 06:58 AM	#18
OCDACTIVE Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fort Myers FL / Moultonboro Posts: 1,045 Thanks: 444 Thanked 574 Times in 178 Posts	Weather is looking perfect for this upcoming weekend... hopefully you can make it out. From the sounds of it you and your family will be a GREAT addition to the lakes boating community! __________________ Have you had your Vessel Inspected Yet?

06-07-2010, 07:40 AM	#19
wendyg Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 32 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hoping to head out on Wed afternoon for a little while!

06-08-2010, 12:56 PM	#20
Capt. Quint Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Amity Island Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts	Practice Practice Practice and then practice. Wendy- welcome to boating. All the talk about the markers, witches and following boneheads through rocky areas is true- and all easily overcome by common sense, patience and being careful... The only really stressful part of taking your boat out- is taking it back in,(or to any town dock). Here is the best advice you will get to enhance your enjoyment of your boat and the lake: reduce your docking anxiety- take a quiet weekday or early morning weekend, run your boat and first mate from MVYC up to the Weirs town docks and spend 2 or 3 hours docking every which way. Do it until you are bored with it, and then do it some more. If there is a little breeze- even better. These hours will make you so sure of how your boat will handle in these conditions and reduce your anxiety when approaching the dock with a boatload of people and "ghouls & fools" on the docks. Two more items- 1) get one solid first mate/deckhand trained to understand your commands and respond calmly. One who will always have the lines ready, and who won't LEAP from the boat to the dock (or into the drink). 2) Pay no attention to the dock ghouls, and never trust the dock fools who will assist you in tying your boat up in a manner deserving of a dunce cap. If you're going to pass a line to anyone standing on the town dock- make him tie a sheep shank for you first. If he ties a trumpet knot instead like that wealthy college boy Hooper, you'll have to straighten him out!

06-08-2010, 02:00 PM	#21
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	Insure everyone keeps their hands inside the boat while approaching the dock. Use your dock lines to catch a pole or cleat and not hands, arms, or body parts. Try to move very slow when docking. (weather permitting!)

07-12-2010, 07:31 AM	#23
wendyg Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 32 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tubing suggestions Not too many yet. We have been out three times in the late afternoon on weekdays. Cloudy and cool conditions! Ready for a warm, sunny, weekend day! We were in Florida for three weeks on vacation as well and are hoping to get out soon! Going crazy! We basically have crossed the Broads, gone around Gov. Island, and taken the boat from Mountain View to Irwin Marine. All good experiences so far. Working on getting the GPS as well, mainly just to help us bring those markers into better view. They are tough to see, but I can see that once you learn your way around, it's not too bad. We are used to the ICW in Florida...the markers are high out of the water and OBVIOUS. We are looking for some nice places to go tubing that are safe and not too busy. Any suggestions???

07-12-2010, 07:54 AM	#24
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts	We usually tube in the area between Long Island and 5 and 6 mile Islands. Not too much boat traffic and enough chop to keep it interesting but not so much that it's dangerous. Plenty of space too. I cannot recommend tubing in any quiet coves because I like to leave those for skiers and wakeboarders who really prefer no chop at all.

07-12-2010, 09:37 AM	#25
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,572 Thanks: 3,209 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Tubing areas Twenty Mile Bay and Winter Harbor are great places to tube. The area around Blanchard Island is also another great spot. I would not try the Blanchard Island area until you feel comfortable with the markers and only when you scout out the area. It is a little rocky. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.