New Boat Owner - Boating on Winnipesaukee

pcmc · 03-21-2015, 06:44 PM

A weather radar app is huge for me.
I check the radar before dropping the boat in. If you can see a storm on its way and monitor it is priceless.
We have had times it wasn't worth boating due to time restraints and iffy weather. We also have been on the lake and watched a storm come across a part of the lake while we stayed in a dry part of it, just by monitoring it on our phones. It's been a huge help for us.

pcmc · 03-21-2015, 07:32 PM

Your off to a great start.
Imo,
#1. What has helped us get started is the advice from the local experts.
#2. I hope you get as surprised as we did at how kind and helpful other boaters have been in our time of need. Mostly during slow times of the day, but regardless, I had trouble getting it just right during docking, and without asking, a gentleman and his son came over from a few slips away to have us toss them a rope. Such a small gesture was a thankful help.
If it's Winni your starting on, it can be a little nerve racking at times. The lake may not be the best beginner lake, but the local boaters compensate for that.
During busy docking times, make a mental note as to who arrived ahead of you and wait your turn to dock. The same for boat launching if you will be trailering. Be prepared ahead of time before getting to the boat launch. It never hurts to watch other's techniques while loading and unlading their boat.
#3. A laminated lake chart is must have.
#4. A GPS is very helpful but can fail for what ever reason.
#5. Keep tools and a spare prop on board. I damaged one after unloading the boat. We had everyone aboard, pushed off and lowered the out drive only to feel the boat bump something. We hadn't even put the boat in gear yet. We looked over the back and sure enough there was rock hiding out just waiting for us. We pulled the boat parallel to shore and standing in knee deep water swapped the prop in five minutes and off we went.
Figure about $100 to repair an aluminum prop.

pcmc · 03-21-2015, 07:37 PM

Also do a search for radios in the boating section.
There was advice on hand helds if I remember correctly.
Try to think ahead and figure what you would do and how would you contact help in an emergency on the water.
Prepare, prepare, prepare.

tis · 03-22-2015, 05:12 AM

Don't go out at night until you get used to the lake.

jetlag100 · 03-22-2015, 07:25 PM

Go across the broads, under the Long Island Bridge, follow along Long Island, and then follow Little Bear Island..go around Little Bear Island, and then thru the Hole in the Wall ( Hole in the Wall is between Cow Island and Little Bear Island) then head over near Sandy Island and back out and across the broads..nice , couple of hours

StormPanic · 03-25-2015, 06:42 AM

Thanks for all of the great advice. Really looking forward to the boating season. Ordered myself a couple of the Bizer charts to start reviewing. Currently my boat is just sitting at Winnisquam Marine, waiting for the ice to melt....

JasonG · 03-26-2015, 03:03 PM

First time I hit the lake with with a few buddies back in '93. I had a 12' Inflatable boat and a 25 hp merc. Had no clue where we were going until we picked up a chart and after going around for an hour or so across some choppy waters. Hurt like hell, but we figured it out.

Over 20 years later, we still talk about that trip. Ahh the memories.

Also learned the hard way you could not have a fire on an island.

Dave R · 03-27-2015, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonG

First time I hit the lake with with a few buddies back in '93. I had a 12' Inflatable boat and a 25 hp merc. Had no clue where we were going until we picked up a chart and after going around for an hour or so across some choppy waters. Hurt like hell, but we figured it out.

Over 20 years later, we still talk about that trip. Ahh the memories.

Also learned the hard way you could not have a fire on an island.

You must be the one that burned down the island that used to be the Witches.

JasonG · 03-28-2015, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

You must be the one that burned down the island that used to be the Witches.

LOL, no. Someone took a trip over to us and yelled at us. I think we were on blueberry island

MAXUM · 03-29-2015, 09:22 AM

My best advice for you is to just take it easy. Getting familiar with your boat, what it can handle, how to load it, keeping the weight balanced and so forth is your number one priority. Same with learning how to dock your boat and maneuver it in tight spots. It's a game of finesse to do this, and requires a bit of practice and a light touch on the throttle. When docking your boat, be nice and park in such a way that leaves the largest opening for the next guy!

Once you have a good feel for your ride, then you can start to explore the lake. Early season is great because traffic is very light and the only ones out there are usually fisherman trolling around. That said be courteous and give them plenty of space as you pass. Be aware that the markers are left in over the winter time and when the ice goes out can and does drag them around, in some cases they are broken or missing. Having a navigational map and knowing where you are is paramount because usually when something is marked it's for a very good reason! Don't make assumptions - the MP does get out there and fix them but it takes them time to survey the entire lake and get replacements in place or move things back where they belong. Typically they have it all squared away by Memorial day. Navigation can be a challenge during certain times of the day especially if you have the sun in your face low in the sky it can be hard to pick up where things are marked. Proceed with caution if you are unsure of where you are! Always drive defensively even if you know you have the right of way. If you are going to anchor for the day on a sand bar, have a good anchor front AND rear along with leave ample space between you and another boat. As previously stated watch the weather, some areas of the lake are pretty unforgiving when it's windy. Same can be said of an approaching thunderstorm. In fact if a thunderstorm is approaching it's far better to tuck in somewhere protected and ride the storm out then to try to out run it and get caught in the open (been there done that and it's not a good situation to be in).

Get out there and enjoy the lake, there are so many places to go and explore, places to swim and relax. Once you get your feet wet you'll do just fine. Don't forget one key piece of gear for your boat. A grill, nothing says summer like burgers and dogs fresh off the grill and an ice cold adult beverage at your favorite swimming hole!

Have a great season out there and don't forget to wave to your fellow boaters as you pass on by.

03-21-2015, 06:44 PM	#1
pcmc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 412 Thanks: 211 Thanked 106 Times in 73 Posts	A weather radar app is huge for me. I check the radar before dropping the boat in. If you can see a storm on its way and monitor it is priceless. We have had times it wasn't worth boating due to time restraints and iffy weather. We also have been on the lake and watched a storm come across a part of the lake while we stayed in a dry part of it, just by monitoring it on our phones. It's been a huge help for us.

03-21-2015, 07:32 PM	#2
pcmc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 412 Thanks: 211 Thanked 106 Times in 73 Posts	Your off to a great start. Imo, #1. What has helped us get started is the advice from the local experts. #2. I hope you get as surprised as we did at how kind and helpful other boaters have been in our time of need. Mostly during slow times of the day, but regardless, I had trouble getting it just right during docking, and without asking, a gentleman and his son came over from a few slips away to have us toss them a rope. Such a small gesture was a thankful help. If it's Winni your starting on, it can be a little nerve racking at times. The lake may not be the best beginner lake, but the local boaters compensate for that. During busy docking times, make a mental note as to who arrived ahead of you and wait your turn to dock. The same for boat launching if you will be trailering. Be prepared ahead of time before getting to the boat launch. It never hurts to watch other's techniques while loading and unlading their boat. #3. A laminated lake chart is must have. #4. A GPS is very helpful but can fail for what ever reason. #5. Keep tools and a spare prop on board. I damaged one after unloading the boat. We had everyone aboard, pushed off and lowered the out drive only to feel the boat bump something. We hadn't even put the boat in gear yet. We looked over the back and sure enough there was rock hiding out just waiting for us. We pulled the boat parallel to shore and standing in knee deep water swapped the prop in five minutes and off we went. Figure about $100 to repair an aluminum prop.

03-21-2015, 07:37 PM	#3
pcmc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 412 Thanks: 211 Thanked 106 Times in 73 Posts	Also do a search for radios in the boating section. There was advice on hand helds if I remember correctly. Try to think ahead and figure what you would do and how would you contact help in an emergency on the water. Prepare, prepare, prepare.

03-22-2015, 05:12 AM	#4
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,749 Thanks: 753 Thanked 1,459 Times in 1,016 Posts	Don't go out at night until you get used to the lake.

03-22-2015, 07:25 PM	#5
jetlag100 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Revere, Massachusetts and Moultonborough, N.H. Posts: 311 Thanks: 228 Thanked 79 Times in 50 Posts	Go across the broads, under the Long Island Bridge, follow along Long Island, and then follow Little Bear Island..go around Little Bear Island, and then thru the Hole in the Wall ( Hole in the Wall is between Cow Island and Little Bear Island) then head over near Sandy Island and back out and across the broads..nice , couple of hours

03-25-2015, 06:42 AM	#6
StormPanic Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for all of the great advice. Really looking forward to the boating season. Ordered myself a couple of the Bizer charts to start reviewing. Currently my boat is just sitting at Winnisquam Marine, waiting for the ice to melt....

03-26-2015, 03:03 PM	#7
JasonG Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 310 Thanks: 48 Thanked 45 Times in 33 Posts	First time I hit the lake with with a few buddies back in '93. I had a 12' Inflatable boat and a 25 hp merc. Had no clue where we were going until we picked up a chart and after going around for an hour or so across some choppy waters. Hurt like hell, but we figured it out. Over 20 years later, we still talk about that trip. Ahh the memories. Also learned the hard way you could not have a fire on an island.

03-29-2015, 09:22 AM	#10
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	My best advice for you is to just take it easy. Getting familiar with your boat, what it can handle, how to load it, keeping the weight balanced and so forth is your number one priority. Same with learning how to dock your boat and maneuver it in tight spots. It's a game of finesse to do this, and requires a bit of practice and a light touch on the throttle. When docking your boat, be nice and park in such a way that leaves the largest opening for the next guy! Once you have a good feel for your ride, then you can start to explore the lake. Early season is great because traffic is very light and the only ones out there are usually fisherman trolling around. That said be courteous and give them plenty of space as you pass. Be aware that the markers are left in over the winter time and when the ice goes out can and does drag them around, in some cases they are broken or missing. Having a navigational map and knowing where you are is paramount because usually when something is marked it's for a very good reason! Don't make assumptions - the MP does get out there and fix them but it takes them time to survey the entire lake and get replacements in place or move things back where they belong. Typically they have it all squared away by Memorial day. Navigation can be a challenge during certain times of the day especially if you have the sun in your face low in the sky it can be hard to pick up where things are marked. Proceed with caution if you are unsure of where you are! Always drive defensively even if you know you have the right of way. If you are going to anchor for the day on a sand bar, have a good anchor front AND rear along with leave ample space between you and another boat. As previously stated watch the weather, some areas of the lake are pretty unforgiving when it's windy. Same can be said of an approaching thunderstorm. In fact if a thunderstorm is approaching it's far better to tuck in somewhere protected and ride the storm out then to try to out run it and get caught in the open (been there done that and it's not a good situation to be in). Get out there and enjoy the lake, there are so many places to go and explore, places to swim and relax. Once you get your feet wet you'll do just fine. Don't forget one key piece of gear for your boat. A grill, nothing says summer like burgers and dogs fresh off the grill and an ice cold adult beverage at your favorite swimming hole! Have a great season out there and don't forget to wave to your fellow boaters as you pass on by.