New Boat Owner - Boating on Winnipesaukee

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.

03-29-2015, 09:22 AM	#3
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.