Depth Question

[jayhawk_nation]

Hi all,
I am relatively new to the lake; this is our second year on it, and we are finally looking for a house to buy. We have found a few houses that look good, however, I have concerns about whether my boat is even able to get to them. I guess my question is, should I be worried about my boat getting through a shallow spot to get to the dock? For example, there is a place in Morrison Cove. My boat has a draft of 20 without engines, so I bet 25 inches max with the engines trimmed up to be safe. For any of those who own a house on the lake and have a dock, is it tricky to get there? Do I need to cheek it out with my boat once the season starts?
Anything helps, thanks!

[DesertDweller]

Originally Posted by jayhawk_nation

Hi all,
I am relatively new to the lake; this is our second year on it, and we are finally looking for a house to buy. We have found a few houses that look good, however, I have concerns about whether my boat is even able to get to them. I guess my question is, should I be worried about my boat getting through a shallow spot to get to the dock? For example, there is a place in Morrison Cove. My boat has a draft of 20 without engines, so I bet 25 inches max with the engines trimmed up to be safe. For any of those who own a house on the lake and have a dock, is it tricky to get there? Do I need to cheek it out with my boat once the season starts?
Anything helps, thanks!

We looked at a house on Lunt Road which is on Morrison Cove. My memory is that there was not a lot of water back there. My recommendation would be to get a paper Bizer map and scout out the area (especially rocks). This time of year won't be the issue. When they start drawing down the lake in the fall will be the problem.

[jayhawk_nation]

Originally Posted by DesertDweller

We looked at a house on Lunt Road which is on Morrison Cove. My memory is that there was not a lot of water back there. My recommendation would be to get a paper Bizer map and scout out the area (especially rocks). This time of year won't be the issue. When they start drawing down the lake in the fall will be the problem.

From the pictures that I saw on the listing, it didn't look like it had a lot. However, it looked like they were taken at the end of winter or fall. Not sure how that changes things.
I also don't see us being up there on the boat much past September, maybe. Kids have school and such.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by jayhawk_nation

From the pictures that I saw on the listing, it didn't look like it had a lot. However, it looked like they were taken at the end of winter or fall. Not sure how that changes things.

I also don't see us being up there on the boat much past September, maybe. Kids have school and such.

You might not be up there late in the season NOW, but when the kids are gone?

Also, shallower areas are valued less and, frankly, I'd be concerned about long-term changes.

Good luck!

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[jayhawk_nation]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

You might not be up there late in the season NOW, but when the kids are gone?

Also, shallower areas are valued less and, frankly, I'd be concerned about long-term changes.

Good luck!

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Fair point! Worst case, we can continue to store it at the marina we store it at now. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a lakefront house if we need to drive to our boat.

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by jayhawk_nation

Fair point! Worst case, we can continue to store it at the marina we store it at now. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a lakefront house if we need to drive to our boat.

For me, it is a question of what you can afford. If it is a stretch for you to be on the lake, then I would put up with something like this for a short amount of time. If you are planning to stay in this home for many years, I think you would find it very annoying after a while.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by jayhawk_nation

Fair point! Kind of defeats the purpose of having a lakefront house if we need to drive to our boat.

It does! I would not worry about a few rocks or a shallow area that you can navigate around once you know the way. But too shallow in general, and/or not good for swimming? Waterfront is too expensive for that

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

It does! I would not worry about a few rocks or a shallow area that you can navigate around once you know the way. But too shallow in general, and/or not good for swimming? Waterfront is too expensive for that

Wouldn't it be a question of cost?

Like, I can see that I would be willing to pay a certain amount for "boat only" waterfront and more for a real nice swimming area, beach, etc.

It would have to be much, MUCH less expensive, though, to only get a view.

OP: what's your timeline? I've gotta think that, with all the current market tumult, we'll start to see the market improve for buyers.

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[Winilyme]

We had similar concerns when looking to buy on the lake ten years ago. Several of the places we considered had very shallow water that nevertheless was clean and reliably got deeper as one moved further offshore. Thing is, that meant very long docks (60 ft +) to get the boat out to where it could be tied up in consistently deep enough water. I didn't like the idea of maintaining that length of dock nor was I overly excited about the large shallow swim areas; so we passed.

We opted for a home with a 30-foot dock thanks to a quick bottom drop off and no underwater obstacles. LOL - after all that I now only have a jet ski tied up to it. But the swimming is great!

I say - if a boat is critical to your home experience (it sounds like it is), steer clear of areas that offer questionable maneuverability. At a minimum, you will constantly be worrying about it in the late summer-early fall especially. If a boat isn't critical, then by all means consider the purchase as long as you are comfortable that the price you pay is reflective of the compromised dockage opportunity and other possible drawbacks such as quality swimming and clean water (some of the smaller coves don't have a lot of water movement).

[jayhawk_nation]

Thank you guys. I think I will try to make the trip up there to see what it's like. I looked at the map and didn't see anything major, however, it still could be a worry. I would rather not have to think about it at all times and worry about it, but to that end, is there any lakefront house that has perfect boat access? It gets shallow no matter where you are. Just depends on how shallow and the rock situation.

Another question, then, is more specific about a property. It has one of those temporary docks. I am not sure why, but from what I saw, it made it seem like getting a real dock was not available. It is a very protected spot, not sure if that matters. My concern would be that this temporary dock is quite close to shore, which may add to issues.
Would you think that, if I wanted to, I could put in a longer and more substantial dock? Not sure how that would work.

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by jayhawk_nation

Thank you guys. I think I will try to make the trip up there to see what it's like. I looked at the map and didn't see anything major, however, it still could be a worry. I would rather not have to think about it at all times and worry about it, but to that end, is there any lakefront house that has perfect boat access? It gets shallow no matter where you are. Just depends on how shallow and the rock situation.

Another question, then, is more specific about a property. It has one of those temporary docks. I am not sure why, but from what I saw, it made it seem like getting a real dock was not available. It is a very protected spot, not sure if that matters. My concern would be that this temporary dock is quite close to shore, which may add to issues.
Would you think that, if I wanted to, I could put in a longer and more substantial dock? Not sure how that would work.

Maybe, you could tell us what property you are interested in. I’m sure you’ll get a lot more feedback. It sounds like there could be a lot of problems.

[jayhawk_nation]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

Maybe, you could tell us what property you are interested in. I’m sure you’ll get a lot more feedback. It sounds like there could be a lot of problems.

65 beede rd moultonborough nh

This is just one of them. I would say this is the one I have the most concerns with in terms of boat stuff.

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by jayhawk_nation

65 beede rd moultonborough nh

This is just one of them. I would say this is the one I have the most concerns with in terms of boat stuff.

This house is listed for sale for $5.5 million! If you have this amount of money, you should be able to find the most perfect, wonderful house available. You should not be cutting corners and making do. You are in a much better position than most people. You should not settle for anything except the best! No need to make concessions when you have this much to spend.

[jayhawk_nation]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

This house is listed for sale for $5.5 million! If you have this amount of money, you should be able to find the most perfect, wonderful house available. You should not be cutting corners and making do. You are in a much better position than most people. You should not settle for anything except the best! No need to make concessions when you have this much to spend.

Fair point.

[Descant]

All good questions. I'd start by looking at the existing dock. If none, that's one set of answers. If temporary seasonal dock and it's not deep enough, can you add another section to get to deeper water? If it's a permanent dock, you can measure the depth easily. Lots of places have a rock or two that gets marked with a bleach bottle in the fall. You just need to be able to tell your boating guests where to go.

What is the exposure? If wind or boat wakes will move your boat up/down a foot or more, you need more depth, or a lift. As kids get older/heavier/more friends, will you be getting a bigger boat? Second boat? Jet skis?

Long term, lots of lake front houses get major renovations, get relocated or bulldozed. Put your money into the best waterfront possible and deal with house issues later.

Many realtors show properties by boat. If they say "I can't rake my boat there", you may not need to see the property.

[Susie Cougar]

I agree with Descant. you need to find the best property for your needs, and whether you have to build something new, or renovate, you have the means to do so.
There is not a whole lot for sale right now in Moultonborough, but more will definitely come on the market.

[DesertDweller]

Originally Posted by jayhawk_nation

65 beede rd moultonborough nh

This is just one of them. I would say this is the one I have the most concerns with in terms of boat stuff.

I fish at the mouth that cove all the time. As you are heading into the cove stay to your right (after entering the cove--there are a ton on rocks at the point) and then there is plenty of water. There is a massive set of rocks off to the left about halfway up the cove. Once you get beyond that it's probably ranges from 3 to 5 feet of water. That's a beautiful house. Has a huge sandy beach as I recall. With that said, if docking/boating is the main criteria, at that price point you can do far better.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

This house is listed for sale for $5.5 million! If you have this amount of money, you should be able to find the most perfect, wonderful house available. You should not be cutting corners and making do. You are in a much better position than most people. You should not settle for anything except the best! No need to make concessions when you have this much to spend.

TOTALLY agree, especially if the OP is ready to go at that price.

Though the description, above, sounds like it might be ok, I've gotta think that money would get something that would come without such a major concern.

*Edited to add that, in terms of location on the lake, it's pretty great. Close enough to the north to escape the busy/rough areas but close enough to the main lake to get anywhere quickly (especially if the vessel can fit under the LI bridge).

That being said, I'd really have to see what the water looks like—although it appears to be a nice beach it's tough to tell about the water—and I'd DEFINITELY be checking out this stretch of what looks to be shallow rocks in the photo...especially in low water/late season.

Also, OP, thanks for a great thread—I love reading about people's searches and others' (learned) suggestions.

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[Susie Cougar]

Thanks for the picture, think. It definitely looks problematic for a boat and there is no view at all.

To the OP, what other properties are you looking at?

[retired]

You could always put a kayak in the water and check the depths to your dock with a tape measure. Old school.