boat traffic

rsmlp · 05-22-2026, 04:20 PM

What's the sitrep on boat traffic? Back from FL on sunday and I should think that traffic is well below normal given gas prices.

Descant · 05-22-2026, 06:00 PM

I probably won't boat much when you arrive on Sunday if it is raining. Now that we have Ethanol, I fill my tanks in the fall, with stabilizer. By the time I need more gas, the price will be back down. As I add up the price of operating a boat, gas is only a minimal part of the budget. Club dues are the same, Insurance went down, did valet go up (?), but all that was done in January, before the bad news folks started worrying about my wallet.

Biggd · 05-22-2026, 07:58 PM

High gas prices affect everyone differently. If you have a dock you're probably going to still put your boat in the water, maybe won't go out cruising as much.
If you're trailering, then that's a double whammy! The gas in that truck to haul it around and the gas in the boat will cause you to think twice about your boating adventures. It's easier and cheaper to just leave it in the yard on the trailer.

fatlazyless · 05-23-2026, 08:18 AM

High gasoline price could be a good time to get a relatively low priced kayak. Walmart in Plymouth and Gilford both have a large selection of kayaks under $400. For higher quality paddle there's Wild Meadow Canoe, Kayak and Paddle Board on the Center Harbor/Moultonborough line. Wild Meadow has a launch spot on Lake Winnipesaukee, out back, so you can take a try-out paddle, there.

When you motorboat only your right hand moves the throttle forward a couple inches. When you paddle, it's a full body work-out, especially on a sup.

How much expensive $5.50/gal marina gasoline is used for paddling? Not one drop!

The Center Harbor town launch ramp attendant charges $25-cash for you to launch your motorboat. Did you know it costs only ten dollars to launch a kayak or sup, there, and the $10-cash includes a separate parking lot for paddlers and separate launch spot beyond the historic brick utility building located on the shoreline beyond the town beach.

Garcia · 05-24-2026, 03:48 PM

What a quiet Memorial Day weekend. Who wants to be spending the day out on the water in this weather? It's quite nice sitting inside by the fire looking out at the water, though!

Smith Point · 05-27-2026, 06:58 PM

Am I the only person that notice there has been no activity on the lake. except for (Alton Bay). We just put out two new webcams in front our place I've been monitoring activity from a undisclosed location. since January, no Bob houses, no ice fishing, no snowmobilers, no activity whatsoever. I have only seen two boats and two jet skis. Memorial Day weekend should have been packed with boaters, but not this year. What is going on?

WinnisquamZ · 05-27-2026, 08:00 PM

Gas prices, insurance premiums. It’s not just boat gas it’s transportation costs to and from. Over here on Winnisquam boat traffic is minimal

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garysanfran · 05-27-2026, 09:15 PM

I have one wakeboarder going back-and-forth for hours causing damage to my and neighbors docks. A captain with no clue and/or no care. Actually came by and turned about 50' in front of my dock. The wake should have deserved this moron a fine.

WinnisquamZ · 05-27-2026, 09:16 PM

That sucks

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tis · 05-28-2026, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garysanfran

I have one wakeboarder going back-and-forth for hours causing damage to my and neighbors docks. A captain with no clue and/or no care. Actually came by and turned about 50' in front of my dock. The wake should have deserved this moron a fine.

It's crazy, isn't it? What is wrong with these people.

tummyman · 05-28-2026, 06:21 AM

Same thing happened in my cove. These wave riding people are plain rude. No common sense. And NH does nothing. They destroy the land with increase erosion and nobody cares. They should not be allowed on coves. Go play in the broads.....

Biggd · 05-28-2026, 08:01 AM

I haven't even put my boat in yet, the weather every weekend has been so crappy that none of my family even want to come up!

tis · 05-28-2026, 08:23 AM

Bigg, so we can't blame you.

WinnisquamZ · 05-28-2026, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

I haven't even put my boat in yet, the weather every weekend has been so crappy that none of my family even want to come up!

True statement. One short ride last Friday then the cover goes back on. Snow showers in the White Mountains this weekend!

8gv · 05-28-2026, 09:49 AM

Wifey and I wanted to go on a lunch run via our boat on Tuesday. Prior to fetching it up from the mooring we took a look at the day dock where she would climb aboard.

With the high water the boat would have been too high for her to enter.

I could have backed stern in but am unsure of what perils exist below where our bow usually goes.

Reversing into a rock with a Bravo III prop set can be injurious to one's wallet.

Our gas tank is full but so is the lake.

We can wait a few weeks but it it is still high I might have to pull the drain plug!

The Real BigGuy · 05-30-2026, 08:36 AM

People seem to be focused on gas prices as the reason for low boat traffic. As another poster said, gas is a small part of having a boat. (I’ve always taken the approach that if I can afford all the fixed costs, I can afford the gas.) I think the main reason is weather. Rainy weather has raised the lake level causing difficulties for some, and crappy weekend weather has kept some people away. The real test will be once schools are out and vacationers and summertimers make their trek up. If the weather is good & boat traffic is low at that time, then I’ll put more credence in the drop off being gas prices.

thinkxingu · 05-30-2026, 09:27 AM

Weather, weather, weather.

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FlyingScot · 05-30-2026, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

People seem to be focused on gas prices as the reason for low boat traffic. As another poster said, gas is a small part of having a boat. (I’ve always taken the approach that if I can afford all the fixed costs, I can afford the gas.) I think the main reason is weather. Rainy weather has raised the lake level causing difficulties for some, and crappy weekend weather has kept some people away. The real test will be once schools are out and vacationers and summertimers make their trek up. If the weather is good & boat traffic is low at that time, then I’ll put more credence in the drop off being gas prices.

This is all very rational, but as a society we are fixated on gas prices (and the S&P). Turn on the news (actual news, not opinion/commentary), and you'll get an update on every cent up or down. Drive any significant distance, and you'll get a roadside bulletin. Ask a friend what they just paid, they'll know. This weighs on people emotionally

ishoot308 · 05-30-2026, 10:04 AM

Who in their right mind would want to be out boating this weekend or last!…Has nothing to do with gas’s prices. The weather has sucked for boating!

Dan

Descant · 05-30-2026, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Who in their right mind would want to be out boating this weekend or last!…
Dan

Guilty, Your honor.

BTW, this is a great day to negotiate a boat purchase. The sales guys have nobody to talk to. We did the Newport Power boat Show one year in the rain--bought rain suits, and the sales guys had nobody else to talk to. Saw a number of those huge cruisers that you normally have to make an appointment just to get on the dock. Ended up buying DESCANT that year, a sedan with lots of inside salon space for rainy days.

ishoot308 · 05-30-2026, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

Guilty, Your honor.

BTW, this is a great day to negotiate a boat purchase. The sales guys have nobody to talk to. We did the Newport Power boat Show one year in the rain--bought rain suits, and the sales guys had nobody else to talk to. Saw a number of those huge cruisers that you normally have to make an appointment just to get on the dock. Ended up buying DESCANT that year, a sedan with lots of inside salon space for rainy days.

To and from your island camp doesn’t count!

I am guilty of that as well as there is no place I would rather be no matter the weather!

I agree, today would be a great day to buy a boat!

Dan

Biggd · 05-30-2026, 04:13 PM

I'm a fair-weather boater, we haven't had much of that so far!

tis · 05-30-2026, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

I'm a fair-weather boater, we haven't had much of that so far!

Fair and WARM. This is unbelievable.

8gv · 05-30-2026, 06:15 PM

Today's beautiful weather has inspired me:

Sing along with me to the tune of "Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead" from The Wizard of Oz.

Ding dong the weather sucks
The weather sucks
The weather sucks
Ding dong the weather sucks again!

Hi ho the dario
Got a boat
But I can't go
That's cause the weather sucks again...

05-22-2026, 04:20 PM	#1
rsmlp Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 503 Thanks: 5 Thanked 173 Times in 90 Posts	boat traffic What's the sitrep on boat traffic? Back from FL on sunday and I should think that traffic is well below normal given gas prices.

05-23-2026, 08:18 AM	#4
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 9,168 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 310 Thanked 1,102 Times in 811 Posts	Paddle a kayak or a sup? High gasoline price could be a good time to get a relatively low priced kayak. Walmart in Plymouth and Gilford both have a large selection of kayaks under $400. For higher quality paddle there's Wild Meadow Canoe, Kayak and Paddle Board on the Center Harbor/Moultonborough line. Wild Meadow has a launch spot on Lake Winnipesaukee, out back, so you can take a try-out paddle, there. When you motorboat only your right hand moves the throttle forward a couple inches. When you paddle, it's a full body work-out, especially on a sup. How much expensive $5.50/gal marina gasoline is used for paddling? Not one drop! The Center Harbor town launch ramp attendant charges $25-cash for you to launch your motorboat. Did you know it costs only ten dollars to launch a kayak or sup, there, and the $10-cash includes a separate parking lot for paddlers and separate launch spot beyond the historic brick utility building located on the shoreline beyond the town beach. __________________ .... Banned for life from local thrift store! Last edited by fatlazyless; 05-23-2026 at 09:10 AM.

05-27-2026, 06:58 PM	#6
Smith Point Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Smith Point/ Bangor ME Posts: 199 Thanks: 203 Thanked 36 Times in 19 Posts	Lack of activity on the lake Am I the only person that notice there has been no activity on the lake. except for (Alton Bay). We just put out two new webcams in front our place I've been monitoring activity from a undisclosed location. since January, no Bob houses, no ice fishing, no snowmobilers, no activity whatsoever. I have only seen two boats and two jet skis. Memorial Day weekend should have been packed with boaters, but not this year. What is going on?

05-27-2026, 09:15 PM	#8
garysanfran Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Francisco/Meredith Posts: 1,639 Thanks: 727 Thanked 705 Times in 363 Posts	I have one wakeboarder going back-and-forth for hours causing damage to my and neighbors docks. A captain with no clue and/or no care. Actually came by and turned about 50' in front of my dock. The wake should have deserved this moron a fine. __________________ Gary ~~~~_/) ~~~ ~~~~~~~~

05-30-2026, 10:04 AM	#19
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,531 Thanks: 2,453 Thanked 5,465 Times in 2,142 Posts	Weather Who in their right mind would want to be out boating this weekend or last!…Has nothing to do with gas’s prices. The weather has sucked for boating! Dan __________________ It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!!

05-22-2026, 06:00 PM	#2
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,591 Thanks: 1,413 Thanked 1,703 Times in 1,107 Posts	I probably won't boat much when you arrive on Sunday if it is raining. Now that we have Ethanol, I fill my tanks in the fall, with stabilizer. By the time I need more gas, the price will be back down. As I add up the price of operating a boat, gas is only a minimal part of the budget. Club dues are the same, Insurance went down, did valet go up (?), but all that was done in January, before the bad news folks started worrying about my wallet.

05-22-2026, 07:58 PM	#3
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,410 Thanks: 2,423 Thanked 1,269 Times in 812 Posts	High gas prices affect everyone differently. If you have a dock you're probably going to still put your boat in the water, maybe won't go out cruising as much. If you're trailering, then that's a double whammy! The gas in that truck to haul it around and the gas in the boat will cause you to think twice about your boating adventures. It's easier and cheaper to just leave it in the yard on the trailer.

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05-24-2026, 03:48 PM	#5
Garcia Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 704 Thanks: 148 Thanked 336 Times in 205 Posts	What a quiet Memorial Day weekend. Who wants to be spending the day out on the water in this weather? It's quite nice sitting inside by the fire looking out at the water, though!

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05-27-2026, 08:00 PM	#7
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 2,238 Thanks: 223 Thanked 705 Times in 473 Posts	Gas prices, insurance premiums. It’s not just boat gas it’s transportation costs to and from. Over here on Winnisquam boat traffic is minimal Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

05-27-2026, 09:16 PM	#9
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 2,238 Thanks: 223 Thanked 705 Times in 473 Posts	That sucks Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

05-28-2026, 06:21 AM	#11
tummyman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 886 Thanks: 278 Thanked 752 Times in 270 Posts	Same thing happened in my cove. These wave riding people are plain rude. No common sense. And NH does nothing. They destroy the land with increase erosion and nobody cares. They should not be allowed on coves. Go play in the broads.....

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05-28-2026, 08:01 AM	#12
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,410 Thanks: 2,423 Thanked 1,269 Times in 812 Posts	I haven't even put my boat in yet, the weather every weekend has been so crappy that none of my family even want to come up!

05-28-2026, 08:23 AM	#13
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,941 Thanks: 795 Thanked 1,493 Times in 1,040 Posts	Bigg, so we can't blame you.

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05-28-2026, 09:49 AM	#15
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,191 Thanks: 63 Thanked 764 Times in 497 Posts	Wifey and I wanted to go on a lunch run via our boat on Tuesday. Prior to fetching it up from the mooring we took a look at the day dock where she would climb aboard. With the high water the boat would have been too high for her to enter. I could have backed stern in but am unsure of what perils exist below where our bow usually goes. Reversing into a rock with a Bravo III prop set can be injurious to one's wallet. Our gas tank is full but so is the lake. We can wait a few weeks but it it is still high I might have to pull the drain plug!

05-30-2026, 08:36 AM	#16
The Real BigGuy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,330 Thanks: 128 Thanked 478 Times in 293 Posts	People seem to be focused on gas prices as the reason for low boat traffic. As another poster said, gas is a small part of having a boat. (I’ve always taken the approach that if I can afford all the fixed costs, I can afford the gas.) I think the main reason is weather. Rainy weather has raised the lake level causing difficulties for some, and crappy weekend weather has kept some people away. The real test will be once schools are out and vacationers and summertimers make their trek up. If the weather is good & boat traffic is low at that time, then I’ll put more credence in the drop off being gas prices.

05-30-2026, 09:27 AM	#17
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,536 Thanks: 1,184 Thanked 2,174 Times in 1,351 Posts	Weather, weather, weather. Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

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05-30-2026, 04:13 PM	#22
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,410 Thanks: 2,423 Thanked 1,269 Times in 812 Posts	I'm a fair-weather boater, we haven't had much of that so far!

05-30-2026, 06:15 PM	#24
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,191 Thanks: 63 Thanked 764 Times in 497 Posts	Today's beautiful weather has inspired me: Sing along with me to the tune of "Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead" from The Wizard of Oz. Ding dong the weather sucks The weather sucks The weather sucks Ding dong the weather sucks again! Hi ho the dario Got a boat But I can't go That's cause the weather sucks again...