First Time Boating on the Lake

[FromDownSouoth]

Hello all,

I live down in Virginia and am new to Lake Winni. My family (wife, daughters aged 6 and 4) and I are renting a house on the lake the last week of June. Although I have experience boating (both sailing yachts and cruising trawlers down on the Chesapeake Bay on multiple day trips), I have been away from extensive boating the last number of years (having small kids will do that do a guy!).

I would like to start my kids out boating and am considering renting a pontoon boat (with 25 hp engine) for a couple days during our trip. I am a pretty cautious guy and, being a former boy scout, I prepare pretty extensively. I bought a chart of the lake from Bizer's and have been studying the location of rocks, etc. I am aware of the boating "rules of the road", and have been teaching my kids boating safety. Do you regulars have any words of advice for me?

[Red apple]

Sounds like you've done a lot of planning and I will just rent something with a bigger engine if you can.


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[Slickcraft]

Welcome to the Forum.

Some prior discussion:

https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...ghlight=boater

https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...ghlight=boater

[WINNOCTURN]

Originally Posted by FromDownSouoth

Hello all,

I live down in Virginia and am new to Lake Winni. My family (wife, daughters aged 6 and 4) and I are renting a house on the lake the last week of June. Although I have experience boating (both sailing yachts and cruising trawlers down on the Chesapeake Bay on multiple day trips), I have been away from extensive boating the last number of years (having small kids will do that do a guy!).

I would like to start my kids out boating and am considering renting a pontoon boat (with 25 hp engine) for a couple days during our trip. I am a pretty cautious guy and, being a former boy scout, I prepare pretty extensively. I bought a chart of the lake from Bizer's and have been studying the location of rocks, etc. I am aware of the boating "rules of the road", and have been teaching my kids boating safety. Do you regulars have any words of advice for me?

Before you go out on your own you may want to take a Cruise on either or both the Sophie C or the Doris E. They will get you close to things around the Lake. You may call and ask what specific areas of the Lake they cover.

It may be helpful to know the area you are staying in. Knowing that people here on the forum can offer more specific advise as to things to lookout for and things to look for.

Always have a chart with you and KNOW the WEATHER. WINNI is not always kind to Boaters.

If I had one word of caution avoid Moultonboro Bay!

Sophie C-U/S Mail Boat
http://www.cruisenh.com/sophie.php

Doris E
http://www.cruisenh.com/doris.php


Mt Washington
http://www.cruisenh.com/index.php

[kjbathe]

When in doubt, go slow or stop. Never assume the boat ahead of you knows the lake -- every year we see folks that manage to find well marked shoals lurking below the surface. Hourly point forecasts at weather.gov will help you pick the best weather.

But honestly, you already took steps to prepare, so relax and have fun. The combination of Bizer and seasonably high water levels will help make your visit to the Lake enjoyable.

[kawishiwi]

Originally Posted by FromDownSouoth

Hello all,

I live down in Virginia and am new to Lake Winni. My family (wife, daughters aged 6 and 4) and I are renting a house on the lake the last week of June. Although I have experience boating (both sailing yachts and cruising trawlers down on the Chesapeake Bay on multiple day trips), I have been away from extensive boating the last number of years (having small kids will do that do a guy!).

I would like to start my kids out boating and am considering renting a pontoon boat (with 25 hp engine) for a couple days during our trip. I am a pretty cautious guy and, being a former boy scout, I prepare pretty extensively. I bought a chart of the lake from Bizer's and have been studying the location of rocks, etc. I am aware of the boating "rules of the road", and have been teaching my kids boating safety. Do you regulars have any words of advice for me?

You are a boater, have the Bizer map, sound like a responsible father, BUT the NH boating "rules of the road" are DIFFERENT than any other state. You need to find those online and study them a bit. Once you do that you would be able to pass the temporary boater test and rent more than 25hp. Also boat traffic will be much less on weekdays. I suggest you rent then unless you want to ride in the "rodeo" that is Winni on a sunny weekend.

[FromDownSouoth]

I greatly appreciate everyone's input here. Local knowledge is irreplaceable. If it helps, our house will be over in the Leavitt Park area, toward Little Loon island- not too far from Center Harbor. I figure that if I take a rental, I would probably rent out of Trexlers- which would require a trip across the lake to get the boat to the house.

[Descant]

This site is full of solid advice. Takes hours to read it all. I bet you could just knock on a neighbor's door at Leavitt Park and ask somebody to join you for an hour or two. Look in the yard first to see if they have toys suitable for your kid's age group. An hour with somebody pointing out makers and other highlights is worth many hours of reading here. Playmates for your kids? Priceless.

Coming from the SE, the bay in front of Leavitt Park looks pretty wide open. For some reason the horseshoe of buoys marking a huge shallow rocky area has a big opening on that side. You can drive right in. Oops. A local can line you up with a couple of landmarks and a "do not cross" line, so you will be safe even if the buoys disappear in the sun.

NH is the only state where safe passage requires headway speed when within 150 feet of another vessel. The buoy system is unique too, but easy to learn if you back it up with landmarks and a chart.

Have fun.

[Biggd]

Pontoons are great but we rented a 22ft with a 40hp engine a few years ago and it took forever to get anywhere. Try to find one with the biggest motor you can get.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Pontoons are great but we rented a 22ft with a 40hp engine a few years ago and it took forever to get anywhere. Try to find one with the biggest motor you can get.

To go over 25 hp you need a NASBLA recipocal safe boating certificate, USCG or Power Squadron certification. You can get a NH temporary certification too, from the rental; agent. Either way, watch the online video first.

[Bud63]

Virginia has a great online study, test and license program and its reciprocal with NH. My whole family have used it to got ours.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Bud63

Virginia has a great online study, test and license program and its reciprocal with NH. My whole family have used it to got ours.

Ohio also.

[dickiej]

All depends on what you're into..... We don't really enjoy putting around looking at homes we could never afford! We study the map, read this forum, and find the lee side of an uninhabited island. We throw the anchor out, swim and snorkel and relax in the sun. Your kids will probably really enjoy it, especially if you bring all your water toys. Check out Ragged Island...

[jmk]

Based on your prior boating venues, I would say it is most important to understand there is almost no such thing as a "soft grounding" on Winnipesaukee. Lots of beautiful granite make the lake bottom unforgiving if you end up in shallow waters. It's deep in so many places, but there are places to avoid. They are all marked on the standard lake map.


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[Descant]

JMK: Welcome to the Forum.

[FromDownSouoth]

I want to thank everyone for all the advice they have been willing to share with me and for the warm welcome to the forum. I have read all the comments posted, and will continue to do so. One member has even been good enough to volunteer to pick up the boat with me, which is much appreciated.

Thanks again everybody

[jpjm]

Originally Posted by WINNOCTURN

Before you go out on your own you may want to take a Cruise on either or both the Sophie C or the Doris E. They will get you close to things around the Lake. You may call and ask what specific areas of the Lake they cover.

It may be helpful to know the area you are staying in. Knowing that people here on the forum can offer more specific advise as to things to lookout for and things to look for.

Always have a chart with you and KNOW the WEATHER. WINNI is not always kind to Boaters.

If I had one word of caution avoid Moultonboro Bay!

Sophie C-U/S Mail Boat
http://www.cruisenh.com/sophie.php

Doris E
http://www.cruisenh.com/doris.php


Mt Washington
http://www.cruisenh.com/index.php

why moultonboro bay ?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by jpjm

why moultonboro bay ?

My guess is that it's because MB has lots of hazards that you need to understand the buoy system well to avoid.

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[ApS]

Originally Posted by jmk

Based on your prior boating venues, I would say it is most important to understand there is almost no such thing as a "soft grounding" on Winnipesaukee. Lots of beautiful granite make the lake bottom unforgiving if you end up in shallow waters. It's deep in so many places, but there are places to avoid. They are all marked on the standard lake map.

I recently took a tour of Winter Harbor. (My own "turf").

With Lakeport dam having left the lake as high as it is (for July), there is a "brand-new" boulder field just below the surface about 150' from a red buoy (and shore)!

.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by jpjm

why moultonboro bay ?

JPJM is right--Moultonboro Bay is full of submerged rocks and the markers can be counterintuitive. The Moultonboro side is easier than Tuftonboro side, which is missing an important marker or two as I write. But you're best to stay in other parts of the lake if you're just getting started

[DanteMartiniello]

Originally Posted by FromDownSouoth

I greatly appreciate everyone's input here. Local knowledge is irreplaceable. If it helps, our house will be over in the Leavitt Park area, toward Little Loon island- not too far from Center Harbor. I figure that if I take a rental, I would probably rent out of Trexlers- which would require a trip across the lake to get the boat to the house.

We have lots of experience in the Center Harbor Area. I would recommend going under black cat bridge to the calm area of Salmon Meadow in a lot of windy weather, it offers a nice area to throw out an anchor or something, and take precautions of the northwest wind, it can be protruding harsh. And remember to take a look at "Becky's Garden" near Black Cat island, it might have a dollhouse if your lucky on it. And avoid the shallows opposite to the bridge on the other side, If seen boats get stuck on them rocks, and there ain't no tide to let you go. And also remember if you are going through Wears Channel, that can be hard with a 25' engine. My family stalled there from some big waves, and almost got hung up on some rocks.

Wish you luck.


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[The Patriot]

Originally Posted by WINNOCTURN

Before you go out on your own you may want to take a Cruise on either or both the Sophie C or the Doris E. They will get you close to things around the Lake. You may call and ask what specific areas of the Lake they cover.

It may be helpful to know the area you are staying in. Knowing that people here on the forum can offer more specific advise as to things to lookout for and things to look for.

Always have a chart with you and KNOW the WEATHER. WINNI is not always kind to Boaters.

If I had one word of caution avoid Moultonboro Bay!

Sophie C-U/S Mail Boat
http://www.cruisenh.com/sophie.php

Doris E
http://www.cruisenh.com/doris.php


Mt Washington
http://www.cruisenh.com/index.php

I wish I read the advice on Moultonboro Bay before I went and damaged my prop. Beware the Bay

[Greene's Basin Girl]

If anyone wants to follow me sometime I will teach you the way to travel through Moultonborough Bay up to Green's Basin.

[thinkxingu]

Nice offer, GBG--I'll add an offer of GPS screenshots with "safe travel" lines.

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[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Greene's Basin Girl

If anyone wants to follow me sometime I will teach you the way to travel through Moultonborough Bay up to Green's Basin.

Oh c'mon, everyone knows it's a myth, it cannot be done. If (and only if) you can get past the Witches safely (very few can), the only navigable part of the rest of the lake is the Broads, and one or two acres in Winter Harbor.