Witches WARNING!

[BroadHopper]

WARNING navigating around the witches! A boater damaged his motorboat prop while running slowly OUTSIDE a line between two Witches warning bouys. One or more warning bouys are missing from the northeastern side of the Witches, and that at least some of the black navigation markers on the southern and western side may be misplaced this year.

Thanks to JK who put out this info after damaging his sailboat A 15 year veteran on navigating Winni.

[jrc]

When I paddled the Witches this spring I could not figure out how the actual markers matched up to the markers on the Bizer chart. The lighted markers at the far extent of the field made sense but not the others.

The lake is about 5 inches below where it should be at this time but still well above the fall level. Given what I saw from the kayak, give this place a wide berth.

[Rich]

Thanks for posting here, but should the Marine Patrol be alerted?

I wonder what they would say about this issue?

[AC2717]

SUnday was going to be my first trip ever around the witches on the bear island side. I always run around them on the GOv Island Side

looks like i will hold this offf

[HellRaZoR004]

I've seen a lot of people getting way too close lately.

A couple weeks ago 2 boats were rafting in between the lighted buoys near timber. Almost stopped to ask them to move.

[jrc]

AC the sort of channel between the Witches and Timber Island is well marked by lighted bouys and very clear. The Mount Washington travels it several times a day. You will have no issues.

Come around the Bear Island side of Governors Island and then aim between the two lighted bouys.

Now if Hellrazor saw two boats rafting between those bouys, that's crazy. It's a very busy area and it seems like boat wakes will quickly discourage them from staying there.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

That in these days of excellent GPS, that any of the markers would be in the wrong place! The Witches, and a couple other spots around the lake, should be checked for accuracy each and every start of the new season.

We have plenty of knowledgable boaters and divers that could be trained to maintain markers, without adding cost to the already taxed budget of the Marine Patrol. Other sports engage the use of their members for maintenance, why can't we do the same?

Does the boater that damages his boat due to improper placement of markers have any legal recourse?

[RailroadJoe]

Sure. Sue the owner of the lake.

[Phantom]

Well

I have to admit, I too am one of those victims who inadvertently slipped inside the Witches markers.

This week I was taking guests for a tour of the Lake, ending with the story of "you never know where you may find rocks pop up in seemingly open water" ( circling what I thought was the outer boundary of the Witches). I was cruising at around 20-25 MPH when I look up to see a Red Top about 75 yds off my port side ( YIKES). Immediately killing the engine, I found myself ( embarrassingly) in 3-4 ft of water and all kinds of rocks dead in front.

Fortunately we inched our way out but it was quite the embarrassment seeing as I have over 20 years " local knowledge" yet STILL found myself inside the NO GO ZONE.

I do not want to blame it on the missing markers, but I will tell you that after clearing from the area, I did idle there for 5 minutes trying to figure out how I screwed up so badly.

Not one of my best days on the Lake..... But it does go to prove ALWAYS be attentive while driving

[Dave R]

I saw an airplane fly right over them. Crazy.