Which is rougher?
 

A beautiful day like today when the entire boat inventory of New England is out turning the lake into a blender?

OR

A very windy day that keeps all but the hardiest of boaters sidelined?

:eek:

Having experienced both, as most islanders have, I would take today.

Alan

I've come through wind driven 4 footers heading home from Wolfboro. I never get nervous when I'm on the lake, even on a pitch black night, but that day I was nervous. I'll take the elevated boat traffic please...

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Agree that elevated boat traffic is easier to deal with..... I have handle some fairly rough conditions on the lake.... and while yes there is less traffic when the weather is causing the waves..... there is also less chance of someone seeing something go wrong, and having the ability to get to you. When your out there and don't see many others, because of the conditions there is a level of anxiety that starts to come into play, that takes the fun out of it.

I have made sure over the years that both my boys, got to see how nasty the lake can be.....When I have done that the anxiety level is always what got to me..... vs. not feeling that I had the skill to handle the situation.

I'd just as soon have wind. As youngster, I got swamped by an unfortunate wake from a large boat just coming on plane. I've never been swamped by wind, which is mostly predictable. In 1965 (?) I competed in a two day 120 mile ski marathon. Very windy both days. Many did not finish. My 18' Thompson did just fine. A real adventure. On windy days, you can always find a cove, or duck behind an island for quiet times. On busy days there's already 22 boats ahead of you.--Yes, my boats are bigger now--

Which is rougher
 

I haven't boated for a few years, but when I did boat I felt that on a day like yesterday all the boat operators thought they were the "Mario Andretti's" of the Lake, however,, on a windy day, boat operators seemed to be more careful. Interestingly enough, to be an experienced boater you need both types of days to hone your boating skills. All things in moderation, and everyone will be happy.

Wind
 

I’ll take the wind any day, as the wind is experienced and doesn’t cut you off!!:eek::eek:

Dan

Has anyone noticed that the daily boat activity on the lake this summer (during nice days) is substantially down versus previous years?

I wonder if folks are worried about the damage to the shoreline, or just haven't bothered to launch theirs boats because of the rotten weather?

Also, a year ago boat gas was about $1 per gallon higher in price.....

Today is quiet. I think you might be right, it's been a little quieter this summer.