Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

MikeF-NH · 06-29-2011, 06:40 AM

be REALLY careful on the lake. If you don't have a current safety cert, it's probably a good sign that you should be reading up on ATON markers and how to read them. Also note that there are several areas a LONG way from shore where boulder fields pop up just under the surface (The Witches, The Graveyard and Middle Ground Shoals to name a few). Coming out of Sheps between Pine and Bear can be very confusing if you don't understand how to read the markers. I assume rentals come with charts...if not, I would spend the $20 for a Bizer map, spend some time reading it and pick your areas ahead of time so you know your route....the Big Lake can be quite dangerous.

Braun Bay and West Alton sand bars are probably the most popular swimming destinations for boaters. If you rent out of Sheps, Braun is closest for you (watch the markers north of 5 Mile Island).

Make sure you can identify No Wake Zone markers also...you will be passing these zones often.

Watch the weather. The lake can turn from flat calm to 2-3 footer rollers in minutes it seems and the Broads is where you should be most concerned with that. SmartPhones all have access to free weather apps that include radar maps. Check them hourly so you don't get caught in a storm.

Stops in Weirs, Wolfboro, Alton, Merideth and Center Harbor can all provide a nice break off the boat for lunch. Wolfboro and Alton are perhaps the most straight forward for navigation (less hazard). Getting to/from Weirs (which is on the way to Merideth) can test your navigation skills and offers LOADS of hazards. Center Harbor has one spot to pinch between two hazard as you enter the bay. My kids love to go to 19 Mile Bay to grab and ice cream just across the street from the docks. Be sure to slow for the no wake zone at Long Island bridge, be careful going through the 6 Pack and watch the hazards around Melvin Island and stay west and north of Chase Island when going there. Be aware of the Graveyard. You can get lunch at 18 Mile but it won't be as good as the other locations. The docking there should be much less crazy than the other places on a weekend. There is a Tuftonboro town beach right there in 19 Mile but I don't know what you can legally do to leave your boat. There is also the Moultonboro Town beach right next to the Long Island bridge but again, I don't know what you can legally do with your boat.

Beware the dreaded duck itch.

06-29-2011, 06:40 AM	#7
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 318 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	be REALLY careful on the lake. If you don't have a current safety cert, it's probably a good sign that you should be reading up on ATON markers and how to read them. Also note that there are several areas a LONG way from shore where boulder fields pop up just under the surface (The Witches, The Graveyard and Middle Ground Shoals to name a few). Coming out of Sheps between Pine and Bear can be very confusing if you don't understand how to read the markers. I assume rentals come with charts...if not, I would spend the $20 for a Bizer map, spend some time reading it and pick your areas ahead of time so you know your route....the Big Lake can be quite dangerous. Braun Bay and West Alton sand bars are probably the most popular swimming destinations for boaters. If you rent out of Sheps, Braun is closest for you (watch the markers north of 5 Mile Island). Make sure you can identify No Wake Zone markers also...you will be passing these zones often. Watch the weather. The lake can turn from flat calm to 2-3 footer rollers in minutes it seems and the Broads is where you should be most concerned with that. SmartPhones all have access to free weather apps that include radar maps. Check them hourly so you don't get caught in a storm. Stops in Weirs, Wolfboro, Alton, Merideth and Center Harbor can all provide a nice break off the boat for lunch. Wolfboro and Alton are perhaps the most straight forward for navigation (less hazard). Getting to/from Weirs (which is on the way to Merideth) can test your navigation skills and offers LOADS of hazards. Center Harbor has one spot to pinch between two hazard as you enter the bay. My kids love to go to 19 Mile Bay to grab and ice cream just across the street from the docks. Be sure to slow for the no wake zone at Long Island bridge, be careful going through the 6 Pack and watch the hazards around Melvin Island and stay west and north of Chase Island when going there. Be aware of the Graveyard. You can get lunch at 18 Mile but it won't be as good as the other locations. The docking there should be much less crazy than the other places on a weekend. There is a Tuftonboro town beach right there in 19 Mile but I don't know what you can legally do to leave your boat. There is also the Moultonboro Town beach right next to the Long Island bridge but again, I don't know what you can legally do with your boat. Beware the dreaded duck itch.