[Mee-n-Mac]

You are correct about Garmin not making a chart for the lake but I hear it's got the major islands mapped so with that and a lake chart (Bizer is my preference but Duncan press is an alternative) I think you should be OK. Ordering (and studying) one before you get to the lake can add to your peace of mind. Between the 2 you should always be able to know where you are on the chart and thus follow a safe course (as marked on the chart). In the event you're not sure, proceed slowly and remember that "BEN" is your friend. In that neck of the woods you might want to understand how to navigate around or through the "Graveyard" and around Cow & Little Bear Islands before you get on the lake. Where on Tuftonboro Neck are you staying ?

As for tubing you just want to stay out the areas where the lake gets narrow. North of the above islands and in Winter Harbor are relatively good and close locations. The open area of the lake just off the neck (known as the Broads) can be choppy, especially on a windy day.

There are town docks in Wolfeboro where you can tie up (3 hr limit). The are numerous restaurants and shops but it can be (very) crowded that time of year. Weekdays aren't bad and weekends before 10am you're probably OK. Your vacation week is more busy than most so there's no guaranteee you'll find empty dock w/o a (long) wait during the weekend prime hours (11am - 5 pm). From the closest tip of Tuftonboro neck to the Wolfeboro docks is just a little over 5 miles. Add another 2 - 3 depending on where you're staying so I would call that reasonably close. As Al said above, it's first come first served wrt dock space.

If you have other questions as to what to see and where to go post back.


*BEN - For Black tipped markers stay East or North. For red tipped stay west or south.