View Single Post
Old 05-25-2012, 01:16 PM   #13
MikeF-NH
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 318
Thanks: 2
Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts
Default

I don't imagine you will ever have long waits in Center Harbor unless a bass tourney is coming out/putting in there. However, since it's a single ramp, everyone must be courteous which means be ready to launch when its your turn, get our boat away from the launch area and clear the ramp and you'll be fine. They do charge for that ramp during summer months so Sheps might be a better launch as you can store your trailer at the lot at the top left side of the entrance road and its a better facility (with gas).

From Center harbor, the closest gas is Sheps and the other Marina behind Pine Island. There realy is no marinas in the Center Harbor area itself.

Don't rely on "red right return" on the ATON markers as many like to tell me. as you circle islands there are times that red is left and if you are returning to the East side of the lake...well then red right return doesn't work either. Stay south and west of red and north and east of black and you'll be ok.

I nice spot to stop at when cruising is 19 mile bay in Moultonboro. They have gas tanks and an ice cream stand and it's a more quiet part of the lake. BUT be careful; watch the no wake zone around long island bridge. Careful getting through the Six Pack and know where the Graveyard is if you try to go there. There are also gas tanks further into Moultonboro Bay at Melvin Marina if you go that way.

The LONG drive to Alton Bay would give you a couple of places to grab a bite to eat and you can stop at West Alton sand bar.

Wolfboro has public docks and a few places to eat that are convenient to get to. Note that public docks CAN get quite busy and hectic at busy times. Patience and politeness are requred by everyone.

Weirs is a popular part of the lake but very busy in summer so I avoid it. If you go there, be aware of where the Witches are and how to pass Eagle Island. For some reason the western shoreline as you approach the Witches always looks different too me and gets me off my bearing so don't get mesmerized by the shoreline.

It can't be understated how many people underestimate how fericious Winni can get and very quickly. Between wakes and wind, 3 footers can kick up fast that will swamp an 18 footer on plane. I watch the forecast for wind speed. If it's over 15 mph, I stay off the Broads. Look for some smaller and more protected areas near where you dock and find a comfortable way to get there if you have a rough day. Hug protected shorelines but remember...you have to get back. it can be tough to get to some of those areas from Center Harbor.
MikeF-NH is offline   Reply With Quote