Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

GusMan · 07-07-2006, 03:10 PM

Hi gwood,

Provided you take some fairly basic precautions, you should be fine with an 18 foot boat in and around Merideth. Although the area from the mouth of Merideth and Paugus Bays out to Governor's Island is probably the busiest area of Lake Winnipesaukee.

The weather will probably be less of a problem than the general boat traffic (of course you need to watch the weather too) though midweek will be considerably quieter than the weekends. Just watch out for the big boats (and their equally big wakes) and take it slow. All of the spots you mention will be readily accessible with your boat... again, the biggest thing to watch out for a large boat wakes, and the occasional bonehead captain not paying attention (or not caring).

Merideth and the Weirs both have public docking and are great stops to get out and walk around, shop and eat (Weirs is more old time honky tonk while Merideth more upscale.... I like them both). I *always* like to take a trip through the Weirs channel into Paugus Bay.... it's like a hit parade of boats. I know it's gotten mixed reviews on this boards, but stop for a cold drink (alcoholic or not) at the Naswa.... we once had to relocate out of a table located on the band/DJ stand to make room for the entertainment... they asked us where we wanted to move our seats... we replied "near the water"... they asked if *in* the water would suffice and proceeded to seat us in about 1 foot of water on the beach... the waitresses walked right out and continued their fine service!

Center Harbor is nice, but there's not a lot there to see ... a couple general stores and restaurants... but not a village like atmosphere like Merideth... nor a beachside strip like the weirs. There's a great restaurant there... Canoe... that I believe will pick you up at the docks with a free shuttle if you call them.

A great little spot to investigate is Sally's Gut... it's a small cut between two coves and separates Stopnedam Island from the mainland. Check out a chart... if you enter the first *major* cove on the left as you exit Merideth, Sally's gut is about midway down the cove on the right. Also, there is a public dock on the northeast side of Stonedam Island where you can tie up and explore the island via hiking trails.

Well... I guess I've rambled on enough.... Enjoy your week up at the big lake! I'll be spending a week there myself the last week of August.

Cheers....

Gusman

07-07-2006, 03:10 PM	#2
GusMan Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 135 Thanks: 1 Thanked 45 Times in 26 Posts	Merideth area.... Hi gwood, Provided you take some fairly basic precautions, you should be fine with an 18 foot boat in and around Merideth. Although the area from the mouth of Merideth and Paugus Bays out to Governor's Island is probably the busiest area of Lake Winnipesaukee. The weather will probably be less of a problem than the general boat traffic (of course you need to watch the weather too) though midweek will be considerably quieter than the weekends. Just watch out for the big boats (and their equally big wakes) and take it slow. All of the spots you mention will be readily accessible with your boat... again, the biggest thing to watch out for a large boat wakes, and the occasional bonehead captain not paying attention (or not caring). Merideth and the Weirs both have public docking and are great stops to get out and walk around, shop and eat (Weirs is more old time honky tonk while Merideth more upscale.... I like them both). I always like to take a trip through the Weirs channel into Paugus Bay.... it's like a hit parade of boats. I know it's gotten mixed reviews on this boards, but stop for a cold drink (alcoholic or not) at the Naswa.... we once had to relocate out of a table located on the band/DJ stand to make room for the entertainment... they asked us where we wanted to move our seats... we replied "near the water"... they asked if in the water would suffice and proceeded to seat us in about 1 foot of water on the beach... the waitresses walked right out and continued their fine service! Center Harbor is nice, but there's not a lot there to see ... a couple general stores and restaurants... but not a village like atmosphere like Merideth... nor a beachside strip like the weirs. There's a great restaurant there... Canoe... that I believe will pick you up at the docks with a free shuttle if you call them. A great little spot to investigate is Sally's Gut... it's a small cut between two coves and separates Stopnedam Island from the mainland. Check out a chart... if you enter the first major cove on the left as you exit Merideth, Sally's gut is about midway down the cove on the right. Also, there is a public dock on the northeast side of Stonedam Island where you can tie up and explore the island via hiking trails. Well... I guess I've rambled on enough.... Enjoy your week up at the big lake! I'll be spending a week there myself the last week of August. Cheers.... Gusman