Newbie

[Loony Singer]

Welcome to the Big Lake, Wendy!

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but there is one very unique reason why a chart is indispensible and should be kept close at hand. The red and black markers in the Lake work differently than in the ocean. You need to go south and west of red markers, and north and east of the blacks (think I got that right). But the real point, in any case, is that you can be cruising along just fine leaving the reds to port, then change your heading a few degrees...and suddenly you need to leave the blacks to port! Unless you're watching a well-calibrated compass all the time, the chart is the best way to stay out of trouble.

[Skipper of the Sea Que]

Hi Wendy,

Welcome to the Lake and the Forum. You've had some very good advice here so far. Almost all have suggested a lake chart/map. Let me suggest that you get the Bizer map/chart rather than the "green" map by Duncan Press. The omissions on the latest Duncan Press (2005) edition and their failure to make timely corrections to the information on their web site could be detrimental to your boating experience. For instance, they STILL list only TWO areas of the 45/25 mph speed limits on the lake. The limits apply to the WHOLE Lake, not just the two areas Duncan specifies.

You can see more inaccuracies of the Duncan Press information in THIS POST and the associated thread. They haven't changed the information since that was posted July of 2009!

Others have mentioned anchoring in shallow sandy areas and swimming, usually they are favorite spots that eventually get designated as "NO RAFTING ZONES" or NRZs. The NRZ is a misnomer as rafting is tying two or more boats together while the NRZ restricts rafts to no more than two boats and includes other restrictions such as anchoring distance from shore, other boats and boat rafts. Duncan Press (Green map) omits several NRZs from their map and web site. Check Bizer's map and their web site HERE and click on corrections to have the most accurate list and location of NRZs. They are the best shallow sandy spots to anchor and swim. When doing that it is advisable to use TWO anchors to keep your boat from moving around too much. One off the bow and another from the stern.

Do NOT rely on the Duncan Press corrections web page for the most accurate information (as of this date)

The place near the Governor Island Bridge that was mentioned for anchoring is a NRZ and the Marine Patrol has been enforcing the anchoring distance rules there more often the last few years. I believe it is 150' from shore while other NRZs, like Braun Bay has anchoring only 75' from shore.

Depending on where your slip is at MVYC backing the boat in can be a bit tricky particularly with some wind. As mentioned earlier, tossing a float out in open water and backing to it is good practice. When going to your slip don't be afraid to ask for help - those on shore will be glad to assist you in getting in.

My last bit of advice is about markers. There are some places where the best route is not intuitive - so always check your chart/map. Did we mention it is convenient to have a Marine VHF Radio on board? Boaters usually monitor Channel 16.

I've been at MVYC for about 15 years. I'm sure you'll have many happy times at the Lake and at MVYC. Happy and Safe boating

[webmaster]

Just a reminder that you can order Bizer charts directly from this site:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/index.php?pageid=store

[NightWing]

Just a word of caution about Mountain View. Years ago, I had a new Sea Ray 250 Sundancer that I slipped at MV the first year. I was on one of the concrete finger docks.

Everything was fine until the lake level was dropped in the fall. From day one, I had fenders tied onto the dock posts because the hull was a bit below the edge of the dock. Once the lake was drawn down,the fenders had no contact with the boat and it was then that I discovered long bolts and steel angles below the normal water line. Without the protection of the fenders, my new boat was chewed on by exposed metal for a week before I returned to the lake. The gelcoat repair was $300 and MV wouldn't help with the cost.

In fairness, this could occur at ANY marina on ANY dock. The lake is a different animal in the fall and changing lake conditions could morph a safe slip into a hostile one. Do all you can to assess how your boat will sit in the slip if the water drops or rises due to heavy rains. Dock lines may need adjustment and fenders may need to be repositioned several times a season in order to protect your vessel.

Again, this could occur in any slip in any marina, regardless if the docks are concrete or wood.

[ishoot308]

Nightwing;

That is great advice especially to someone with a brand new boat!! I dinged up my brand new Eastern last fall at the Glendale Town docks because of this exact reason. It really stunk damaging the gel coat even slightly!

Dan