Neophyte on the Lake

[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.

[Silver Duck]

Lcookster

It's true that Garmin doesn't make a dedicated chip for Winni comparable to the C-map chip with Bizer's map pre-loaded.

However, I just checked and their Mapsource US Recreational Lakes and Fishing Hot Spots - East CD (compatible with the 182) has a very reasonable chart of the lake, which, in combination with a hard copy of the Bizer map will be perfectly useable for your vacation.

You are correct in saying that the lake can a challenge to navigate; it's easy to lose your bearings among the islands.

It also has hard spots (i.e., submerged rocks) in unexpected places. I believe that finding one may be what inspired the Bizer folks to start their map making business (see Bizer Rock on the map!)

Getting the software for your GPS is a good idea, but getting the Bizer map is a necessity!

Enjoy your vacation, and perhaps I'll see you on the lake!

Silver Duck

[JTA]

Plan your trip on the chart before you go. If you get lost, go up to the nearest lighted buoy and it will be numbered ... then, find it on the chart. I assume your boat has a compass. Also, many times I go from the Tuft Neck area down to Wolfeboro in the morning when it's calm. The lake picks up chop during the day (there are often afternoon T storms) so, your ride home could be an adventure. Good luck!

[Misty Blue]

Lcookster:

When you get up here go to any marina or sporting shop and get the State of NH boating safety booklet. It is pretty generic but has the general rules (some are totally spcific to NH waters) that you need to know and describes our state unified marking system which is very unique. It is a good system though and you will need it to get out of Moultonborough bay for sure.

As for the tubeing, remember each tuber (skiier) needs a type 1,2 or 3 PFD and each person being towed needs an observer over the age of 12. That is if you have two people in the water you need two observers. Even if you have two kids on one tube.

If you send me a personal post with your address I will mail you a book.

Have a blast!!!!

Misty Blue.