...where are the boats?

[meredith weekender]

The lake does seem to be a lot quieter this year than last. We too have noticed the number of vacant slips at the marinas. Back in 2002 when we bought our first place at the lake and had to rent a slip because we did not have a dock we ended up at Ambrose Cove in Moultonborough because everyone else was full and had waits of 1 and 2 years. Not the case anymore. maybe the new law of allowing 6 people on a tube will help change things up, lol.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

NH Escape and I have been boating every day. We think that there are less bigger boats ( we reside at the northwest end of the lake), but more PWC's. I own a PWC and I just bought a large pontoon boat so I now use both. PWC's are everywhere.

[Billy Bob]

We spent the last 9 absolutely beautiful days at the lake .
Noticed the same thing , where are the other boats ?
Also noted that going to a restaurant was no issue , no lines

Perhaps it had something to do with the mid week holiday. Seems people will take a long weekend but not a week .

Could also be all the rules and enforcement have driven people to other locations . Not exactly a Live Free or Die destination .

[jrc]

No jobs, no boats, pretty simple.

I happened to talk to a few restaurant owners last week, they said business was up over last year. So who knows?

[NoRegrets]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

...........Perhaps it had something to do with the mid week holiday. Seems people will take a long weekend but not a week .

Could also be all the rules and enforcement have driven people to other locations . Not exactly a Live Free or Die destination .

We sat around the marina this weekend and had the same converastion. All the reasons on this thread were discussed but in the end the nanny rules on the lake seemed to be the most annoying and destructive to the desire to stay.

It is sad that the new American Spirit desires authority (expanded government) to be omnipresent and protect them from any situation they place themselves in. All in the name of safety!

[Pineedles]

Gotta disagree as far as last week is concerned. From my perspective onshore in Centre Harbor bay it looked like more boats than in previous years. Maybe it's all about location, location, location. Today, looking out in the bay it is quieter and I'm only seeing a boat every 10 minutes either arriving or leaving. This and last week, more PWCs and only one performance boat.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by NoRegrets

We sat around the marina this weekend and had the same converastion. All the reasons on this thread were discussed but in the end the nanny rules on the lake seemed to be the most annoying and destructive to the desire to stay.

It is sad that the new American Spirit desires authority (expanded government) to be omnipresent and protect them from any situation they place themselves in. All in the name of safety!

No Regrets as you saw last weekend Stonedam was almost empty compared to a normal HOT Saturday. Janis said it was the same on Sunday, I had chores to do at home.
It was great to hang with you and your crew last weekend. I've got to bring the inflatable cooler for when were are anchored so far away. That was almost a 2 beer float over. Glad you refreshed me...

[HellRaZoR004]

The lake was very busy today. I think more so than during the 4th week.

[NH_boater]

Yes, today was crazy busy in the southern area of the lake.

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

Could also be all the rules and enforcement have driven people to other locations . Not exactly a Live Free or Die destination .

BAM! You nailed it. Even the prime sandy bottom anchor spots have people trying to fight people's ability to enjoy the water.

Just spent a week at Moosehead Lake in Maine. What a difference in attitudes. Winni has been ruined by development.

This year we left Winni, most of season has been on Newfound but we've branched out and tried two other lakes. Wish we had done it sooner as Winni is way too restrictive and has very poor trailer access.

I can honestly say my leaving Winni had a minimum imact of over $5k in reduced slip and hotel rentals. That does not include food or other entertainment as we took a hard line in the sand to avoid the lake this year.

As to boating overall, since we will be moving back to NH we are seriously considering selling the boat and installing a nice inground pool at the house. Cheaper overall, not traveling to the lake, etc etc. Making much more sense.

I actually feel sorry for anyone who own's on the lake and is financially vested and gives up their flexibility. We came very close to buying a condo in Meredith and thank GOD we didn't.

[fatlazyless]

Yeeeah Lawn Psycho: NH's 2nd, 3rd & 4th largest lakes; Squam, Winnisquam & Newfound all have some nice state boat launches while Winnipesaukee, the biggest lake, does not have a similar state launch area.

In the past, Winnipesaukee had Ames Farm as the defacto "state" boat launch, but that's no longer happening for the guy with a trailer boat and a twenty dollar bill that was good for a day on the water and a nice spot to access the lake in Gilford.

The NH Republicans will never-ever-never-ever build a new state boat launch on Winnipesaukee........all those over-fed, lazybones Republicans want to do is say "NO" and never create or build nothing that helps the little guy who wants to get out on the lake for short money.

[gtxrider]

As was said it the past "Its the economy stupid".

Anyway I guess the town ramps in Altonbay, Wolfeboro, Merideth are not cheap enough for some people...The state needs to spend money it may not have to add more free ramps the people won't use.

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by gtxrider

As was said it the past "Its the economy stupid".

Anyway I guess the town ramps in Altonbay, Wolfeboro, Merideth are not cheap enough for some people...The state needs to spend money it may not have to add more free ramps the people won't use.

The Alton ramp has no dock at the ramp which is a problem for me as my wife is dealing with our young kids and I have to manage the whole launch/recovery process by myself, then you throw in the no trailer parking at the ramp and its useless for too many of us. Ya its good for some, but far from the quality of Merideth.

As for Merideth, no issues there except its at the far end of the lake for those of us who come up from the south and like to boat on the south end of the lake.

Wolfeboro, well good luck launching there, I struggle to navigate that parking lot on the weekend with my truck let alone hauling a 23' boat on a double axle trailer. And unless its mid-week or before like 8:00 AM you will have fun fighting the boats using the dock space.

Ames farm was the universal solution for many of us. I happily paid for the use of their ramp and spacious parking, and they were nice folks!

The loss of access to Ames Farm is a real downer. I have used West Alton and they are also very good, but parking gets tricky unless you are there early and even then there is a lot of pressure to get your boat out of the ramp area so the next guy can get through and thats when people make stupid mistakes like leaving the plug out, or not securing something or forgetting to tilt the motor/drive when pulling out. The ramp is one place you should be talking your time to make sure everything is as it should be, but when several other boats are waiting to push through there is a felt pressure can make it far less enjoyable and can impact safety.

Well thats one trailer boaters perspective,,,

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Yeeeah Lawn Psycho: NH's 2nd, 3rd & 4th largest lakes; Squam, Winnisquam & Newfound all have some nice state boat launches while Winnipesaukee, the biggest lake, does not have a similar state launch area.

In the past, Winnipesaukee had Ames Farm as the defacto "state" boat launch, but that's no longer happening for the guy with a trailer boat and a twenty dollar bill that was good for a day on the water and a nice spot to access the lake in Gilford.

The NH Republicans will never-ever-never-ever build a new state boat launch on Winnipesaukee........all those over-fed, lazybones Republicans want to do is say "NO" and never create or build nothing that helps the little guy who wants to get out on the lake for short money.

Even better is a family friend has given me free use access to the lake! With my work travels, this has been a good year to play trailer boater

Many people believe Winni is the best boating because it's the biggest lake. I hope they continue to think that

Had never been to Moosehead until last week. Blows Winni away but of course it's a long haul to get there.

Losing Ames was a travesty for the eastern portion of Winni. Nice wide ramps, parking never an issue, easy in/out, etc. Ideal really.

The access to Winni is a real issue. Very limited number of ramps for the size of the lake that it is. And of course many places have parking issues like the Alton public ramp. Winni is not really a trailer boat lake.

The single factor influencing boat ownership, IMO, is the loss of home equity for people to buy the expensive toys. Of course the gas and economy always play a part but I think the growth from 2000-2007 was unrealistic because of the housing bubble.

I've done the numbers and a pool makes way more sense. I'll keep the boat until the move happens.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Yeeeah Lawn Psycho: NH's 2nd, 3rd & 4th largest lakes; Squam, Winnisquam & Newfound all have some nice state boat launches while Winnipesaukee, the biggest lake, does not have a similar state launch area.

In the past, Winnipesaukee had Ames Farm as the defacto "state" boat launch, but that's no longer happening for the guy with a trailer boat and a twenty dollar bill that was good for a day on the water and a nice spot to access the lake in Gilford.

The NH Republicans will never-ever-never-ever build a new state boat launch on Winnipesaukee........all those over-fed, lazybones Republicans want to do is say "NO" and never create or build nothing that helps the little guy who wants to get out on the lake for short money.

Oh the big, mean republicans get blamed again! If the sleazy democrats would stop spending their time going after my hard-earned money, imposing "economy-killing" legislation and laws, and spend more time actually doing something constructive, then perhaps you might have free access to the lake. Take your boat to Ellacoya State Park and launch there - it's free (just the way you guys like it!)

[samosetguy]

In my opinion, it appears the number of boats recently peaked around 2007. Since then there has appeared to be an ongoing decline in the number of boats continuing into this year.

I assume it's primarily driven by a combination of the general economy and the price of gas (which I realize is currently a little lower). I really don't think access ramps have that much to do with it (again, just my opinion).

The smaller lakes are awesome for their own reasons but I personally think Lake Winni has it's own charm and history that no lake in NE matches.

When it comes to bashing politicians, it doesn't get worse than MA Democrats. They're all a bunch of hypocrits, criminals and tax evaders (e.g. last three House Chairman's are convicted felons, Kerry got caught registering his boat in RI to avoid MA tax, MA reps were caught buying beer in NH after imposing a sales tax on beer in MA, etc., etc., etc.).

[spider22]

I noticed on the south western part of the state gas prices have dropped a little. Maybe if that trend continues hopefully that will help with the boat traffic. I would think the lack of boats must be hurting all the businesses that depend on that traffic.

[NoBozo]

I can tell you where MY boat is. It's in the garage and has been there for the last two summers. It will likley stay there this summer as well.

The Reason: I do ALL my own work..including removing and reinstalling the Out Drive so it will fit in the garage. I'm getting kinda old and this is a physical effort for a 70 year old on a pension.

When the boat is on the lake, we like to ride around and look at the Fancy Real Estate. We get to SEE IT and and enjoy it..and the owners get to Pay For It. We've seen most of it. Anyone ever seen that really nice Antique boathouse in Senter Cove..?

My little Donzi runabout with a Mercruiser 350 burns 3.5-4.0 GPH. At $4 a gallon thats $14 an hour......If I don't Goose It.

Have someone else do the work..??? Been there, done that. NB

PS: We still come to the lake for two weeks but we don't bring the boat.

[surfnsnow]

hey no bozo, any thoughts of selling your donzi?

[jrc]

Our marina seems to have had a slight shift from cruisers to pontoons and bowriders.

Also I see a lot of new to boating people, buying older boats. Several newcomers have their first boat or first cruiser and it's over 10 years old.

I think a lot of people are selling because they hit hard times, but this lowers the cost for new people to get in.

Just my observation on a small slice of the lake.

[Hezman]

Boat traffic certainly seems down from prior years. Boats are usually stacked up two, and sometimes three deep waiting for dock space on a typical weekend in Wolfeboro, however that was not the case the past two weekends. The Fourth celebration (fireworks) had far fewer boats than past years and last Sunday afternoon, Wolfeboro Bay was virtually absent from boat traffic. I wish I had some data to back it up, but it seems that the number of performance cruisers and performance boats are way down from the past.................missing the ol' days!

[Sunbeam lodge]

Originally Posted by Hezman

Boat traffic certainly seems down from prior years. Boats are usually stacked up two, and sometimes three deep waiting for dock space on a typical weekend in Wolfeboro, however that was not the case the past two weekends. The Fourth celebration (fireworks) had far fewer boats than past years and last Sunday afternoon, Wolfeboro Bay was virtually absent from boat traffic. I wish I had some data to back it up, but it seems that the number of performance cruisers and performance boats are way down from the past.................missing the ol' days!

Take a ride by Irwin marine in Lakeport and look at the amount of boats drydocked and shrink wrapped. There are the boats u were looking for.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

:. Take your boat to Ellacoya State Park and launch there - it's free (just the way you guys like it!)

Ellacoya State Park has a launch ramp? That's a joke! It's a very very unusual spot; a beautiful natural beach that's directly next to the incredibly over developed, pre-zoning mumble-jumble of Lake Shore Park.

Build a state sailing center there.....................NO!


Build a state boat launch there........................NO!


NH Republicans............................the party of NO!

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Ellacoya State Park has a launch ramp? That's a joke! It's a very very unusual spot; a beautiful natural beach that's directly next to the incredibly over developed, pre-zoning mumble-jumble of Lake Shore Park.

Build a state sailing center there.....................NO!


Build a state boat launch there........................NO!


NH Republicans............................the party of NO!

That's right Less....NH Republicans, the party of NO! (NO MORE FREELOADING AND NO MORE redistribution of wealth! Time to cut the umbilical cord!)

[fatlazyless]

Over at nearby Lakes Squam, Winnisquam and Newfound, the boat registration money was used to build three very nice state boat launch facilities complete with double ramps, docks, parking, and toilets, and all for no charge or free to use by the trailer-boaters. They are great state boat ramps and get quite a lot of use as would be expected.

Does Lake Winnipesaukee, the state's largest lake, have a similar state boat launch? No, it does not! In the past, the Ames Farm ramps were used like a state boat ramp and cost 20-dollars to park and launch-lood for all day, but Ames has been closed to public use over a local zoning issue.

Where could a good spot be for the state to put a Winnipesaukee state boat ramp that is similar to the other three? Probably, the only spot for it is at the Ellacoya RV campground because the state already owns the land and that spot is a beautifull undeveloped beach.......and no one wants a state boat ramp for a neighbor.....so where's could it be built.....probably no where....

Anyway......as long as the Republicans are in control at the NH state legislature......there's no way a new boat ramp will get built.....NO way!

Just say NO to a state sailing center.......no to a boat ramp.....no....no....no..... the Party of NO!

[BroadHopper]

FLL,

It is not the Republicans or the Democrats that are saying no. It is the 'On Golden Pond' wannabees living around the lake that does not want boats. With their nanny laws and restricted access they are driving boaters away. During the great debate, I notice you were 'sleeping' with them.

[MikeF-NH]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Does Lake Winnipesaukee, the state's largest lake, have a similar state boat launch? No, it does not!

I BELIEVE that Lees Mills is a free state boat launch that is a good if not great launching facility with a portal john and ample parking. Granted its in a very far end of the lake and requires a lllooonnnggg boat ride just to get to Moultonboro Bay and a "journey" to get to popular spots like Merideth Bay, Weirs, Wolfboro or Alton...but it is a facility that should be mentioned.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

I am quite sure that the boat ramp at Lee's Mills is owned by the town of Moultonborough. It is a great ramp and it offers free boat launching. There is plenty of parking also. There is limited dock parking and a boat can only be parked at the dock for a few hours.

[Woodsy]

I am (and I cant believe I am saying this) kind of in agreement with FLL... PUBLIC access on Lake Winnipesaukee is a joke! There are 1 or 2 poorly maintained "public" ramps with little or no trailer parking available. Everything else is pay to play... marinas or motels! I dont think that the state should fund a "sailing center" (sounds more of a private enterprise thing to me) but a well designed boat ramp with plenty of parking should be available! Lets not forget the state had to threaten "eminent Domain" to get the Squam Ramp built!

IMHO.. the reasons boat traffic is down is systematic of the decline of Lake Winnipesaukee as a tourist destination.... most of the motels have been converted to condos... this eliminates a constant turnover for the local retail/tourist businesses. The negative publicity generated by the pro-speed limit folks... its anarchy out there... its not safe... your children arent safe etc... once thats in somebodys head it doesnt easily leave. The economy sucks to put it mildly... people dont have the $$ to drop on expensive week long vacations or high $$$ boat payments. If you are worried about your job the toys are the first to go. Fuel prices are a huge factor! Fuel eats into your budget a little at a time every week.... so much so that you hardly notice until you realize you have nothing extra like you used to!

I am sure there are other reasons as well.. but these are the ones that come to my mind first!

Woodsy

[NoBozo]

Anybody ever taken their boat over to Lake George..? Now there's a place where it's unfriendly to outsiders. PAY to Launch....And PAY to "Register" your boat (as a visitor) for a week and put a registration sticker on your windshield....AND they have a 45mph speed limit. They don't care if you are already legally registered in NH, or anywhere else. What's not to like. NB

[Webbsatwinni]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

The negative publicity generated by the pro-speed limit folks...

Agreed!

My two cents on this is that I have friends that would come to the lake for multiple weeks a year and have now stopped as a result of the speed limit. My real life view is that limiting the broads to 45mph limits is a negative to many visitors.

They were safe boaters and respected all rules but liked the lake because they could (in the broads) stretch their legs a bit.

Personally I miss sitting on the deck watching a ton of boats go buy (Fast).

[BroadHopper]

Those who volunteers at the information booths set up by Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce says the common questions among tourists "Is the lake safe?" and "Is there a speed limit?".

I posted somewhere on this site a survey by the Tourism Bureau that Maine and Vermont had increase in tourist revenue while NH had a decrease. That is why the state spent umteen thousands of dollars for an ad campaign "Live Free and (insert a phase)" A severe blow to our state motto 'Live Free or Die'. Bob Lawton of the Weirs Time wrote a scalding editorial on this subject.

Tha damage is done be selfish people. It must be the new American Way.

[AC2717]

i agree with above, but Center Harbor's ramp, while not free or meredith not free (but a lot of times is because there is no one there at the ramp collecting the fee) are great ramps to launch at

Overall I believe it is the economy and the increase in price for hotel rooms due to lack of supply and bad exconomy and those trying to make up for short comings by increasing the price of a cottage. But the price could also come from the high real estate taxes as another example.

[meredith weekender]

The negative publicity of the speed limit really made alot of people feel that Winni was NOT a safe place to boat, swim, kayak or whatever.

The fact that the waterfront cottage colony rentals really do not exisit anymore.

The Weirs being in such run down shape.

NO advertising or positive publicity for the lakes region.

All factors to which have led to the lack of people / interest in vacationing at Lake Winnipesaukee.

[spider22]

The negative publicity of the speed limit really made alot of people feel that Winni was NOT a safe place to boat, swim, kayak or whatever.

What I don't understand is why people created the negative publicity. Is there really a lot of bad accidents on the lake every year and I just do not hear about them because I do not live in the area? I have never heard any actual numbers about fatalities from boat accidents every year. Does anybody have a number?

[fatlazyless]

For kayaks, the Cattle Landing-Town of Meredith dock & parking lot seems to be getting more use by kayak day-trippers who probably like it because it is free and you park your car directly close to the kayak unload spot.

For some reason the town has no signs that say Cattle Landing Town Dock? Maybe they want to keep it on the hush hush?

I'm seeing more kayakers go paddling past my little dock than ever so could be they parked and unloaded their kayaks at the free-to-anyone Cattle Landing town parking lot & town dock? Who knows.........not me?

Could well be they stop at the Meredith Hannaford's to purchase some raisins & peanuts which sure helps the local economy!!!

[bclaker]

The state just built a new ramp with trailer parking on the Winnipesaukee River in Laconia, closed to where it empties into Lake Winnisquam. Now all we need is a series of locks to get the boats up into Paugus Bay.

[Ropetow]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

For kayaks, the Cattle Landing-Town of Meredith dock & parking lot seems to be getting more use by kayak day-trippers who probably like it because it is free and you park your car directly close to the kayak unload spot.

For some reason the town has no signs that say Cattle Landing Town Dock? Maybe they want to keep it on the hush hush?

I'm seeing more kayakers go paddling past my little dock than ever so could be they parked and unloaded their kayaks at the free-to-anyone Cattle Landing town parking lot & town dock? Who knows.........not me?

Could well be they stop at the Meredith Hannaford's to purchase some raisins & peanuts which sure helps the local economy!!!

Maybe you could get the proper permits and construct a launch ramp and dock on your waterfront mansion's property. Charge a reasonable launch fee, and maybe even charge for parking. Become a part of the capitalist system....Invest your money and reap the rewards.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I am (and I cant believe I am saying this) kind of in agreement with FLL... PUBLIC access on Lake Winnipesaukee is a joke! There are 1 or 2 poorly maintained "public" ramps with little or no trailer parking available. Everything else is pay to play... marinas or motels! I dont think that the state should fund a "sailing center" (sounds more of a private enterprise thing to me) but a well designed boat ramp with plenty of parking should be available! Lets not forget the state had to threaten "eminent Domain" to get the Squam Ramp built!

IMHO.. the reasons boat traffic is down is systematic of the decline of Lake Winnipesaukee as a tourist destination.... most of the motels have been converted to condos... this eliminates a constant turnover for the local retail/tourist businesses. The negative publicity generated by the pro-speed limit folks... its anarchy out there... its not safe... your children arent safe etc... once thats in somebodys head it doesnt easily leave. The economy sucks to put it mildly... people dont have the $$ to drop on expensive week long vacations or high $$$ boat payments. If you are worried about your job the toys are the first to go. Fuel prices are a huge factor! Fuel eats into your budget a little at a time every week.... so much so that you hardly notice until you realize you have nothing extra like you used to!

I am sure there are other reasons as well.. but these are the ones that come to my mind first!

Woodsy

Well stated Woodsy - I agree with everything you said. My beef is with FLL blaming republicans for the lack of a good boat launch on Winni. That's absurd and is just a typical knee-jerk reaction by Dems to everything they see as a problem; around the lake and around the country. They should take a good, long look in the mirror.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

Well stated Woodsy - I agree with everything you said. My beef is with FLL blaming republicans for the lack of a good boat launch on Winni. That's absurd and is just a typical knee-jerk reaction by Dems to everything they see as a problem; around the lake and around the country. They should take a good, long look in the mirror.

I'd further that by saying what's there to complain about? Is this not the utopia the democrats have been wanting for so long? Just wait till you see the wonderful results the lakes region will feel as the "tax the rich" crap really kicks into high gear! Think it's bad now, we're only scratching the surface.

I am in full agreement Winni needs a good "free" boat ramp. I propose that the funding can come directly from the state's welfare/food stamps budget.

[spider22]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

I'd further that by saying what's there to complain about? Is this not the utopia the democrats have been wanting for so long? Just wait till you see the wonderful results the lakes region will feel as the "tax the rich" crap really kicks into high gear! Think it's bad now, we're only scratching the surface.

I am in full agreement Winni needs a good "free" boat ramp. I propose that the funding can come directly from the state's welfare/food stamps budget.

But what are all the people that need the welfare and food stamps going to do?

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by spider22

But what are all the people that need the welfare and food stamps going to do?

Get a job like everyone else.

[spider22]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Get a job like everyone else.

what a great idea, I could not agree with you more. Now if you can just get everybody to think that way we would be all set.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Before complaining about no public launches on Winni, go to the NH Fish & Game website where you will find 6 listed. This does not include many town docks.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Over at nearby Lakes Squam, Winnisquam and Newfound, the boat registration money was used to build three very nice state boat launch facilities complete with double ramps, docks, parking, and toilets, and all for no charge or free to use by the trailer-boaters. They are great state boat ramps and get quite a lot of use as would be expected.

Does Lake Winnipesaukee, the state's largest lake, have a similar state boat launch? No, it does not! In the past, the Ames Farm ramps were used like a state boat ramp and cost 20-dollars to park and launch-lood for all day, but Ames has been closed to public use over a local zoning issue.

Where could a good spot be for the state to put a Winnipesaukee state boat ramp that is similar to the other three? Probably, the only spot for it is at the Ellacoya RV campground because the state already owns the land and that spot is a beautifull undeveloped beach.......and no one wants a state boat ramp for a neighbor.....so where's could it be built.....probably no where....

Anyway......as long as the Republicans are in control at the NH state legislature......there's no way a new boat ramp will get built.....NO way!

Just say NO to a state sailing center.......no to a boat ramp.....no....no....no..... the Party of NO!

Governor Lynch (D) has been in office since 2005. Just say NO Governor Lynch!