Small boat on the big lake.

[Showem]

Last year I traded up from a Seadoo Sportster 15'6" to a Stingray 225 cuddy 23'. We spent 7 years using that seadoo and after last year we had enough. We used it mostly in the ocean off of Hampton going down to Cranes beach and also down the cape W Yarmouth to Osterville. We would have to pick our days and stay close to shore. We would also trailer it up the lake and visit friends over in Cow Island. I'm really looking forward to trying it out on the lake this year,I'm hoping during the week middle of May?

[Still lazy E]

We put our 19' Fourwinns on Winni every year for a day or two romp across the lake. Weekdays are better than weekends as you can imagine. The stretch from Weirs out past Governors Island is always the worst. Two approachs slow and steady just off plane or skip the tops about 30-35mph and get it over with. Just be prepared to stow everything including small children if you take the last approach.

Winni is big enough that you can find calmer places to boat behind the islands. I can't say though we've been caught in the broads we've always stayed on the north side of the lake coming back from Wolfboro and avoided the 20+mph wind days. If I were on Winni the entire summer than I'd say that 24-26' range is where I'd be more comfortable but we spend 99%+ of our time on a smaller lake so there's no need for us at least.

[LIforrelaxin]

The biggest boat I have owned, on winni is my current boat at 18.5'.... It nice and wide, and has good free board. I have never had an issue.... There are just some days when the rides are shorter then others.... And some area are just not destinations on the weekends, Meredith and the Weirs for example.

[znh]

We have a 21.5' Fourwinns Funship and live on the broads. Some days it doesn't matter how big your boat is, if it's blowing it's rough going. But I've been on the broads in every type of conditions and never had a real problem. Sometimes it's a bit slower then others but if you get the boat up on plane properly you can get right over most of the waves. Other then the broads, pay attention to the wind direction and you can always find a calm cove / side of an island to get calmer waters. It's one of the my favorite parts of the lake...the conditions are constantly changing but you can always find a calm place to go for a swim or tow a tube or shut it off and float...

[fpartri497]

Just bought a new 2013 Monteray 280 witch Is 29 ft. over all cabin cruiser Im pretty sure It will handle Winni O.K.

[fatlazyless]

New to me at the end of last August is a duck-hunter dark green colored 11-foot jon boat, made by Lund, that weighs about 70-lbs and is powered up by two wood oars, and artfully lettered with some 68-cent hardware store stick-on letters which say "SWEPT AWAY" across the stern transom. Capable of holding maybe three people and a dog, it is pretty danged sea worthy ..... all things considered ....as long as occupant's are even centered in this little vessel.

Totally capable of handling all heavy waves and wind that Lake Winnipesaukee can churn up.... the SWEPT AWAY lives close to FL-3 and tiny little Horse Island close to the southern end of Bear Island.

Paying the big money of $400, used price, via craigslist to someone out on Mark Island ..... the Swept Away is without a doubt .....the most fun boat on the entire lake.....as long as it don't get swept away by some big fast 45-mph motor-boater who never even sees it out there!

[LastonBoard]

LOL - reminds me of when I use to go out with my grandfather in his 12 foot fiberglass runabout from Sears with a 15hp outboard. Made the lake feel huge as it took forever to get anywhere. Granted this was back when 21 footers where considered the big boats on the lake.

[RLW]

LastonBoard, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

[RLW]

Still lazy E, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

[dickiej]

Spent summers at Peggy's Cove in Alton Bay. My father had a 14' Dreamboat with a 35 hp Chrysler. I had more fun on that boat than any boat I've ever owned!

[samosetguy]

In my opinion, it's all about the wind speeds on the broads. Once the winds get over 12-13mph, you probably will be more comfortable in something bigger than 21ft.

If the wind is 10-11mph or lower, you're probably fine in a smaller boat. Obviously, a low sustained wind with a high gust could cause issues as well.

Others may have a different preference.

The wind is generally better before mid-morning and after late afternoon.

The weather channel app on all phones has a feature that forecasts wind speed by hour.

I have a smaller boat and I'm on the broads (can't avoid them). I've been in high wind weather and the boat can handle it but it's not a very enjoyable ride. I usually pick my boat days based on the projected wind speed for the day. If it's high and I still want to head out, I try to do something early morning or early evening to avoid the peak winds of the day.