Lake advice for my boat

[Drew39k]

Alright, so it's down to a slip on winnisquam for 2600(46 miles,45min drive one way) or a boat slip in winnipesaukee off long island(moultonborough-71 miles roughly an hour and a half) listed at 2400 for the season.

After reading everything you all said, I think I'm down to just figuring out how important being on the big lake is vs being able to use the boat more frequently.

I feel like a 45 minute drive opens up the ability to take the boat out on weekday evenings after work, where as if I'm an hour and a half away would mean 3 hours of driving for maybe an hour on the water. But I do love the idea of being on winnipesaukee and being able to do some fun sightseeing and visiting the different docks, restaurants and just exploring such a large area.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Drew39k

Alright, so it's down to a slip on winnisquam for 2600(46 miles,45min drive one way) or a boat slip in winnipesaukee off long island(moultonborough-71 miles roughly an hour and a half) listed at 2400 for the season.



After reading everything you all said, I think I'm down to just figuring out how important being on the big lake is vs being able to use the boat more frequently.



I feel like a 45 minute drive opens up the ability to take the boat out on weekday evenings after work, where as if I'm an hour and a half away would mean 3 hours of driving for maybe an hour on the water. But I do love the idea of being on winnipesaukee and being able to do some fun sightseeing and visiting the different docks, restaurants and just exploring such a large area.

Just a note that the drive time to Long Island, depending on timing, will be more than your estimate. Meredith Center and Center Harbor back up quite a bit. There are some shortcuts, but it'll still be more than 1.5 on many occasions.

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[MikeF-NH]

While my boat is a bit smaller, I don't consider launching and towing to be big obsticles. The time to/from is a bit of a hassle (I'm from your general area). It would be a bit more convenient to leave the boat on a slip but not $3000 convenient for me.

The biggest tow/launch hassle is getting parking on summer weekends on the big lake. I usually go very early so not so bad for me but try getting a spot in Alton (closest free ramp) on a nice Saturday after 9AM.

I like both Squam and Winnisquam but like the size and variety of Winni. Squam makes me pretty nervous with all the hazard though but offers nice fishing options and is a beautiful lake. The ride up there is similar to launching on the northside of the lake (close enough) so if its a distance thing b/t Squam and launches in Merideth, CH or MBB....that would not sway me from Squam.

[Biggd]

I rented up in the lakes region for about 7 years before I bought. I tried different lakes and different locations and even though I loved the Borough side of the lake, the drive became a chore.
Winnisquam is one of my favorite lakes but everyone has different boating desires. But if you're mostly driving back and forth between your home and boat I would think drive time will be a major factor. Less drive time means more boating time. JMO.
My drive time to my lake house is 1-1/2 hours with no traffic which is almost NEVER. It's usually 2 hours and sometimes in the summer can be as much as 3 hours. If I had to go to the end of Long Island, that could add another 1/2 to an hour more. That would be a BIG negative for me if I only had a boat slip.

[Descant]

$2400 for a slip or valet depending on location? For, I think, $3000, you can join the American Boat Club at Akwa Marine.
http://www.americanboatclubnh.com/
A little farther than Winnisquam and closer than Moultonborough. New boats, no maintenance compared to whatever you might have to do on a 1993 Bayliner.

[upthesaukee]

Back in the day, around '76 - '87, besides coming up virtually every weekend from Reading MA to Gilford (later Alton Bay), they would get out of work around 4, and drive up to the lake for a boat ride and maybe a swim. Then drive home and go to work the next day.

I questioned dad about it, and he said it wasn't the time he spent going to and from the lake, it was the time he spent on or in the lake, which, to him and mom, was priceless.

It's all how you look at it, and what your priorities are. It worked, and worked very well, for them.

PS they had a slip.

Dave

[SAMIAM]

Depends on what kind of boating you plan to do.If you just like to cruise,hang out at sand bars,tubing and relaxing...Winnisquam is for you.
The big lake has a lot more going on but can be challenging in a smaller boat when it's busy.Lots to see,many restaurants and endless exploring.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Drew39k

Alright, so it's down to a slip on winnisquam for 2600(46 miles,45min drive one way) or a boat slip in winnipesaukee off long island(moultonborough-71 miles roughly an hour and a half) listed at 2400 for the season.

After reading everything you all said, I think I'm down to just figuring out how important being on the big lake is vs being able to use the boat more frequently.

I feel like a 45 minute drive opens up the ability to take the boat out on weekday evenings after work, where as if I'm an hour and a half away would mean 3 hours of driving for maybe an hour on the water. But I do love the idea of being on winnipesaukee and being able to do some fun sightseeing and visiting the different docks, restaurants and just exploring such a large area.

Consider this, right now there is a valet rack for sale at Harrila Landing for 9K. MLS#: 4663546. Unit/locker will accommodate a boat not to exceed 20' 6"in length, width 8', height 68", weight 4500 lbs. This also has parking for 1 vehicle per unit/locker.

9K and it belongs to you. Granted it's at the end of Long Island but if you're looking at spending $2400 to rent a slip per year on Long Island why not?

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Consider this, right now there is a valet rack for sale at Harrila Landing for 9K. MLS#: 4663546. Unit/locker will accommodate a boat not to exceed 20' 6"in length, width 8', height 68", weight 4500 lbs. This also has parking for 1 vehicle per unit/locker.



9K and it belongs to you. Granted it's at the end of Long Island but if you're looking at spending $2400 to rent a slip per year on Long Island why not?

That's exactly the type of thinking I do--the way prices are going up, it's a pretty good gamble to think you'd at very least get your money back.

Two things, though: as pointed out, Harilla is at the very end of Long Island. Add that extra time to Meredith Center and Center Harbor traffic, and it could be significantly longer. Also, it's often very busy at that end (though you wouldn't be dealing with the launch, there can still be a lot of traffic).

The other thing is the sizing--8' beam is pretty restrictive. It's a pretty good place to go out of, though not as good as Trexler's, which is on the way.

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[MikeF-NH]

...so you can buy the rack space (valet) for 9K...I assume there is also either an annual or per splash fee for the actual valet services...correct? Do you know what that is?

I think Sheps also does valet and would be significantly shorter drives though Sheps has gotten crazy busy the past few years since they went "free". Parking is very hard to come by in summer after 9AM. Used to be my favorite launch June-Aug but I won't touch it now unless I plan to get on the water before 8...even then I've had some trouble.

[MAXUM]

The rack itself is treated similar to a townhouse or condo. HOA fees plus property taxes.

I am not aware of any splash\recovery fee. Still gives you something that is owned, can store the boat there year round and has some value to it instead of throwing money away renting\leasing accommodations and never realizing any ROI. Worst case rent it to somebody else to cover the holding costs.

thinkxingu - you're right the size restriction does limit interest of potential buyers or renters, likely the reason for the low price comparatively speaking. The other of course is the location. Still that's short money for a year round covered parking spot so long as your boat fits.

[First Mate]

Is your main goal what you said here, "...to see if I'll use it more or if I should sell it"? If that's so, then I don't believe a three hour+ round trip drive will help you to figure that out. I noticed some Winni slips advertised here in Classifieds on the southern part of the lake, I know nothing about them but at least they'd be closer. Otherwise I'd vote for leasing the slip on Winnisquam. If you decide to keep the boat after this summer, then next year you can reevaluate which lake to choose. Good Luck!