First time visitor - advice/tips/best route?

[jondx52]

That is exactly the info that I needed to know. Thank you! I was worried about traffic and my boat being smaller so maybe the weekend isn’t the best time for the first trip. I’ll aim to get up during the week and maybe head to Ossippee or back to Silver Lake if I need to go Saturday


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[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by jondx52

That is exactly the info that I needed to know. Thank you! I was worried about traffic and my boat being smaller so maybe the weekend isn’t the best time for the first trip. I’ll aim to get up during the week and maybe head to Ossippee or back to Silver Lake if I need to go Saturday


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If you're going to go out on a weekend and NEED to visit Winnipesaukee, you could always hang out in the north. From Moultonborough Bay to Greene's Basin, a 16'+ vessel is fine most all the time, and it's much less crowded, especially if out early.

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[Descant]

Welcome to the Forum.
I agree--especially on the south and west side of the lake, weekend waters can be very rough and chaotic due to wakes. Collect a few friends and rent a pontoon so you avoid the aggravation of overloaded launch ramps with not enough parking. The toons will handle rough water in comfort, as long as you maintain reasonable speeds. Bring a picnic lunch. Getting dock space at public docks can mean a long wait. Again, weekdays are better.

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by Descant

Welcome to the Forum.
I agree--especially on the south and west side of the lake, weekend waters can be very rough and chaotic due to wakes. Collect a few friends and rent a pontoon so you avoid the aggravation of overloaded launch ramps with not enough parking. The toons will handle rough water in comfort, as long as you maintain reasonable speeds. Bring a picnic lunch. Getting dock space at public docks can mean a long wait. Again, weekdays are better.

Good alternative advice!

[Jdarby]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

If you're going to go out on a weekend and NEED to visit Winnipesaukee, you could always hang out in the north. From Moultonborough Bay to Greene's Basin, a 16'+ vessel is fine most all the time, and it's much less crowded, especially if out early.

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Sound advice! Moultonborough Bay is our goto area when we get sick of the weekend crush! I agree with XCR that the weekend is not your best option. Midweek will give you a much better lake experience....and it’s a beautiful lake!

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

If you're going to go out on a weekend and NEED to visit Winnipesaukee, you could always hang out in the north. From Moultonborough Bay to Greene's Basin, a 16'+ vessel is fine most all the time, and it's much less crowded, especially if out early.

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Disagree--tricky navigation to avoid rocks in the north. Less experienced captains make mistakes every weekend near me, especially on the Tuftonboro side. The advice to aim for a smaller lake is better

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Disagree--tricky navigation to avoid rocks in the north. Less experienced captains make mistakes every weekend near me, especially on the Tuftonboro side. The advice to aim for a smaller lake is better

Meh. I don't think it's tricky at all, especially with a chart—everything is marked. And compared to Squam?

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[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Meh. I don't think it's tricky at all, especially with a chart—everything is marked. And compared to Squam?

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That's because you're an especially studious captain (as evidenced by your many excellent posts!). Many people just wanna have fun and would prefer an area that does not need a chart for rock avoidance on a simple and relaxed day

[Newbiesaukee]

I like both of you guys but have to go with Flying on this one. I live close to Moultonborough Bay Area and have been on Winni for 17 years. We just got a new smaller boat and even with a chart in hand the trip from Long Island to Greens Basin is a difficult trip. I have only ever used the paper Bizer; but the trip is not for the inexperienced casual boater.

[XCR-700]

I'm jumping on the south end of the lake bandwagon, or did I start it,,,

Either way, for someone new to boating AND new to Winnipesaukeee in 16' boat, launching in Alton or West Alton, exploring Alton Bay and maybe making the trip to Wolfeboro or the West Alton sandbar is a good and pretty safe weekday trip and more than enough for a first run.

After that leaving from Alton or West Alton and making your way back and forth to Weirs and them Meredith is a good next few steps.

Or flip flop it and launch in Meredith and make the trip to Weirs, and then maybe the Paugas Bay sandbar and around Governors Island.

Then in future trips work your way down to Wolfeboro and Alton Bay.

Navigating the north end of the lake is MUCH harder and there are so many more areas you can get in trouble.

After well over 50 years boating on Winnipesaukee and I still spend most of my time between Meredith and Wolfeboro via the southern shoreline.

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by Newbiesaukee

I like both of you guys but have to go with Flying on this one. I live close to Moultonborough Bay Area and have been on Winni for 17 years. We just got a new smaller boat and even with a chart in hand the trip from Long Island to Greens Basin is a difficult trip. I have only ever used the paper Bizer; but the trip is not for the inexperienced casual boater.

Have to disagree. My husband and I started our boating in that area. With a chart frequently referenced, it’s not that difficult. With experience, it becomes second nature.


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