Weirs Beach Public docks

Old Hubbard Rd · 08-29-2012, 09:12 PM

I think the best answer regarding the Weirs docking system is POOR DESIGN!!! What the heck were they thinking?? They needed to be streched out. You cant get a boat in between at the Weirs. DUMB DUMB DUMB!!! The better dock designs are in Meredith and Wolfboro. Centre Harbor docks are pretty good but there could be more docking there.

upthesaukee · 08-29-2012, 09:36 PM

We were out last Fri and decided to go to Wolfeboro for ice cream. No open spots except the Handicap Dock

and a few boats waiting, so we made the trip down the lake to the Weirs. There were a few spots open on the end, but my big fear is someone will move the boat further in and I will be stuck inside. We did find a spot on the beach side of the last dock, and as we walked up toward the boardwalk, we saw a friend who had pulled his boat all the way when he docked. He was now blocked by two good sized bowriders. We talked for a few mins and then went up to JB Scoops for ice cream. We ate it there, walked down to the train that had just pulled in, and then headed down to the boat to head home. Time on shore was maybe 20-25 mins. As we got on the dock, we saw our friend untying his ropes...one of the boats was just pulling out. Told him, could have been worse...he may have had to wait for hours to get out rather than 35-40 mins.

Yup...it is a lousy design. And I am not sure that there is much room for anything other than a really small boat to get out between two boats. Other thing that can complicate the situation is the boat wake wave action that can toss any boat around.

Belmont Resident · 08-30-2012, 04:07 AM

Yes it is tight and as mentioned it is a poor design but considering how old the docks are things were different back when they were built.
I personally have driven down the slot as we call it to the back docks with my 25 Baja many times when the front spots were taken.
We found that as long as there are no big Carvers or the like then there was more then enough room to get through. Yes is is close but not as close as it looks with well over a foot of clearance on either side.
The trick, as with backing up, if you have enough space then you only concentrate on the drivers side and know if you keep it tight then there other side of the boat will clear.
As mentioned if the wake action is bad it makes it that much tougher.
We found that getting the boat lined up and just driving through the gap at headway speed worked great.
Getting out was usually a little more challenging but we never hit another boat.
The really kool part was turning a 25ft boat around under power between the docks. We found out that once the lake goes down it gets tougher.

LakeSnake · 08-30-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

The really kool part was turning a 25ft boat around under power between the docks. We found out that once the lake goes down it gets tougher.

I know this question may not belong here - so scold me if you like. But I don't understand why so many people turn thier boats around at public docks - like Wolfeboro? I find it much simpler to pull in going forward and just back out. I assume people are hesitant to back up but with a little practice it is no big deal. I have always backed out with no issues.

Happy Gourmand · 08-30-2012, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeSnake

I know this question may not belong here - so scold me if you like. But I don't understand why so many people turn thier boats around at public docks - like Wolfeboro? I find it much simpler to pull in going forward and just back out. I assume people are hesitant to back up but with a little practice it is no big deal. I have always backed out with no issues.

I think it's just a matter of preference, and how a boat handles. One boat I owned was practically uncontrollable in reverse, so it was difficult to back out between boats without at least one spotter. My next boat had dual props and would back up almost as easy as if it had wheels.

Coastal Laker · 08-30-2012, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeSnake

I know this question may not belong here - so scold me if you like. But I don't understand why so many people turn thier boats around at public docks - like Wolfeboro? I find it much simpler to pull in going forward and just back out. I assume people are hesitant to back up but with a little practice it is no big deal. I have always backed out with no issues.

While it is most certainly a matter of preference, and for some people, backing out is a challenge, I back in at the weirs and at any dock that gets some serious wave action. Boats take waves much better from the bow, thus my boat won't slam against the dock with every rogue wave like it would if I were stern-to. Regardless of how strong my lines are (and the cleats of course), I prefer to minimize the stresses on the boat as much as possible. I think a lot of people feel the same way.

Belmont Resident · 09-04-2012, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeSnake

I know this question may not belong here - so scold me if you like. But I don't understand why so many people turn thier boats around at public docks - like Wolfeboro? I find it much simpler to pull in going forward and just back out. I assume people are hesitant to back up but with a little practice it is no big deal. I have always backed out with no issues.

For me anyways it is a lot easier to drive forward then it is to back up.
Same with my truck, although I consider myself good at backing up any trailer I own, box, dump, boat, landscape and snowmobile, I'm still more comfortable driving forward.
I always try to back into a slip but to back between 2 boats with little room to spare would create more of a chance for error then driving forward will.

LIforrelaxin · 09-06-2012, 01:47 PM

Wow this thread is going all over the place...

The problem with the Docks at the weirs is indeed the age of the system. The Dock was designed during an age where boats where not as wide... As time has rolled on boats have gotten wider. Hence now there is a problem

The correction of the problem is not so easy as one may thing however.
To start within order to change the dock, they will need to remove the old setup which will require the removal of some of the Pilings that were driven into the lake bed. And then off course new pilings will have to be driven, in before the new dock can even be built... Not to mention the permitting that will need to be done, to allow all this to happen. This all costs money$$$, and lots off it. To get the money the town has to allocate it. To get the Town to allocate it the land and business owners need to lobby the town, and show how it will add value to the area, improve their business, and create more revenue for the town.

The bottom line is right now the obstacles in the way of improving the dock at the weirs are not easily over come. None of the business in the area, seem to be taking the time to improve their properties. So what is the incentive to the town to improve the public areas.....

Anyways just my $0.02.......

NoRegrets · 09-06-2012, 07:53 PM

The Miss Winnipesaukee is currently in the water at Irwin Marine. It is 27 feet long and only about 6 feet wide. I talked to Jack Irwin and he told me that when his father built the pier that they kept the boats under and all the widths were for that period.

Maybe they could keep the current fingers as is for smaller boats and extend every other finger by 35 feet creating a wide docking section further into the bay. A study and impact would need to be created but if approved it may be a less expensive solution........

Old Hubbard Rd · 08-30-2012, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Hubbard Rd

I think the best answer regarding the Weirs docking system is POOR DESIGN!!! What the heck were they thinking?? They needed to be streched out. You cant get a boat in between at the Weirs. DUMB DUMB DUMB!!! The better dock designs are in Meredith and Wolfboro. Centre Harbor docks are pretty good but there could be more docking there.

Oh did I mention that when my boat was a week old that we were parked at the Weirs and low and behold I come back to a nice dent in the side of my boat.

8gv · 08-30-2012, 10:32 AM

Is it possible that the docks were designed for the smaller boats of yesteryear? My wife keeps campaigning for a bigger boat. My Sea Ray 18' bow rider can fit into some pretty small places, including the docks at Weirs and my garage for storage. Anything bigger will cost me winter storage.

Does anyone here need a transfer of wifey's permission to move up?

upthesaukee · 08-30-2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8gv

Is it possible that the docks were designed for the smaller boats of yesteryear? My wife keeps campaigning for a bigger boat. My Sea Ray 18' bow rider can fit into some pretty small places, including the docks at Weirs and my garage for storage. Anything bigger will cost me winter storage.

Does anyone here need a transfer of wifey's permission to move up?

When we went from our 19 ft bowrider to the 25 ft bowrider, the first question my wife asked was not how much is it, how many can it seat, how is the economy, etc. It was does it have a bathroom!!!

The obvious answer is Yes It Does....cuz I have the 25 footer.

Greene's Basin Girl · 08-31-2012, 07:37 AM

We stopped at the Weirs docks last week because my 91 year old mother had to use the rest room. The number of stairs is incredible. Once you get near the bathroom then you have to go down very steep stairs. I

NHBUOY · 08-31-2012, 07:44 AM

Anchor and Channel marine have clean, close bathrooms. Puts new meaning to the splash and go pit-stop.

Even for a 56 yo youngster like me, the walk to The Weirs bathroom can be a long, tiring one.

RailroadJoe · 08-31-2012, 08:41 AM

And it needs a major over haul, too.

jrc · 08-31-2012, 09:16 AM

The bathroom there is a joke. You can see the bathroom from the dock but to get there you have to go all the way up and then all the way back down. Plus the are usually overused.

For people with stair issues, like GBG's 91 year old mother, there is a handicapped bathroom at the upper board walk level. Just ask at the ticket window.

Also in a situation like that, I'm sure the Anchor marine people would let you dock and use their bathroom. They are very helpful. I would buy some snacks, just because, but you really wouldn't need to.

Greene's Basin Girl · 09-04-2012, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

The bathroom there is a joke. You can see the bathroom from the dock but to get there you have to go all the way up and then all the way back down. Plus the are usually overused.

For people with stair issues, like GBG's 91 year old mother, there is a handicapped bathroom at the upper board walk level. Just ask at the ticket window.

Also in a situation like that, I'm sure the Anchor marine people would let you dock and use their bathroom. They are very helpful. I would buy some snacks, just because, but you really wouldn't need to.

We actually purchased gas at Anchor Marina that day. If we had only known?

Kamper · 08-30-2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Hubbard Rd

... POOR DESIGN!!! ...

Probably they were good back in "the day" but they can definitly be improved on for today's traffic. I would shorten every-other pier by about 1/3-1/2 and add at least that length to the remaining fingers. They could also lenthen the one furthest from the steam-ship dock, some more.

Water Camper · 08-30-2012, 02:55 PM

As a matter of preference, whenever possible I face out of a docking space, whether it be private or public. I also find my boat takes the wave action much better and its a lot easier when I go to leave.

It may come from the fact that I will also back into a driveway/garage etc. Again I find it much easier when I go to leave.

Bill

08-29-2012, 09:12 PM	#1
Old Hubbard Rd Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 462 Thanks: 141 Thanked 54 Times in 33 Posts	Best answer I think the best answer regarding the Weirs docking system is POOR DESIGN!!! What the heck were they thinking?? They needed to be streched out. You cant get a boat in between at the Weirs. DUMB DUMB DUMB!!! The better dock designs are in Meredith and Wolfboro. Centre Harbor docks are pretty good but there could be more docking there.

08-29-2012, 09:36 PM	#2
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,615 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,483 Thanked 1,987 Times in 1,087 Posts	Last Fri. We were out last Fri and decided to go to Wolfeboro for ice cream. No open spots except the Handicap Dock and a few boats waiting, so we made the trip down the lake to the Weirs. There were a few spots open on the end, but my big fear is someone will move the boat further in and I will be stuck inside. We did find a spot on the beach side of the last dock, and as we walked up toward the boardwalk, we saw a friend who had pulled his boat all the way when he docked. He was now blocked by two good sized bowriders. We talked for a few mins and then went up to JB Scoops for ice cream. We ate it there, walked down to the train that had just pulled in, and then headed down to the boat to head home. Time on shore was maybe 20-25 mins. As we got on the dock, we saw our friend untying his ropes...one of the boats was just pulling out. Told him, could have been worse...he may have had to wait for hours to get out rather than 35-40 mins. Yup...it is a lousy design. And I am not sure that there is much room for anything other than a really small boat to get out between two boats. Other thing that can complicate the situation is the boat wake wave action that can toss any boat around. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

08-30-2012, 04:07 AM	#3
Belmont Resident Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Belmont NH but prefer Jackman Maine Posts: 1,857 Thanks: 491 Thanked 410 Times in 251 Posts	My observatons Yes it is tight and as mentioned it is a poor design but considering how old the docks are things were different back when they were built. I personally have driven down the slot as we call it to the back docks with my 25 Baja many times when the front spots were taken. We found that as long as there are no big Carvers or the like then there was more then enough room to get through. Yes is is close but not as close as it looks with well over a foot of clearance on either side. The trick, as with backing up, if you have enough space then you only concentrate on the drivers side and know if you keep it tight then there other side of the boat will clear. As mentioned if the wake action is bad it makes it that much tougher. We found that getting the boat lined up and just driving through the gap at headway speed worked great. Getting out was usually a little more challenging but we never hit another boat. The really kool part was turning a 25ft boat around under power between the docks. We found out that once the lake goes down it gets tougher. __________________ "better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, then a long life spent in a miserable way.."

09-06-2012, 01:47 PM	#8
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,927 Thanks: 1,058 Thanked 902 Times in 532 Posts	Wow this thread is going all over the place... The problem with the Docks at the weirs is indeed the age of the system. The Dock was designed during an age where boats where not as wide... As time has rolled on boats have gotten wider. Hence now there is a problem The correction of the problem is not so easy as one may thing however. To start within order to change the dock, they will need to remove the old setup which will require the removal of some of the Pilings that were driven into the lake bed. And then off course new pilings will have to be driven, in before the new dock can even be built... Not to mention the permitting that will need to be done, to allow all this to happen. This all costs money$$$, and lots off it. To get the money the town has to allocate it. To get the Town to allocate it the land and business owners need to lobby the town, and show how it will add value to the area, improve their business, and create more revenue for the town. The bottom line is right now the obstacles in the way of improving the dock at the weirs are not easily over come. None of the business in the area, seem to be taking the time to improve their properties. So what is the incentive to the town to improve the public areas..... Anyways just my $0.02....... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

08-30-2012, 02:55 PM	#19
Water Camper Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pembroke, NH / Laconia, NH Posts: 451 Thanks: 10 Thanked 207 Times in 89 Posts	Back in to dock As a matter of preference, whenever possible I face out of a docking space, whether it be private or public. I also find my boat takes the wave action much better and its a lot easier when I go to leave. It may come from the fact that I will also back into a driveway/garage etc. Again I find it much easier when I go to leave. Bill

09-06-2012, 07:53 PM	#9
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	The Miss Winnipesaukee is currently in the water at Irwin Marine. It is 27 feet long and only about 6 feet wide. I talked to Jack Irwin and he told me that when his father built the pier that they kept the boats under and all the widths were for that period. Maybe they could keep the current fingers as is for smaller boats and extend every other finger by 35 feet creating a wide docking section further into the bay. A study and impact would need to be created but if approved it may be a less expensive solution........

08-30-2012, 10:32 AM	#11
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,134 Thanks: 64 Thanked 756 Times in 489 Posts	Is it possible that the docks were designed for the smaller boats of yesteryear? My wife keeps campaigning for a bigger boat. My Sea Ray 18' bow rider can fit into some pretty small places, including the docks at Weirs and my garage for storage. Anything bigger will cost me winter storage. Does anyone here need a transfer of wifey's permission to move up?

The Following User Says Thank You to 8gv For This Useful Post:
VitaBene (09-07-2012)

08-31-2012, 07:37 AM	#13
Greene's Basin Girl Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Moultonborough, NH Posts: 1,515 Thanks: 394 Thanked 527 Times in 269 Posts	We stopped at the Weirs docks last week because my 91 year old mother had to use the rest room. The number of stairs is incredible. Once you get near the bathroom then you have to go down very steep stairs. I

08-31-2012, 07:44 AM	#14
NHBUOY Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Loon Mtn. winters...Meredith Neck summers Posts: 398 Thanks: 288 Thanked 94 Times in 60 Posts	Anchor and Channel marine have clean, close bathrooms. Puts new meaning to the splash and go pit-stop. Even for a 56 yo youngster like me, the walk to The Weirs bathroom can be a long, tiring one.

08-31-2012, 08:41 AM	#15
RailroadJoe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 620 Thanks: 259 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	And it needs a major over haul, too.

08-31-2012, 09:16 AM	#16
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	The bathroom there is a joke. You can see the bathroom from the dock but to get there you have to go all the way up and then all the way back down. Plus the are usually overused. For people with stair issues, like GBG's 91 year old mother, there is a handicapped bathroom at the upper board walk level. Just ask at the ticket window. Also in a situation like that, I'm sure the Anchor marine people would let you dock and use their bathroom. They are very helpful. I would buy some snacks, just because, but you really wouldn't need to.