August Vacation

MikeF-NH · 06-27-2013, 10:07 AM

There are many areas of the big lake to watch out for. Coming out of 19 Mile and going to Whortleberry would be dangerous if you tried to cut a straight line from one to the other as it would bring you right through the Witches. You would have to circle to the south side of Melvin Island doing a long lazy circle around it. There are plenty of hazard markers all around Whortleberry and adjacent islands such as Dow. in general it is easier on the south side of those but still there are rocks hundreds of yards from shore in some areas (well marked but you have to pay attention. Familiarize yourself with The Six Pack which is a set of 3 pairs of markers with a channel in the middle.

There are essentially 4 routes out of that Whortleberry area to the main lake:
1.) through the Six Pack and under long island bridge (no wake zone under the bridge and past the marina)
2.) Between Little Bear and Long Island. Probably the most obvious and safest but it gets tight in there to a point where you may have to come off plane between the islands if a boat is coming at you to be compliant with the 150 foot rule.
3.) through Hole in the Wall which is between Little Bear and Cow island. I like this route a lot thought it is about 200 yards of no wake.
4.) between Cow Island and the mainland via the "Barbers Pole". Pay attention coming out to the main lake to avoid markers and "Middle Ground Shoal"....a rocky shoal over a mile from shore this just suddenly appears if you are not looking for it. Marked by markers but people who don't look for them can suddenly be in the middle of them.

19 Mile Bay is a nice easy ride for you as you can easily pick up groceries at the store (limited) as well as lunch and/or ice cream. Otherwise you have significantly longer boat or car rides to get to these types of places on the lake. I find that area to be quieter than the Weirs area with less of the reported insanity. In general, the folks driving through there are locals with good local knowledge of the lake and how to behave on it.

Be careful on the Broads when winds exceed 15 mph and/or many boats are about. It can get ugly out there fast. From that area, I find Wolfboro to be the most convenient port to stop into for a nice shore lunch. The docks can get busy but nothing like the Weirs docks or even Merideth. I like the ride to Center Harbor as it seems to be quiet up there and the docks always accessible with easy access to a few restaurants, a hardware store and a short walk to a full grocery store.

ishoot308 · 06-27-2013, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeF-NH

There are many areas of the big lake to watch out for. Coming out of 19 Mile and going to Whortleberry would be dangerous if you tried to cut a straight line from one to the other as it would bring you right through the Witches.

You mean the "graveyard" don't you Mike??

Jimmbrooks · 06-27-2013, 10:37 AM

All of you have been so helpful, and for that manny thanks. Staying on Whortleberry was what we liked because of how quiet it is. We would like to enjoy some relaxing time with the availability of going to the busier spots if we choose to. Great to point out the many routes to the broads,

It is a 2012 sea doo and looks very much like a traditional I/o with jet output. So it does handle waves pretty well.

Hope to meet some of you in person this August !! Maybe have a meet and greet, ill have plenty of suds to go around

webmaster · 06-27-2013, 11:56 AM

Just a reminder that there are videos of many of these areas (and more) on our Youtube Channel:

AC2717 · 06-27-2013, 12:26 PM

Important to note, Went through Sallys Gut on Saturday they went through and marked all the turns with like 5 foot high solid red and Black Markers.
very easy to navigate now

MikeF-NH · 06-27-2013, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

You mean the "graveyard" don't you Mike??

yes...sorry...typing too fast...the Graveyard

KeepItSimple · 06-27-2013, 03:12 PM

Don't assume that other boaters on the lake know what they're doing with respect to the markers. For example, you want to be on the island side of 17 the Barbers pole not the mainland side. Most boats that we see go by get it right, but one boat goes by on the mainland side and the next thing you know the 5 or 6 next boats to go by do the same thing. Its pretty tough to ding a prop there, but the boulders bare the scars.

Jimmbrooks · 06-28-2013, 12:36 PM

i noticed today when looking at the chart, that there appears to be a route that goes right through the grave yard, why would someone want to risk that when they could more safely go west and north of Melvin island before heading est again? I guess when plotting on charts i overly err on the side of safety.

Phantom · 06-28-2013, 03:48 PM

Jim -

It's actually very well marked and the ride through (if you dare) is actually quite an experience as most times you can vividly see the rocks on either side.

As a Newbie to the lake I would caution against it if it's choppy and it is always good to time yourself so that there is not another boat coming at you while between the markers -- although passible, it does make it interesting (headway speed or not).

The passage in reality is not that long a ride and does have a twist or two to it !!

Best approach for first timers is from the South to North ..... you tend to line up easier (in my opinion)

.

Dave R · 06-28-2013, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

Best approach for first timers is from the South to North ..... you tend to line up easier (in my opinion)

.

Agreed, I have trouble spotting the markers coming from the north and use my GPS to get to the channel entrance.

Aguamenti · 08-12-2013, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmbrooks

i noticed today when looking at the chart, that there appears to be a route that goes right through the grave yard, why would someone want to risk that when they could more safely go west and north of Melvin island before heading est again? I guess when plotting on charts i overly err on the side of safety.

I am a newbie boater and avoided the Graveyard just that way until a friend with many years of experience took me through it on his boat. It's not bad at all if the lake is on the calm side, and as Phantom said, much easier if there's no other traffic. It's quite clearly marked if you know what you're looking for.

We spend a fair amount of time at Nineteen Mile Bay, maybe we will run into you.

Jimmbrooks · 08-16-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguamenti

...maybe we will run into you.

lol figuratively i hope

but thanks again for the last minute ideas, oh and our boats not to bad, its a 45 gallon fuel tank and i get about 10 gal/hour out of her going 30... so 4 hours at near top speed aren't to bad. And cant take to long to go from one side of lake to other. But thanks for keeping that thought in my mind for knowing where local gas docks are.

itchin for fishin · 08-16-2013, 08:03 PM

People make a big deal about how "rough" it is in the broads. As a big water boater (ocean or great lakes), yes you get pounded but never have I felt unsafe in my 21 foot Sea Ray. I will concur on The Witches, even if you know they are coming, going west (toward Meredith) late afternoon with white chop, the markers can be a bear to locate. Just go easy as you approach and you will be fine.

DBreskin · 08-18-2013, 04:42 PM

Also note there is a wide range of gas prices on the bay. Anchor marine and Channel marine usually have good prices, and Alton bay marinas are usually reasonable but the north/west marinas can be >$0.50/gallon more than the competitive marinas. For the latest prices go to www.winnigas.com .

pcmc · 08-18-2013, 10:17 PM

Recently there was a thread about an upset poster who had his trailer moved with in the parking area. Any suggestions for Jimm and trailer parking, and such?

Jimmbrooks · 08-23-2013, 11:37 PM

yes any ideas on trailer? I was told by the person I was renting from that my trailer would be safely parked at the lot across the street from 19 mile bay marina. If you concur I will be fine, if not i will be purchasing a lock for my trailer, if it had a lock it would take three people to move it as its a very heavy double axle trailer, but unlocked a quick hookup and it can be moved.

Jimmbrooks · 08-23-2013, 11:39 PM

btw less than 12 hours to go and we will be on the beautiful lake!!

chasedawg · 08-24-2013, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmbrooks

btw less than 12 hours to go and we will be on the beautiful lake!!

Jimmbrooks....did you get to the lake safe and sound? We hope you will have an enjoyable stay.

06-27-2013, 10:37 AM	#3
Jimmbrooks Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 28 Thanks: 18 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	All of you have been so helpful, and for that manny thanks. Staying on Whortleberry was what we liked because of how quiet it is. We would like to enjoy some relaxing time with the availability of going to the busier spots if we choose to. Great to point out the many routes to the broads, It is a 2012 sea doo and looks very much like a traditional I/o with jet output. So it does handle waves pretty well. Hope to meet some of you in person this August !! Maybe have a meet and greet, ill have plenty of suds to go around Last edited by Jimmbrooks; 06-27-2013 at 11:15 AM.

06-27-2013, 12:26 PM	#5
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,585 Thanks: 756 Thanked 356 Times in 268 Posts	Important to note, Went through Sallys Gut on Saturday they went through and marked all the turns with like 5 foot high solid red and Black Markers. very easy to navigate now __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

06-27-2013, 03:12 PM	#7
KeepItSimple Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Watertown, MA Posts: 19 Thanks: 70 Thanked 21 Times in 5 Posts	don't assume Don't assume that other boaters on the lake know what they're doing with respect to the markers. For example, you want to be on the island side of 17 the Barbers pole not the mainland side. Most boats that we see go by get it right, but one boat goes by on the mainland side and the next thing you know the 5 or 6 next boats to go by do the same thing. Its pretty tough to ding a prop there, but the boulders bare the scars.

06-28-2013, 03:48 PM	#9
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Jim - It's actually very well marked and the ride through (if you dare) is actually quite an experience as most times you can vividly see the rocks on either side. As a Newbie to the lake I would caution against it if it's choppy and it is always good to time yourself so that there is not another boat coming at you while between the markers -- although passible, it does make it interesting (headway speed or not). The passage in reality is not that long a ride and does have a twist or two to it !! Best approach for first timers is from the South to North ..... you tend to line up easier (in my opinion) . __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

08-18-2013, 04:42 PM	#14
DBreskin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wolfeboro NH Posts: 283 Thanks: 143 Thanked 121 Times in 76 Posts	Winnipesaukee gas prices Also note there is a wide range of gas prices on the bay. Anchor marine and Channel marine usually have good prices, and Alton bay marinas are usually reasonable but the north/west marinas can be >$0.50/gallon more than the competitive marinas. For the latest prices go to www.winnigas.com .

06-27-2013, 10:07 AM	#1
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 318 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	There are many areas of the big lake to watch out for. Coming out of 19 Mile and going to Whortleberry would be dangerous if you tried to cut a straight line from one to the other as it would bring you right through the Witches. You would have to circle to the south side of Melvin Island doing a long lazy circle around it. There are plenty of hazard markers all around Whortleberry and adjacent islands such as Dow. in general it is easier on the south side of those but still there are rocks hundreds of yards from shore in some areas (well marked but you have to pay attention. Familiarize yourself with The Six Pack which is a set of 3 pairs of markers with a channel in the middle. There are essentially 4 routes out of that Whortleberry area to the main lake: 1.) through the Six Pack and under long island bridge (no wake zone under the bridge and past the marina) 2.) Between Little Bear and Long Island. Probably the most obvious and safest but it gets tight in there to a point where you may have to come off plane between the islands if a boat is coming at you to be compliant with the 150 foot rule. 3.) through Hole in the Wall which is between Little Bear and Cow island. I like this route a lot thought it is about 200 yards of no wake. 4.) between Cow Island and the mainland via the "Barbers Pole". Pay attention coming out to the main lake to avoid markers and "Middle Ground Shoal"....a rocky shoal over a mile from shore this just suddenly appears if you are not looking for it. Marked by markers but people who don't look for them can suddenly be in the middle of them. 19 Mile Bay is a nice easy ride for you as you can easily pick up groceries at the store (limited) as well as lunch and/or ice cream. Otherwise you have significantly longer boat or car rides to get to these types of places on the lake. I find that area to be quieter than the Weirs area with less of the reported insanity. In general, the folks driving through there are locals with good local knowledge of the lake and how to behave on it. Be careful on the Broads when winds exceed 15 mph and/or many boats are about. It can get ugly out there fast. From that area, I find Wolfboro to be the most convenient port to stop into for a nice shore lunch. The docks can get busy but nothing like the Weirs docks or even Merideth. I like the ride to Center Harbor as it seems to be quiet up there and the docks always accessible with easy access to a few restaurants, a hardware store and a short walk to a full grocery store.

06-27-2013, 11:56 AM	#4
webmaster Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,470 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 461 Thanked 3,963 Times in 848 Posts	Just a reminder that there are videos of many of these areas (and more) on our Youtube Channel:

The Following User Says Thank You to AC2717 For This Useful Post:
GsChinadoll (06-27-2013)

06-28-2013, 12:36 PM	#8
Jimmbrooks Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 28 Thanks: 18 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	i noticed today when looking at the chart, that there appears to be a route that goes right through the grave yard, why would someone want to risk that when they could more safely go west and north of Melvin island before heading est again? I guess when plotting on charts i overly err on the side of safety.

The Following User Says Thank You to Aguamenti For This Useful Post:
Jimmbrooks (08-16-2013)

08-16-2013, 08:03 PM	#13
itchin for fishin Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 105 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	People make a big deal about how "rough" it is in the broads. As a big water boater (ocean or great lakes), yes you get pounded but never have I felt unsafe in my 21 foot Sea Ray. I will concur on The Witches, even if you know they are coming, going west (toward Meredith) late afternoon with white chop, the markers can be a bear to locate. Just go easy as you approach and you will be fine.

08-18-2013, 10:17 PM	#15
pcmc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 412 Thanks: 211 Thanked 106 Times in 73 Posts	Recently there was a thread about an upset poster who had his trailer moved with in the parking area. Any suggestions for Jimm and trailer parking, and such?

08-23-2013, 11:37 PM	#16
Jimmbrooks Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 28 Thanks: 18 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	yes any ideas on trailer? I was told by the person I was renting from that my trailer would be safely parked at the lot across the street from 19 mile bay marina. If you concur I will be fine, if not i will be purchasing a lock for my trailer, if it had a lock it would take three people to move it as its a very heavy double axle trailer, but unlocked a quick hookup and it can be moved.

08-23-2013, 11:39 PM	#17
Jimmbrooks Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 28 Thanks: 18 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	btw less than 12 hours to go and we will be on the beautiful lake!!