New Eateries Going Into The Weirs Pier

[Airedale1]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Please see the attached regarding the docks. You can see that no one wants to pull forward.

What needs to be done to remedy that?

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Airedale1

What needs to be done to remedy that?

The spacing needs to change so a boat can pull through from the forward spots (like can be done in Wolfeboro).

[AC2717]

also need to allow boats to dock on the backside, only reason I see they don't allow this is maybe because the pathway is too close to the swimline to the beach, but I think that is crazy, ie example of Center Harbor its fine

[jr616]

Thanks for letting us know! :-)

(See some post can just be about thanking the poster. Not slamming the docking and the businesses. )

[Woodsy]

AC....

You can dock on the backside anytime except bike week.... its just very shallow so only small boats/jetskis can fit back there. I used to dock my 22 Classic Donzi there, but would have trim way up and "pulse" it in.

Woodsy

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

AC....

You can dock on the backside anytime except bike week.... its just very shallow so only small boats/jetskis can fit back there. I used to dock my 22 Classic Donzi there, but would have trim way up and "pulse" it in.

Woodsy

thank you good to know, I have seen it roped off during those weeks so thought it was more of a reminder to those that just show up for bike week

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

The spacing needs to change so a boat can pull through from the forward spots (like can be done in Wolfeboro).

I was told by Laconia Public Works, that the state due to shoreland laws makes it prohibitive to make changes to the docks. If they want to make changes the new layout will significantly reduce the number of boats that can dock in order to fit the present guidelines. One reason why many 'grandfathered' their docks.

[Redbarn]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I was told by Laconia Public Works, that the state due to shoreland laws makes it prohibitive to make changes to the docks. If they want to make changes the new layout will significantly reduce the number of boats that can dock in order to fit the present guidelines. One reason why many 'grandfathered' their docks.

I would be curious to here shorethings take on this. It has always been my understanding that, non conforming structures, like wiers docks can be reconfigured as long as the # of slips stays the same and the total sf of impact is at least one square foot smaller. So the wiers docks could actually be redone better, rather easy since they actually have more than enough sf for the number of legal docks they have.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I was told by Laconia Public Works, that the state due to shoreland laws makes it prohibitive to make changes to the docks. If they want to make changes the new layout will significantly reduce the number of boats that can dock in order to fit the present guidelines. One reason why many 'grandfathered' their docks.

I've had many dealings with DES over the years and I think they get blamed for somebody's inaction or delay when no blame is due. Dock permits themselves are pretty cheap. It does take a knowledgeable person to do design, and then get through the local Conservation Commission. That's where the expense is for you and me. Shouldn't be a big cost for the City Council to talk to their own CC.

"Grandfathering" is not an active step. It automatically occurs because you are already there when the law changes.
DES would likely have no problem removing a few docks, creating more more "usable" space.

I don't know the exact measurements at the Weirs, but I think the actual space is available, unless two cruisers, for example, dock side by side.
One easy solution (seems easy to me) is to have a dockmaster who will direct small boats (<8.5' beam) to move forward and not block them with large beam boats. If Glendale/Gilford can put a full time officer on duty, seven days a week, surely Laconia can do it on weekends. Maybe take a few thousand out of the $2MM and run a pilot program for two seasons?

For some reason, people think they have to drive their boat in and out of narrow spaces instead of walking it. A dock master could direct people to walk boats in and out, or assign sequence numbers if boats are waiting. Just need a sign telling people which VHF channel to coordinate on.

Best idea? Laconia could outsource Weirs management to the Forum. There's no shortage of free advice here.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by Airedale1

What needs to be done to remedy that?

Easy solution. Weirs docks need to hire a two valets to park all the boats. That way all the boat spaces can be easily utilized.

Not sure this has been done anywhere in the world, but it would be a first!