First Time Boating on the Lake

FromDownSouoth · 06-11-2017, 02:51 PM

I greatly appreciate everyone's input here. Local knowledge is irreplaceable. If it helps, our house will be over in the Leavitt Park area, toward Little Loon island- not too far from Center Harbor. I figure that if I take a rental, I would probably rent out of Trexlers- which would require a trip across the lake to get the boat to the house.

Descant · 06-11-2017, 04:07 PM

This site is full of solid advice. Takes hours to read it all. I bet you could just knock on a neighbor's door at Leavitt Park and ask somebody to join you for an hour or two. Look in the yard first to see if they have toys suitable for your kid's age group. An hour with somebody pointing out makers and other highlights is worth many hours of reading here. Playmates for your kids? Priceless.

Coming from the SE, the bay in front of Leavitt Park looks pretty wide open. For some reason the horseshoe of buoys marking a huge shallow rocky area has a big opening on that side. You can drive right in. Oops. A local can line you up with a couple of landmarks and a "do not cross" line, so you will be safe even if the buoys disappear in the sun.

NH is the only state where safe passage requires headway speed when within 150 feet of another vessel. The buoy system is unique too, but easy to learn if you back it up with landmarks and a chart.

Have fun.

Biggd · 06-11-2017, 07:31 PM

Pontoons are great but we rented a 22ft with a 40hp engine a few years ago and it took forever to get anywhere. Try to find one with the biggest motor you can get.

Descant · 06-11-2017, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

Pontoons are great but we rented a 22ft with a 40hp engine a few years ago and it took forever to get anywhere. Try to find one with the biggest motor you can get.

To go over 25 hp you need a NASBLA recipocal safe boating certificate, USCG or Power Squadron certification. You can get a NH temporary certification too, from the rental; agent. Either way, watch the online video first.

Bud63 · 06-12-2017, 06:53 AM

Virginia has a great online study, test and license program and its reciprocal with NH. My whole family have used it to got ours.

Biggd · 06-12-2017, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud63

Virginia has a great online study, test and license program and its reciprocal with NH. My whole family have used it to got ours.

Ohio also.

dickiej · 06-12-2017, 07:23 AM

All depends on what you're into..... We don't really enjoy putting around looking at homes we could never afford! We study the map, read this forum, and find the lee side of an uninhabited island. We throw the anchor out, swim and snorkel and relax in the sun. Your kids will probably really enjoy it, especially if you bring all your water toys. Check out Ragged Island...

DanteMartiniello · 07-05-2017, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromDownSouoth

I greatly appreciate everyone's input here. Local knowledge is irreplaceable. If it helps, our house will be over in the Leavitt Park area, toward Little Loon island- not too far from Center Harbor. I figure that if I take a rental, I would probably rent out of Trexlers- which would require a trip across the lake to get the boat to the house.

We have lots of experience in the Center Harbor Area. I would recommend going under black cat bridge to the calm area of Salmon Meadow in a lot of windy weather, it offers a nice area to throw out an anchor or something, and take precautions of the northwest wind, it can be protruding harsh. And remember to take a look at "Becky's Garden" near Black Cat island, it might have a dollhouse if your lucky on it. And avoid the shallows opposite to the bridge on the other side, If seen boats get stuck on them rocks, and there ain't no tide to let you go. And also remember if you are going through Wears Channel, that can be hard with a 25' engine. My family stalled there from some big waves, and almost got hung up on some rocks.

Wish you luck.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-12-2017, 06:53 AM	#5
Bud63 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Virginia Boating Certificate Virginia has a great online study, test and license program and its reciprocal with NH. My whole family have used it to got ours.

06-11-2017, 02:51 PM	#1
FromDownSouoth Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I greatly appreciate everyone's input here. Local knowledge is irreplaceable. If it helps, our house will be over in the Leavitt Park area, toward Little Loon island- not too far from Center Harbor. I figure that if I take a rental, I would probably rent out of Trexlers- which would require a trip across the lake to get the boat to the house.

06-11-2017, 04:07 PM	#2
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,463 Thanks: 1,379 Thanked 1,665 Times in 1,084 Posts	This site is full of solid advice. Takes hours to read it all. I bet you could just knock on a neighbor's door at Leavitt Park and ask somebody to join you for an hour or two. Look in the yard first to see if they have toys suitable for your kid's age group. An hour with somebody pointing out makers and other highlights is worth many hours of reading here. Playmates for your kids? Priceless. Coming from the SE, the bay in front of Leavitt Park looks pretty wide open. For some reason the horseshoe of buoys marking a huge shallow rocky area has a big opening on that side. You can drive right in. Oops. A local can line you up with a couple of landmarks and a "do not cross" line, so you will be safe even if the buoys disappear in the sun. NH is the only state where safe passage requires headway speed when within 150 feet of another vessel. The buoy system is unique too, but easy to learn if you back it up with landmarks and a chart. Have fun.

06-11-2017, 07:31 PM	#3
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 2,296 Thanked 1,225 Times in 783 Posts	Pontoons are great but we rented a 22ft with a 40hp engine a few years ago and it took forever to get anywhere. Try to find one with the biggest motor you can get.

06-12-2017, 07:23 AM	#7
dickiej Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: White Salmon, WA Posts: 301 Thanks: 21 Thanked 171 Times in 93 Posts	All depends on what you're into..... We don't really enjoy putting around looking at homes we could never afford! We study the map, read this forum, and find the lee side of an uninhabited island. We throw the anchor out, swim and snorkel and relax in the sun. Your kids will probably really enjoy it, especially if you bring all your water toys. Check out Ragged Island...