Major differences between Sebago in Maine and Lake Winnipesaukee

paintitredinHC · 04-10-2018, 04:38 PM

Generally I think Sebago is far less developed and still has quite a few original camps/cottages which can certainly be viewed as an advantage depending on your perspective. There is also far less congestion compared to Winnipesaukee - particularly on weekends at the southern side of the lake. Sebago is much more open than Winnipesaukee. While this offers largely uninterrupted site lines, it loses some of the character provided by the complex shoreline and numerous islands that Winnipesaukee offers. Given the fact that Sebago is so open, it can get very rough and there is little respite from the wind, while Winnipesaukee offers several coves/bays to take cover and explore. Being more developed, I think Winnipesaukee is much more destination based. Several ports of call/towns with numerous restaurants and shops create great day trips on Winnipesaukee. The options are far more limited on Sebago. There are certainly quiet spots on Winnipesaukee, particularly at the northern end of the lake - even on the weekends. Winnipesaukee can be much more of a challenge to navigate with lots of tricky channels and rocky shoals - keep your chart handy. I also noticed that a lot of people on Sebago keep their boats moored rather than at the dock. I suspect that is due to the combination of rougher water along with a very gradual drop in depth that limits docking.

I'm probably biased, but I'd pick Winnipesaukee over Sebago every time.

SAB1 · 04-10-2018, 04:51 PM

Depending on where you live the traffic. If I had to drive up/down route 95 every weekend in the summer and endure the Hampton toll, Piscataqua bridge to Maine and then the York toll plaza, Id be selling if owned on Sebago.

Dave R · 04-10-2018, 05:27 PM

Winnipesaukee feels like a cluster of smaller connected lakes while Sebago feels much bigger. Winni has great ports to visit and tie up, Sebago is very lacking in those. You cannot anchor overnight or beach your boat (like you can at the mouth of the Songo River) on Winni. Sebago is better marked for hazards, Winnipesaukee has plenty of ATONs but they are sometimes hard to see and the system used to place and color them is confusing for the beginner, at best; and ambiguous for everyone, at worst.

Water Camper · 04-11-2018, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paintitredinHC

Generally I think Sebago is far less developed and still has quite a few original camps/cottages which can certainly be viewed as an advantage depending on your perspective. There is also far less congestion compared to Winnipesaukee - particularly on weekends at the southern side of the lake. Sebago is much more open than Winnipesaukee. While this offers largely uninterrupted site lines, it loses some of the character provided by the complex shoreline and numerous islands that Winnipesaukee offers. Given the fact that Sebago is so open, it can get very rough and there is little respite from the wind, while Winnipesaukee offers several coves/bays to take cover and explore. Being more developed, I think Winnipesaukee is much more destination based. Several ports of call/towns with numerous restaurants and shops create great day trips on Winnipesaukee. The options are far more limited on Sebago. There are certainly quiet spots on Winnipesaukee, particularly at the northern end of the lake - even on the weekends. Winnipesaukee can be much more of a challenge to navigate with lots of tricky channels and rocky shoals - keep your chart handy. I also noticed that a lot of people on Sebago keep their boats moored rather than at the dock. I suspect that is due to the combination of rougher water along with a very gradual drop in depth that limits docking.

I'm probably biased, but I'd pick Winnipesaukee over Sebago every time.

I would agree with paintitredinHC. I grew up in Maine, frequently camped at the ME State Park and Point Sebago. Also owned property on Thomas Pond which runs into Sebago. In the late 80's started trailering to Winni and now own property on Paugus Bay.
I loved the openness and water quality of Sebago, but have found I enjoy even more the ability to visit many places on Winni, ie; restauraunts and other places of interest etc. Plus I can get to Winni in a half hour where it would take me at least 2 hours to get to the Sebago area from home.
We also tried Moosehead and Champlain, but here we are now on Winni.

Hope this helps,
Bill

BroadHopper · 04-11-2018, 07:21 AM

I find Maine laws a lot more boater friendly. The comraderies between boaters appears to be a lot friendlier. Back in the early 80's I help build a lakeside log home on Sebago using the logs from the property. It was a rewarding experience. Fishing is also unbelievable!

04-10-2018, 04:38 PM	#1
paintitredinHC Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 44 Thanks: 39 Thanked 19 Times in 13 Posts	Winnipesaukee vs. Sebago Generally I think Sebago is far less developed and still has quite a few original camps/cottages which can certainly be viewed as an advantage depending on your perspective. There is also far less congestion compared to Winnipesaukee - particularly on weekends at the southern side of the lake. Sebago is much more open than Winnipesaukee. While this offers largely uninterrupted site lines, it loses some of the character provided by the complex shoreline and numerous islands that Winnipesaukee offers. Given the fact that Sebago is so open, it can get very rough and there is little respite from the wind, while Winnipesaukee offers several coves/bays to take cover and explore. Being more developed, I think Winnipesaukee is much more destination based. Several ports of call/towns with numerous restaurants and shops create great day trips on Winnipesaukee. The options are far more limited on Sebago. There are certainly quiet spots on Winnipesaukee, particularly at the northern end of the lake - even on the weekends. Winnipesaukee can be much more of a challenge to navigate with lots of tricky channels and rocky shoals - keep your chart handy. I also noticed that a lot of people on Sebago keep their boats moored rather than at the dock. I suspect that is due to the combination of rougher water along with a very gradual drop in depth that limits docking. I'm probably biased, but I'd pick Winnipesaukee over Sebago every time.

04-10-2018, 05:27 PM	#3
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	Winnipesaukee feels like a cluster of smaller connected lakes while Sebago feels much bigger. Winni has great ports to visit and tie up, Sebago is very lacking in those. You cannot anchor overnight or beach your boat (like you can at the mouth of the Songo River) on Winni. Sebago is better marked for hazards, Winnipesaukee has plenty of ATONs but they are sometimes hard to see and the system used to place and color them is confusing for the beginner, at best; and ambiguous for everyone, at worst. Last edited by Dave R; 04-25-2018 at 04:50 PM.

04-11-2018, 07:21 AM	#5
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,619 Thanks: 3,248 Thanked 1,117 Times in 802 Posts	Maine vs NH I find Maine laws a lot more boater friendly. The comraderies between boaters appears to be a lot friendlier. Back in the early 80's I help build a lakeside log home on Sebago using the logs from the property. It was a rewarding experience. Fishing is also unbelievable! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

04-10-2018, 04:51 PM	#2
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 193 Thanked 335 Times in 243 Posts	Depending on where you live the traffic. If I had to drive up/down route 95 every weekend in the summer and endure the Hampton toll, Piscataqua bridge to Maine and then the York toll plaza, Id be selling if owned on Sebago.