First Visit-some ?'s

[JAW1971]

Hi Everyone- I have been reading the forum now for a few days- learning a lot- thank you!

We will be visiting the lake for the first time Labor Day weekend. Very Excited!
We will be staying at Naswa with our boat. We have the lake on our GPS system ( Its either Fishing Hots spots or the Nautics map not sure) I hear that Hazards are well marked..... so any advice for us first time boaters?
We have been on large lakes before- Champlain mostly. Here in CT Candlewood is the largest lake.... lots of pleasure boats- large wakes at times.


Also, is there a web site that lists the boating regs anywhere? I read about the 150' rule already . Anything else particular we need to know??

We will probably cruise around a lot to check the place out and HOPEFULLY do some fishing-- :-)

Any advice on places to eat?? ALso we have a toddler- so any fun places to take him??

Thanks!

[JG1222]

Welcome. My first suggestion would be not to rely on your GPS. Invest the money in a lake chart (you can even get those thorugh this website and money goes towards the forum) and use the GPS as a tool to use with the chart.

The chart will show the Mount Washington's cruise path - when in doubt, you can always use the path as a guide. You'll find that a lot of the "rules" (like Red, Right, Returning) don't necessarily apply on the lake.

Watch out for "The Witches" a series of rocks that come out of nowhere. Locate them on a chart at least ONCE before you head out (they are located near Governors and Timber Island). Knowing where they are ahead of time will save you the soiled boxers you'll experience when you're suddenly in the middle of them (something we managed to do religiously every summer when I was a kid).

Enjoy!

[jrc]

Do you need a Boating Education Certificate?

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/s...boatedfaq.html

[JAW1971]

Actually we both have boating and PWC licenses.

Thanks on the advice on the "Witches" Is that a nice detailed map for fishing as well? Our GPS does show hazards- I will check it out tonight

[Weirs guy]

Boy, if the witches isn't a fun place to bring a toddler I don't know what is! Used to scare me on the Doris and Sophie, never mind a smaller and non-metal hulled boat.

You should be able to find a few fun things for your toddler to do right at the Weirs, but most of that stuff is geared towards older kids. A train ride complete with ice cream sundays are a good bet, as are some of the arcades. For dinner you're right near our dearly beloved Waldo - Peppers and Willows (more formal), and if you like Mexican the Crazy Gringo is a very good bet.

Good luck and enjoy.

[JAW1971]

after reading some other posts- here is another question I have - we are going with Friends- who are bringing thier boat as well. In CT sometimes we tie off together and anchor up and just sit in a quite cove or close to shore somewhere just to relax and chill.... is that allowed here on this lake?
I see a lot of 'restrictiion's about 50' and 25' Is there a web site I can find there regulations listed?

Are any of the "islands" on this lake what we would call 'beachable'? Ex... here in CT we have a 'sandy island' on candlewood that we usually anchor to and get out and swim...

[SteveA]

JAW 1971

I'm no expert... but I found this out there in an old post (2004)... I assume this is still the rules.

Just Sold
08-15-2004, 01:02 PM
Here is the Boating Guide of New Hampshire section on rafting. Read the underlined section. I know it is discussing "rafted boats" but I think an anchored raft or moored boat meets the same requirement of this law. I hope it helps.


Rafting in New Hampshire
Raft is defined as “any group of 2 or more boats which are stationary upon the waters of a lake or pond and which are congregated together, whether anchored, secured to one another, or adrift, provided that at least one of the boats in the group is occupied.” Rafting is “forming or being a member of a raft.”

-There are designated locations and times in or during which the size of rafts are limited and a minimum distance is required between boats and rafts.
-Currently, there are rafting restrictions in certain locations on Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Sunapee and Ossipee Lake.
-No one in a prohibited location or at a prohibited time may:
Form or allow the boat, which you are operating or in charge of to join a raft consisting of 3 or more boats.
Form or allow the boat, which you are operating or in charge of to join a raft if any part of such raft is: less than 50 feet from any other raft; or less than 50 feet from any occupied single boat, which is stationary on the waters of the same lake or pond.
Anchor a single boat and cause it to remain stationary on the waters of a lake or pond, other than momentarily, if any part of such boat is: less than 50 feet away from any raft; or less than 25 feet away from any other single boat which is stationary on the waters of such lake or pond.

Someone advised you to buy the Bizer Map.. good advice... it clearly shows the "no rafting" area's

Like the NH state signs say as you cross the border... "You're gonna Love it here!"

SteveA

[jceria]

Just plain common sense and a chart (map) of the lake! Good pair of binoculars is a great help locating numbered bouys.

Enjoy!

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by JAW1971

after reading some other posts- here is another question I have - we are going with Friends- who are bringing thier boat as well. In CT sometimes we tie off together and anchor up and just sit in a quite cove or close to shore somewhere just to relax and chill.... is that allowed here on this lake?
I see a lot of 'restrictiion's about 50' and 25' Is there a web site I can find there regulations listed?

Are any of the "islands" on this lake what we would call 'beachable'? Ex... here in CT we have a 'sandy island' on candlewood that we usually anchor to and get out and swim...

No real "beachable" islands that I'm aware of, but there are some nice sandbars to checkout. Just look for no-rafting zones on your chart and you'll do alright. The best and most crowded in Braun Bay. The closest is in front of the Margate in Paugus Bay. Don't let the tough laws get you down, there's plenty of places to hang out and chill. I'm gonna PM ya my favorite.

[KPW]

"We have been on large lakes before- Champlain mostly. Here in CT Candlewood is the largest lake.... lots of pleasure boats- large wakes at times."

Please make sure to check your boat for zebra mussels. I believe that Lake Champlain has them. There are signs at most ramps, warning of this invasive species.

[camp guy]

Labor Day Weekend is near the end of the boating season and likely to have many boats on the Lake, including a handful of the usual "crazies" who can't seem to understand how to boat properly. Be aware !!, use courtesy at all times.

You will get a lot of good advice on this Forum from some very experienced boaters, and you will notice all of them will suggest a Lake chart - very important. The Bizer chart (available through this site) works very hard at being accurate, even when some of the passages look rather tight. When in doubt, go slow. If you are going to have an accident (and I certainly hope you don't), have it at the slowest speed possible. If you stay in the 'main stream' you will be fine. Enjoy the Lake, it is beautiful.

[JAW1971]

Hi Everyone!
First of all, I wanted to Thank everyone for all of your responses to my "First Timer ?'s' thread. We learned alot from everyones responses and the forum in general.

We arrived Saturday- Launched right away at Christmas Island. My Husband drove the boat over to Naswa and I checked in. We had a great view of the lake in our little efficiency unit. After unloading everything we headed out on the lake. We went to Meredith for the late afternoon- since that seemed the closest place to hit and it was a little rough and windy. That was fun- we had some good Clam Chowder at a dockside place. Then it seemed that the wind picked up so we headed back to Naswa.

Sunday- a washout. We tried to do some fishing in Paugus Bay - but we got soaked- and we had rain gear on. I think if we had that full bimini cover to protect us from rain- the part that is on the sides- we would have stayed out longer and explored. Oh well.. next time.

Monday was FINALLY a beautiful day!! We left Naswa at 7am and took to the lake. It was so beautiful. I posted some pics- but they are 'waiting approval' so hopefully they will be up soon. We went to Wolfeboro (sp?) and had some treats at the Yum Yum and window shopped.then over to Alton Bay for the Craft show and some lunch. The ride was ok... a little rough coming back from Alton...and our little 19 ft bowrider did ok.
I hope we can visit again -- longer next time- and explore more. Our GPS chip worked great for us. Along with all of your advice and our map we were able to avoid any 'mishaps'.

My toddlers favorite part of the whole trip- the no wake areas and waving to all the other boaters.

Next trip we will also hopefully try Waldo Peppers and the Christmas Island steak house. We did eat a nice dinner at Naswa- and although $$$$ it was VERY good!

Happy Boating!!!

[Dave R]

That's great to read. Glad you had fun.

We have camper canvas to attach to our bimini tops and enclose the cockpit. It's worth it's weight in gold on a cold rainy day. I highly recommend it if you are serious about adding it.

[Silver Duck]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit, and that everything went smoothly. Come back often, but be careful; Winni can be addictive! I've been home for two whole days, and I'm already itching to get back up there!

Silver Duck

[Waterbaby]

Originally Posted by Silver Duck

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit, and that everything went smoothly. Come back often, but be careful; Winni can be addictive! I've been home for two whole days, and I'm already itching to get back up there!

Silver Duck

Is that what you have? Just couldn't resist! lol. (Ducking, and no pun intended!!!!!!)

[fpartri497]

Originally Posted by Dave R

That's great to read. Glad you had fun.

We have camper canvas to attach to our bimini tops and enclose the cockpit. It's worth it's weight in gold on a cold rainy day. I highly recommend it if you are serious about adding it.

Dave R:

can you add another zipper to the front of the bimini to enclose It with a frnt. windshield and side curtains. Or do I need to buy a whole new camper canvas top? If so who around the lake would make It? your comments would be appreciated

thank you

[SIKSUKR]

Tom's Tops & Trim in Tilton.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by fpartri497

Dave R:

can you add another zipper to the front of the bimini to enclose It with a frnt. windshield and side curtains. Or do I need to buy a whole new camper canvas top? If so who around the lake would make It? your comments would be appreciated

thank you

You can have a canvas shop add zippers etc. No need to buy an all new top. Make sure to have U shaped zippered vents installed in the windshield part. I intend to have them added to mine.

[SAMIAM]

SIKSUKR ...To'ms is great...use him all the time,but he has moved to Laconia.Not sure of the name of the street but he's directly accross from Martels sports shop next to the railroad tracks

[SIKSUKR]

Thanks Samian.I didn't realize he moved.I must admit I knew him growing up in Manchester and loved his work but have not seen him in a couple of years.