New to the lake

[pjard]

This lake is so big with so many coves and wide open spots. Give it a few trips and you will find the quiet spots even on busy holiday weekends. You will also learn very quickly the places to stay clear of. If you are able, do you several trips on weekdays, pick a destination, look at a Bizer map for rocks and have fun. It will take some time but you'll be fine.

[BroadHopper]

Old school boater here. So here are some pointers.

General rules of boating on the seacoast also apply on NH inland waterways.

Get familiar with the hills and mountaintops around the lake. They can be your guide to your general locations on the lake. Red Hill is usually North of Winnipesaukee.

Stop at Marine HQ in Glendale. They have a sticker you can apply on your dash panel to remind you of the buoys' descriptions.

If you are lost, seek the nearest light buoy. They are numbered. Match up the number on your chart and you will have an idea where you are.

Always be defensive! Never assume others will adhere to navigational rules of order.

Take it slow the first year! Better to be safe than sorry!

Have fun boating!

[whalebackpoint'r]

Originally Posted by pjard

This lake is so big with so many coves and wide open spots. Give it a few trips and you will find the quiet spots even on busy holiday weekends. You will also learn very quickly the places to stay clear of. If you are able, do you several trips on weekdays, pick a destination, look at a Bizer map for rocks and have fun. It will take some time but you'll be fine.

Many boaters do not have a clue as to what 150 feet looks like on the water. I like to think of it as half the length of a football field. That rule applies to the shorelines, another boat, person, dock, raft, etc. and applies to both sides of your craft. So, to pass between any of these, you need 300 feet plus the width of your craft. any distance less than that is at idle speed.

[LakeWinniMom]

If your boat is registered in MA, it can only be operated in NH for 30 consecutive days before it needs to be registered in NH. Make sure it has a good cleaning before putting it into the lake to keep all the ocean critters away.

Be prepared to wait for docking space at any Town Dock on the weekends, be patient and wait your turn. Meredith Bay has a very long no-wake zone leading to the Town Docks, worth it though - many restaurants and stores within walking distance.

Thank you for taking the time to learn the lake and the rules of the lake, it is much appreciated!

Enjoy your first year on Winni, lots of fun to explore!

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by whalebackpoint'r

Many boaters do not have a clue as to what 150 feet looks like on the water. I like to think of it as half the length of a football field. That rule applies to the shorelines, another boat, person, dock, raft, etc. and applies to both sides of your craft. So, to pass between any of these, you need 300 feet plus the width of your craft. any distance less than that is at idle speed.

I alway taught my kids that 150’ is the length of two water ski lines

[Meredith AK]

As you're near the Weirs channel, an option is the sandbar to the right (from the water) of the Margate resort on Paugus Bay. Easy to walk your boat in. Make sure you have 2 good anchors (bow and stern) to secure your location. Pack beverages and lunch for a fun day relaxing and saving gas money. Try to get there early (8-10ish) as it fills up early. On the way to/from, you can tube and ski as Paugus is typically calmer.

[garysanfran]

Jayhawk Nation...You're worrying too much. Just go out with your chart. Go slow at first. Get familiar with certain areas. Then go fast and have fun.

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

I alway taught my kids that 150’ is the length of two water ski lines

For me it's seven boat lengths. But it's whatever works, right?

[TownieRinker27]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

For me it's seven boat lengths. But it's whatever works, right?

I think the easiest reference is about how far I can throw a football. About 30 yards.