Water driveways

SAMIAM · 06-04-2009, 12:59 PM

Just noticed that 76% of the replies on this thread come in durring working hours.......what a bunch of SLACKERS.And here you are supposed to be working.

Charlie T · 06-04-2009, 01:02 PM

And isn't lunch hour supposed to be a busy time for the restaurant business?

ironhorsetim · 06-04-2009, 02:35 PM

I just hope nobody is using a company computer

now back to your regular program.....

Formula260SS · 06-04-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Just noticed that 76% of the replies on this thread come in durring working hours.......what a bunch of SLACKERS.And here you are supposed to be working.

Maybe there is no work to do.......and that my friends is the "other" problem

BroadHopper · 06-04-2009, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Formula260SS

Maybe there is no work to do.......and that my friends is the "other" problem

Retirement maybe?????

Merrymeeting · 06-04-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Originally Posted by Formula260SS

Maybe there is no work to do.......and that my friends is the "other" problem

Originally Posted by Formula260SS

Maybe there is no work to do.......and that my friends is the "other" problem

Retirement maybe?????

Or perhaps the old 9-5 model no longer works. With meetings with people in Asia, Europe, and the West coast, my day often starts at 6AM and ends at 11 PM. No such thing as a 9-5 day anymore.

But, this is a topic for another thread...back to the point of water rights, use, and abuse...

RC246 · 06-04-2009, 10:24 PM

Ok, as an observer I'll put in my 2 cents of what happened that beautiful day.
The boats anchored, were NO WHERE near the loon area or the shoreline of that island.
In fact, you could have navigated a barge with room to spare to the dock where these older folks where headed without doing what they did. If there had been people in the water it would have been more serious than it was.
Picture yourself and YOUR family in your boat and another boat on a heading right for the transom of your boat faster than max wake speed.
What do you do besides use your horn, yell, and wave or get ready to jump off your boat before the collision occurred.
Needless to say the whole incident would have left a nasty package in the seat of your pants!!

This couple was flat out WRONG, PERIOD.

TomC · 06-05-2009, 04:20 AM

set up the same scenario - this time with a video camera at the ready...

As far as the waterfront/boater rights, if you replace "in the lake, right in front of my beach" with "on the sidewalk, right in front of my house" - it may give a different perspective on the use of public property for recreation and how it impacts the landowner immediately adjacent to it...

OCDACTIVE · 06-05-2009, 06:10 AM

Tomc, I think you definately put a very good perspective on the situation. I also feel that there has to be a compromise. If I were coming home and a family had set up a picnic in front of my house by the sidewalk, although I do not own the land and have no "rights" to it, I would still be a bit upset.

Now with that said, while your description has merit, you can not draw a direct comparrison from the sidewalk in front of your house to the lake. People come into coves to get out of the wind / stay out of channels and areas of traveling boat traffic.

In the situation that sparked this thread, it wasn't a group of noisy, littering, annoying boats anchored right off their dock (from the sounds of it). They were not impeding access to the docks. In this case I would totally agree with RC246.. TOTALLY WRONG. While the home owners may not like where they were rafting, they had no right to do what they did.

Even if they thought that the rafters were breaking the law anchoring where they were positioned, it doesn't give them the right to drive that close above no wake speed, plain and simple.

Just my 2 cents. Play on.

Lakegeezer · 06-05-2009, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomC

set up the same scenario - this time with a video camera at the ready...

As far as the waterfront/boater rights, if you replace "in the lake, right in front of my beach" with "on the sidewalk, right in front of my house" - it may give a different perspective on the use of public property for recreation and how it impacts the landowner immediately adjacent to it...

The analogy of a sidewalk doesn't seem quite right. It is as if you bought a home next to a public park and then objected when people showed up on Saturday to play a game of baseball or have a picnic. When someone buys a house in a nice quiet cove, they should assume that others want to enjoy it too, and will. All told, boaters will be in the cove less than 2% of the year (5 hours a day, 3 days a week, 12 weeks a year). Unfortunately, that may overlap the limited time the home owner chooses to be there too, and they can't pull anchor and move to a different cove.

Perhaps the right attitude for boaters and home owners alike to have is one of sharing. The boater is not alone and should act that way. If they are looking for privacy, they need to go somewhere else. The home owner has already chosen a spot that must occasionally be shared and must accept that.

Some of the conflict comes from the home owners who have managed to get no-rafting laws enacted in their areas. To extend the analogy, this is like having the town ban playing baseball in some parts of the public park because the neighbors complain. This causes other areas of the park to be used more frequently, so other neighbors start complaining until the point that baseball and picnics are no longer allowed in the public park.

The result of no-rafting rules causes some boaters to find other areas, and the choices have become limited. Coves that used to be rarely used are being found and have become popular. One solution is to revoke no-rafting laws and open the entire lake back up to the public. It could start with Kona!

alsadad · 06-05-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

One solution is to revoke no-rafting laws and open the entire lake back up to the public.

Lakegeezer, I wholeheartedly agree that boaters and waterfront landowners need to be more sharing. I am both, and I suspect you are, too. But if the abutting landowners, or someone else, have told you that no-rafting areas are closed to the public then you need to set them straight. These areas are NOT closed to the public, nor are boaters prohibited from anchoring there. And, ironically enough, “no rafting” doesn’t even literally mean no rafting, it means that rafts are limited to two boats. It does seem that some waterfront landowners think the lake in front of their homes is closed to the public, but that doesn’t mean they’re right.

webmaster · 06-04-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Just noticed that 76% of the replies on this thread come in durring working hours.......what a bunch of SLACKERS.And here you are supposed to be working.

Even in good times M-F 9-5 was always the most active time for this site with lunchtime the peek. Weekend days have about half the traffic of weekdays.

SAMIAM · 06-05-2009, 07:44 AM

Thanks,Don....I rest my case.Ha ha,Charlie.......my wife THINKS I'm working.

4Fun · 06-05-2009, 09:15 AM

Maybe we should have an "On the water" forum fest right in front of "Pieces" camp this summer

Misty Blue · 06-05-2009, 11:52 AM

Some folks in this discussion have made a point that it's OK to anchor off of a property if they are 150 feet or more away from the dock.

Anchoring that far from shore could put the anchored boat in a area where there could cause a collision with an underrway boat.

My neighbor used to talk about a boat that used to anchor off of his place every wednesday. He said that a man and a woman on the boat would take off their clothes and do "things".

My wife noticed a telescope by his bay window. It was pointing down twards the Lake. She said "Isn't this thing supposed to be looking at the sky?"

Misty Blue

fatlazyless · 06-05-2009, 01:06 PM

hey...how about a major film studio picking this up and creating a dramatic summer film, shot on the lake....just envision Richard Dreyfuss and Bette Midler as the nasty arrogant retired wealthy couple who summer out there, way across the bay, on Attitude Island....

a scene could go like this

Dreyfuss' character: Just look Dear, another fisherman, is here, making our little cove feel so dirty...

Midler's character: Yes, what a shame, with this whole big lake, why must they do that terrible fishing right here, so we are forced to look at them...

Dreyfuss' character: Now, couldn't they just take up drinking and leave the fishing rods at home...

Midler's character: some people, I tell you Dear....it's just terrible what we have to put up with just to get to our little island...

SAMIAM · 06-05-2009, 05:56 PM

FLL........Couple of people in a white truck are coming to see you with a net......let them in...they are your friends

partsman · 06-05-2009, 08:49 PM

While just a newbie to this forum, I have been on this lake for 60 years and in the marine business for 40 years and have seen all the scenarios you all describe.

Woodsy says it best:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

The problem lies in what a waterfront property owner might think is reasonable vs. what an anchored boater might think is reasonable. The laws are on the side of the boater.

Unfortunately, those who own waterfront property abut what is essentially a state park. While its very desireable to abut such a beautiful park, it has its downfalls. Its not your "cove" or your "backyard" You have to put up with Joe Public. Joe Public can be annoyingly noisy guy. You knew that going in! If I were the sailboater mentioned in Post #5 I would have politely told the MP to leave me alone...

What I find humorous is the perception that being anchored off the shoreline is somehow inconsiderate?? I dont quite get that. The property line ends at the high water mark... PERIOD! If someone anchors thier boat off your property and proceed to enjoy themselves... lunch, swim, music, etc. Its no different than a group of people playing frisbee in a park. While Joe Public has a RIGHT to enjoy the lake/park as they see fit, the waterfront property owner/park abutter does not have ANY RIGHTS (other than the Littoral rights mentioned above) past thier property line which for the lake is the high water mark!

It is precisely the NIMBY attitude of some waterfront property owners that has resulted in the many no rafting zones... the more no rafting zones we have, the more people have to spread out into other areas of the lake.

I am a considerate boater... I have never anchored in front of someones property and certainly have never caused an annoyance. However I have a serious problem when a property onwer THINKS that he/she has RIGHTS that somehow trump mine.... that is certainly not the case or the law here in NH!

Woodsy

To all shorefront land owners, we locals have as much right to the waterways in NH as you do. Some of us choose to not purchase shorefront property because we don't need to own it when we can just boat from our rented docks or launch ramps; others of us can not afford to. The reality is, it is as much our lake as yours. Get over it. If the law is being broken you should absolutely contact the proper authorities. If someone is just enjoying their right to our great lake, leave them alone.

hazelnut · 06-05-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by partsman

While just a newbie to this forum, I have been on this lake for 60 years and in the marine business for 40 years and have seen all the scenarios you all describe.

Woodsy says it best:

To all shorefront land owners, we locals have as much right to the waterways in NH as you do. Some of us choose to not purchase shorefront property because we don't need to own it when we can just boat from our rented docks or launch ramps; others of us can not afford to. The reality is, it is as much our lake as yours. Get over it. If the law is being broken you should absolutely contact the proper authorities. If someone is just enjoying their right to our great lake, leave them alone.

As a lakefront property owner (island) I concur. Well said partsman. We can all get along here and just be courteous of each other. Goes both way here by the way. This lake is big enough for all of us to enjoy!

LIforrelaxin · 06-08-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by partsman

The reality is, it is as much our lake as yours.

Here is the problem at the root of it all..... putting ownership in regards to the lake....

"our lake" ... "your (lake)"...... it is THE LAKE...... any time people start to assign ownership over something arguments will insue...... locals, feel it is theirs, while lake front property owners feel it belongs to them..... it belongs to all of us.....

Now as for grumpy land owners, I watch two fishing boats go passed my property this weekend.... both of which maintaind their boats 30 to 40 feet out past the end of my dock, and where carefull not to cast anywhere near the dock or the kids in the water.... Hell I even talked with them as they passed by....... we RESPECTED each other right to enjoy THE LAKE...... therefore it was a wonderful day.....

RC246 · 06-05-2009, 08:51 PM

Thank you OCDACTIVE for seeing the REALITY of the situation.
4Fun, count me in on the forum fest (though not in front "of Pieces") BUT, in the same spot this incident occoured.

VtSteve · 06-05-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by partsman

While just a newbie to this forum, I have been on this lake for 60 years and in the marine business for 40 years and have seen all the scenarios you all describe.

Woodsy says it best:

To all shorefront land owners, we locals have as much right to the waterways in NH as you do. Some of us choose to not purchase shorefront property because we don't need to own it when we can just boat from our rented docks or launch ramps; others of us can not afford to. The reality is, it is as much our lake as yours. Get over it. If the law is being broken you should absolutely contact the proper authorities. If someone is just enjoying their right to our great lake, leave them alone.

End of thread. Great post, says it all.

ApS · 06-06-2009, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtSteve

End of thread. Great post, says it all.

Well, when I got to here:

Quote:

I...certainly have never caused an annoyance.

I thought this...and then this.

This'nThat · 06-05-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webmaster

Even in good times M-F 9-5 was always the most active time for this site with lunchtime the peek. Weekend days have about half the traffic of weekdays.

I wonder how "lunchtime" is measured? For example, the clock time (and my computer clock time) is currently 9:51pm. However, the post time is 7:51pm. A 2-hour difference. So, is lunchtime the clock time, or is it the post time?

Kamper · 06-06-2009, 07:14 AM

At my current assignment it's not practical to sign in and comment so I've been with you folks in spirit only.

I agree with the "public park" comparison for our lakes. It is perhaps the best way to get across the public domain concept. I will keep this in mind the next time somebody gets territorial about "their" slice of the lake. As a former frequent user of our public parks I have to say though, there are a lot of "Ranger Boneheads" on the trails so don't expect too many B/H's to see the light.

KonaChick · 06-06-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamper

At my current assignment it's not practical to sign in and comment so I've been with you folks in spirit only.

I agree with the "public park" comparison for our lakes. It is perhaps the best way to get across the public domain concept. I will keep this in mind the next time somebody gets territorial about "their" slice of the lake. As a former frequent user of our public parks I have to say though, there are a lot of "Ranger Boneheads" on the trails so don't expect too many B/H's to see the light.

This says it all. It's truly not about us vs. them but about the boneheads on BOTH sides who ruin it for everyone. The lakefront owner who deals with loud, rude obnoxious rafter is going to remember that experience more than the group of respectful law abiding ones and vice versa. Remember the old Osmond song "One Bad Apple Don't Spoil the Whole Bunch Girl"!!! I'm dating myself here

gravy boat · 06-07-2009, 07:50 AM

hoytglp -- The Varneys sounds like a nice place to anchor with about 20 of my closest boating friends. I'll have to spread the word and schedule a redevouz date! I'll suggest they bring the waterballoon launchers to ward off any boneheads zooming by too close. GB

SAMIAM · 06-07-2009, 08:30 AM

Good idea with the balloon launchers,gravy boat.....and don't forget biodegradable toilet tissue in case you have to do your business in the lake.

hazelnut · 06-07-2009, 07:42 PM

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!

Against my better judgment I boated over to the Weirs on Saturday. Usually I don't do this due to the fact that the largest concentration of Captain Boneheads congregate in this area on any given Saturday. Anyway it was such a light boat traffic day that I thought what harm could come of it, right? WRONG!

I am sorry but this idiot in his pontoon boat in the Governors Island Channel pushed me to me breaking point. I've said it on here before that I try to fluff stuff of when I see it happening around me. I usually shrug my shoulders, laugh and shake my head. Well I snapped on Saturday. It began with this bleeping bleep-hole riding up my swim platform coming through the G.I. Channel. I had a Scarab in front of me and I wasn't about to drive up through him so I held my patience and figured well if this guy hits me he will owe me $$$ No big deal. Well as we approach the end of the no wake headed towards the Weirs this "captain" on his pontoon boat, older guy with his friends on the boat, punches his throttle and rides up next to me less than 15 feet away. Seriously 15 FEET! I have 3 little kids on my boat, ages 5 year old twins and 2 year old girl. Now he's actually turned towards the side of my boat and closing the gap. I FREAK!!!!! Basically I ask him, I don't have to yell because he could actually be ON my boat he's so close, "Is this your first day driving a boat?" He mouths off something and I elevate my voice inform him of the law and basically tell him he sucks at driving a boat. We break right throttle up and head for the Weirs channel. Guess who comes up behind us? YUP! You guessed it. When I finally stop at channel for gas he rides up beside us and tries, TRIES to make a comment, I cut him off and tell him "You are the absolute WORST boat driver on this lake, your passengers are in MORTAL DANGER driving with you!" I said "You not only put them in danger but the lives of my children." I then told him "move along before Marine Patrol is called and we check to see if you actually have a license to operate a boat in the first place!" He left, wonder if he actually had a license?

Probably not!

Phew I feel better now.

Usually I don't explode like that but when it comes to putting my kids in harms way I FREAK!!!

OCDACTIVE · 06-07-2009, 08:34 PM

wow hazel... Not good... Sorry I missed you swung by around 1 ish. One of these times!

VtSteve · 06-07-2009, 09:31 PM

The old days are gone. Used to be, just a few shotgun blasts would do it

Seriously, was he doing the speed limit?

jrc · 06-07-2009, 10:44 PM

Do pontoon boats make wakes

I've had at least three pass me in narrow spots, when I question then they always say that they're not making a wake. It seems I'm the only boat on the lake that makes a wake, because whenever I question (OK, yell at) someone passing me within in spitting distance, they always say they're not making a wake.

It's been so quiet all spring, but Saturday reminded me how many people just don't under stand the rules of the road. How hard is it to remember, the guy on the right usually gets to go first.

And don't get started about the pinhead in the sailboat in Glendale...

Marker42 · 06-08-2009, 08:16 AM

As much as you may not like it the lake itself is a public area. Weather having an anchored boater or fisherman casting under your docks etc. it's public and owned by the State of NH. I do find it lets say stressing when they are close to the front of your property, but it is actually more that they are inconsiderate to be so close in many cases. If you find they are over nighting then call and kick there .......... out.

When it comes to the let's call them unsafe boaters, you still need to keep your cool

to insure the safety of your vessel and passengers. Unfortunately there are not going away and will probably only get worst. I have found myself not going out on warrior weekends any more between the unsafe boaters, parking battles at docks, speed limits, kayaks etc in the middle of the Broads, and motoring sailboats thinking they fall under sailboat rules (your a motorboat at this point). Commons sense goes along aways please use it.

SIKSUKR · 06-08-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

Do pontoon boats make wakes

I've had at least three pass me in narrow spots, when I question then they always say that they're not making a wake. It seems I'm the only boat on the lake that makes a wake, because whenever I question (OK, yell at) someone passing me within in spitting distance, they always say they're not making a wake.
..

It doesn't matter if they don't make a wake at speed.The rule is 6mph or the slowest speed to maintain your course.

Woodsy · 06-08-2009, 01:11 PM

Hazel...

The amount of Boneheads out this saturday was amazing... Sorry you had a close encounter with one!

No Wake speed does not mean 'Dead Slow".... In the past I have seen the MP chastise boats going that slow in the Weirs Channel... Usually a big cruiser with Martini Yacht Club flag! LOL!

Woodsy

sa meredith · 06-08-2009, 01:24 PM

The difference between boating on a weekday and weekend, is remarkable!
It's like night and day.
On a Friday, which is my usual boat day, people seem to respect each other, and know where they should be..."give way, vs. stand on" and so forth.
But on a weekend?! Christ, it is completely impossible to anticipate another boat's coure of action...you just never know.
I would bet over 70 percent of weekend boaters have no idea who has the "right of way" in any given situation.

Mee-n-Mac · 06-08-2009, 01:45 PM

I took "Mee" and her friends out for a house tour around Governors I. on Sunday and despite the low number of boats I had no less than 4 boats ignore the 150' rule and 1 RoW violation. Two were cruiser captains, 1 runabout and 1 pontoon. Sad thing was, with one exception, all were at least my age or older. You'd think by that age they'd have learned something but as the saying goes, "age is no guarantee of wisdom". The good thing was as I waited for my turn to go under the G I bridge I antipated the 2'nd boat in line on the far side to try to sneak through. But to my surprise he held off and let me take my proper turn. Nice to see some courtesy and respect for the unwritten rules still exist.

Time to start this season's Capt Bonehead thread I guess. I've vowed to keep a spare digicam I have on the boat. You don't want to be in this gallery.

hazelnut · 06-08-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

The good thing was as I waited for my turn to go under the G I bridge I antipated the 2'nd boat in line on the far side to try to sneak through. But to my surprise he held off and let me take my proper turn. Nice to see some courtesy and respect for the unwritten rules still exist.

It is nice to come across the occasional courteous boater isn't it. I really do think that there are many good boaters out there and that it is just the few bad boaters that make the biggest impact on the whole experience.

chipj29 · 06-08-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hazelnut

It is nice to come across the occasional courteous boater isn't it. I really do think that there are many good boaters out there and that it is just the few bad boaters that make the biggest impact on the whole experience.

You know, that is a very good point. You guys who encountered the Capt Boneheads this weekend no doubt saw dozens more boats who were being safe and courteous. Yet we have no thread about that. Kind of makes me wonder, with all the negative posts about the boneheads maybe to the uneducated observer to this forum, the lake doesn't really appear to be all that safe. Again, that is based on the posts in this forum...in general.

jrc · 06-08-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

It doesn't matter if they don't make a wake at speed.The rule is 6mph or the slowest speed to maintain your course.

I was making a joke. The incidents I refer to were all well above 6 mph, more like 15+. I did not mean to single out pontoons, and sailboats, I've seen pinheads in pretty much every type of boat. Once in awhile I even see one in the mirror. Everyone make mistakes.

BTW I was thinking about the original topic of this thread on Sunday. We decided to search out some new spots to stop and fish for awhile.

We pulled into a quiet cove on Bear Island. I looked around for a few minutes for a good spot but there were people sitting out on docks and porches and this thread kept going through my mind.

I even dropped the anchor for a second but just didn't feel comfortable, so I went for a ride instead.

My wife thinks I'm an idiot. She really likes to find good fishing spots, even though we never seem to catch anything. She could not understand why I felt uncomfortable.

Rattlesnake Guy · 06-08-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

BTW I was thinking about the original topic of this thread on Sunday. We decided to search out some new spots to stop and fish for awhile.

We pulled into a quiet cove on Bear Island. I looked around for a few minutes for a good spot but there were people sitting out on docks and porches and this thread kept going through my mind.

I even dropped the anchor for a second but just didn't feel comfortable, so I went for a ride instead.

My wife thinks I'm an idiot. She really likes to find good fishing spots, even though we never seem to catch anything. She could not understand why I felt uncomfortable.

Try to remember this post from a land owner that is fortunate to have one edge of the property adjoining "the lake" the next time you feel uncomfortable. The great majority of those of us fortunate enough to touch the lake with our property and docks also own a boat. With that boat we travel to every nook and cranny of "the lake". We respect everyone's right to share the water. Boats come buy and fish or picnic or swim all day long. (on a good day) Most of us enjoy the change in scenery. We love to check out the variety of boats and people.

I get a little stressed when a Captain B head comes close to my family swimming, but that is a rare event for us.

I don't want to feel uncomfortable when I travel the lake and hope that no one feels uncomfortable experiencing our bit of heaven from the other side of the glass. The way I look at it is if I did not want people enjoying the space right next to me, I should have not bought a house that abuts a State Park.

Enjoy this great lake we share.

Skip · 06-08-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Try to remember this post from a land owner that is fortunate to have one edge of the property adjoining "the lake" the next time you feel uncomfortable. The great majority of those of us fortunate enough to touch the lake with our property and docks also own a boat. With that boat we travel to every nook and cranny of "the lake". We respect everyone's right to share the water. Boats come buy and fish or picnic or swim all day long. (on a good day) Most of us enjoy the change in scenery. We love to check out the variety of boats and people.

I get a little stressed when a Captain B head comes close to my family swimming, but that is a rare event for us.

I don't want to feel uncomfortable when I travel the lake and hope that no one feels uncomfortable experiencing our bit of heaven from the other side of the glass. The way I look at it is if I did not want people enjoying the space right next to me, I should have not bought a house that abuts a State Park.

Enjoy this great lake we share.

That is one of the nicest and well thought out posts that I have read here in a long time!

You Rattlesnake's are a very fine couple; the Lake in general and society in particular would do well to have more folks around just like you guys!

BroadHopper · 06-08-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Try to remember this post from a land owner that is fortunate to have one edge of the property adjoining "the lake" the next time you feel uncomfortable. The great majority of those of us fortunate enough to touch the lake with our property and docks also own a boat. With that boat we travel to every nook and cranny of "the lake". We respect everyone's right to share the water. Boats come buy and fish or picnic or swim all day long. (on a good day) Most of us enjoy the change in scenery. We love to check out the variety of boats and people.

I get a little stressed when a Captain B head comes close to my family swimming, but that is a rare event for us.

I don't want to feel uncomfortable when I travel the lake and hope that no one feels uncomfortable experiencing our bit of heaven from the other side of the glass. The way I look at it is if I did not want people enjoying the space right next to me, I should have not bought a house that abuts a State Park.

Enjoy this great lake we share.

Wish there was a thank you button on this thread.

ApS · 06-11-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

"...I have seen an aerial photo at Lancaster BBQ in Mooresville NC of a huge rafting party on Lake Norman. From the air it looks like a huge serpent in the middle of the lake..."

Lake Norman's exceptional rafting contest is done for Charity: As a long, narrow and awkwardly-shaped lake, the raft must be serpent-shaped because room for normal boat traffic is necessary.

Two advantages of Lake Norman, is that it has a municipal water supply, and the location is
a "dry county". (IF you get my drift).

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

"...I like to see on a calm day a huge rafting party on The Broads...Will anyone be interested in joining a rafting party on The Broads, weather permitting, to enter a number in Guinness Book of World record? That will be slick to have another Winnipesaukee first..."

I doubt, even for Charity, you could get as many boats as Lake Norman gets:
Their record is over 1453 boats registered for the event!

That said, locating your competing Lake Winnipesaukee rafting contest in "The Broads" would be far more accommodating to lakefront owners.

Many lakefront owners depend on a "clean" supply of water at the intake pipe. The availability of clean water is much-reduced in the shallower waters of Lake Winnipesaukee's inlets, coves, bays, and especially those oft-maligned No-Rafting zones.

hazelnut · 06-08-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

I was making a joke. The incidents I refer to were all well above 6 mph, more like 15+. I did not mean to single out pontoons, and sailboats, I've seen pinheads in pretty much every type of boat. Once in awhile I even see one in the mirror. Everyone make mistakes.

BTW I was thinking about the original topic of this thread on Sunday. We decided to search out some new spots to stop and fish for awhile.

We pulled into a quiet cove on Bear Island. I looked around for a few minutes for a good spot but there were people sitting out on docks and porches and this thread kept going through my mind.

I even dropped the anchor for a second but just didn't feel comfortable, so I went for a ride instead.

My wife thinks I'm an idiot. She really likes to find good fishing spots, even though we never seem to catch anything. She could not understand why I felt uncomfortable.

I have to admit this thread went through my mind this past weekend as well. My wife and kids and I were out for a kayak ride. I was hugging the shoreline and we came across a property where I got the distinct feeling that the owner wasn't quite happy to see me just 20 feet off the dock cruising by. Oh well, most of the people I encountered were more than happy to offer a good morning a wave and a smile much to the delight of my kids who emphatically waved back. The 2 year old says "Hi, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi...." over and over until she gets a response. Most love it and laugh, wave and say hi back. Then as we paddle away she starts with "bye, bye, bye, bye, bye, bye...." until she gets a bye and a wave.

Saturday was soooooooooo quiet up until noon time or so.

Just Sold · 06-08-2009, 07:25 PM

R-Guy is right on target and Skip has both the RG's pegged right. They are very nice people that some out there need to learn from.

From my experiences out on the lake: a few years ago I was in the far eastern end of the lake in an area that has a sandy botton and is < 25' deep quite a distance out from shore. I anchored about 200' out from where there was a very small boat mooring area (400'+ from shore) and in fact not directly out from the mooring area. Well the "Woman" who obviously had some children with her on shore went out to her moored boat got in releasing the boat from the mooring and proceeded to do a few spins creating a large wake which came out towards my boat and then parked the boat at the dock. She never took the boat out from the dock while I was there. I also got a few nasty looks from her as well but she never said a word to me. I did not move - finished our lunch took a swim and then read a book for a while. BTW the "Womans" property was a common area to a number of other homes not directly on the water. I know the area well as the adjoining property is one that I visited in my youth and is still owned by the same family today.

I believe in respecting a property owners litoral rights and not be so rude as to drop anchor up close to shore. Would you pull up in front of someones home - on a street - get out and play catch in the street right up to their property line? Well maybe there are some that would.

sa meredith · 06-08-2009, 07:34 PM

If you are boating on weekdays, and are seeking a quiet cove, where there are no homes (yet, at least), try Johnson's Cove in Winter Harbor.
On weekdays, it has become one of my favorite spots on the lake.
Very easy to anchor, and see nothing but water and woods all day. Very quiet, usually. And if you feel like climbing ashore after a swim, there is noone there to chase you away.

jrc · 06-08-2009, 08:16 PM

Thanks for the good advice RG,

I'm not totally inhibited from anchoring but I usually don't like to be too close. We are quiet, no kids or loud music, so if you have to have a boat in your cove...

Now when the teenagers visit, we go to Paugus bay near the cemetary, and let the splashing and yelling wake the people there.

SA Meredith, I know about Johnson's, but I never tried going in there. Can't think of why now. Probably pretty crowded on weekends.

We have our tried and true places, some for crowded days, some we have friends at, some good for windy days, some only for weekdays, but sometimes we like to explore and find new places.

C_Duff · 06-08-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hazelnut

I cut him off and tell him "You are the absolute WORST boat driver on this lake, your passengers are in MORTAL DANGER driving with you!" I said "You not only put them in danger but the lives of my children." I then told him "move along before Marine Patrol is called and we check to see if you actually have a license to operate a boat in the first place!"

Good for you! People like that need that verbal "slap in the face" to get it through their skulls

John A. Birdsall · 06-09-2009, 07:20 PM

Someone said that they could moore 5' off the shore. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that there is a law saying that it illegal to moore less than 25' and then you must be 50' from another boat. I must admit that I am not sure of this and could be wrong. (did I say I could be wrong?)

I think that we all should respect other peoples property and privacy. Be courtess to your fellow boaters, obey the 150' rule, and then above all else enjoy the lake the summer is too short.

jrc · 06-09-2009, 08:25 PM

John, the distance from shore and distance from other boats, only applies in "No Rafting Zones". Outside these zones there are no distance rules or laws.

See RSA 270:44 or search for rafting on this forum.

Orion · 06-10-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

Outside these zones there are no distance rules or laws.

Yiiikes! It's like the wild-wild west out there! Better stay in the no-rafting zones!

BroadHopper · 06-10-2009, 07:27 PM

I have seen an aerial photo at Lancaster BBQ in Mooresville NC of a huge rafting party on Lake Norman. From the air it looks like a huge serpant in the middle of the lake. This is pretty slick. I like to see on a calm day a huge rafting party on The Broads. I see no entry in Guiness Book of World record for number of boats tied together. Will anyone be interested in joining a rafting party on The Broads, weather permitting, to enter a number in Guiness Book of World record? That will be slick to have another Winnipesaukee first.

jrc · 06-10-2009, 07:46 PM

I've seen and been in rafts of about a dozen boats on Winnipesaukee. It was novel the first few times but it lost it's appeal. I haven't rafted the new boat yet, but I may try it with one or two friends.

I've seen aerial shots like BH of huge rafts, at least a hundred boats. From a practical standpoint making this is on Winnipesaukee would be difficult. First you need a big shallow area that's not in a No rafting Zone. Anchoring in 80-90 feet of water like the broads will make an unweildy raft.

Second you need to keep the wakes down. And one big wake will send everyone scrambling. No matter how many fenders I had out I never felt safe in a big raft. Imagine the weight of ten other boats carried by a big wake and pushing on your hullsides. Now think about 100 boats.

Count me out, but I might buy the photo from Flyguy!

tis · 06-10-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I have seen an aerial photo at Lancaster BBQ in Mooresville NC of a huge rafting party on Lake Norman. From the air it looks like a huge serpant in the middle of the lake. This is pretty slick. I like to see on a calm day a huge rafting party on The Broads. I see no entry in Guiness Book of World record for number of boats tied together. Will anyone be interested in joining a rafting party on The Broads, weather permitting, to enter a number in Guiness Book of World record? That will be slick to have another Winnipesaukee first.

I wouldn't like to join it, but I sure would like to see it. If you do it make sure you tell us so we can watch!

SAMIAM · 06-11-2009, 08:42 AM

After reading Woodswalks post,I would bet that he would welcome all in front of his place where it's a little more shallow

jrc · 06-11-2009, 11:55 AM

Check this out

http://www.skipperbuds.com/Page.aspx...e-Raft-Up.aspx

LakeSnake · 06-11-2009, 12:34 PM

BroadHopper,

In the day's of my youth I tried a simmilar stunt as you describe with about 5 or 6 boats in the broads behind Rattlesnake. It went really well until just after dusk we were interruped by the Mount's horn as it came directly towards us from Wolfborough.

If you need to know how fast a bunch of youngsters can unlash five boats and get them underway I can defenitly tell you.

Therefore I must pass the offer to attempt this on a larger scale. I am not that young, quick or darring any more.

bigRazor · 06-11-2009, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrc

Check this out

http://www.skipperbuds.com/Page.aspx...e-Raft-Up.aspx

That looks like so much fun that it would have to be illegal in New England.

06-04-2009, 12:59 PM	#1
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,911 Thanks: 337 Thanked 1,687 Times in 593 Posts	Bunch of slackers Just noticed that 76% of the replies on this thread come in durring working hours.......what a bunch of SLACKERS.And here you are supposed to be working.

06-04-2009, 01:02 PM	#2
Charlie T Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 319 Thanks: 259 Thanked 185 Times in 89 Posts	Posting times And isn't lunch hour supposed to be a busy time for the restaurant business?

06-04-2009, 02:35 PM	#3
ironhorsetim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Laconia/Ft Myers Beach, Fl Posts: 184 Thanks: 57 Thanked 26 Times in 23 Posts	I just hope nobody is using a company computer now back to your regular program..... __________________ "If common sense was common,everyone would have it" Ironhorsetim "Always do sober,what you say you'll do drunk, That will teach you to keep your mouth shut" Ernest Hemmingway

06-05-2009, 04:20 AM	#8
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 703 Thanks: 23 Thanked 103 Times in 70 Posts	if it happened once, it'll happen again set up the same scenario - this time with a video camera at the ready... As far as the waterfront/boater rights, if you replace "in the lake, right in front of my beach" with "on the sidewalk, right in front of my house" - it may give a different perspective on the use of public property for recreation and how it impacts the landowner immediately adjacent to it...

06-05-2009, 06:10 AM	#9
OCDACTIVE Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fort Myers FL / Moultonboro Posts: 1,045 Thanks: 444 Thanked 574 Times in 178 Posts	Tomc, I think you definately put a very good perspective on the situation. I also feel that there has to be a compromise. If I were coming home and a family had set up a picnic in front of my house by the sidewalk, although I do not own the land and have no "rights" to it, I would still be a bit upset. Now with that said, while your description has merit, you can not draw a direct comparrison from the sidewalk in front of your house to the lake. People come into coves to get out of the wind / stay out of channels and areas of traveling boat traffic. In the situation that sparked this thread, it wasn't a group of noisy, littering, annoying boats anchored right off their dock (from the sounds of it). They were not impeding access to the docks. In this case I would totally agree with RC246.. TOTALLY WRONG. While the home owners may not like where they were rafting, they had no right to do what they did. Even if they thought that the rafters were breaking the law anchoring where they were positioned, it doesn't give them the right to drive that close above no wake speed, plain and simple. Just my 2 cents. Play on. __________________ Have you had your Vessel Inspected Yet?

06-04-2009, 10:24 PM	#7
RC246 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ok, as an observer I'll put in my 2 cents of what happened that beautiful day. The boats anchored, were NO WHERE near the loon area or the shoreline of that island. In fact, you could have navigated a barge with room to spare to the dock where these older folks where headed without doing what they did. If there had been people in the water it would have been more serious than it was. Picture yourself and YOUR family in your boat and another boat on a heading right for the transom of your boat faster than max wake speed. What do you do besides use your horn, yell, and wave or get ready to jump off your boat before the collision occurred. Needless to say the whole incident would have left a nasty package in the seat of your pants!! This couple was flat out WRONG, PERIOD.

06-05-2009, 07:44 AM	#13
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,911 Thanks: 337 Thanked 1,687 Times in 593 Posts	Thanks,Don....I rest my case.Ha ha,Charlie.......my wife THINKS I'm working.

06-05-2009, 09:15 AM	#14
4Fun Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 283 Thanks: 1 Thanked 66 Times in 38 Posts	Maybe we should have an "On the water" forum fest right in front of "Pieces" camp this summer

06-05-2009, 11:52 AM	#15
Misty Blue Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 658 Thanks: 121 Thanked 283 Times in 98 Posts	how far is enough? Some folks in this discussion have made a point that it's OK to anchor off of a property if they are 150 feet or more away from the dock. Anchoring that far from shore could put the anchored boat in a area where there could cause a collision with an underrway boat. My neighbor used to talk about a boat that used to anchor off of his place every wednesday. He said that a man and a woman on the boat would take off their clothes and do "things". My wife noticed a telescope by his bay window. It was pointing down twards the Lake. She said "Isn't this thing supposed to be looking at the sky?" Misty Blue

06-05-2009, 01:06 PM	#16
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,791 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,024 Times in 745 Posts	hey...how about a major film studio picking this up and creating a dramatic summer film, shot on the lake....just envision Richard Dreyfuss and Bette Midler as the nasty arrogant retired wealthy couple who summer out there, way across the bay, on Attitude Island.... a scene could go like this Dreyfuss' character: Just look Dear, another fisherman, is here, making our little cove feel so dirty... Midler's character: Yes, what a shame, with this whole big lake, why must they do that terrible fishing right here, so we are forced to look at them... Dreyfuss' character: Now, couldn't they just take up drinking and leave the fishing rods at home... Midler's character: some people, I tell you Dear....it's just terrible what we have to put up with just to get to our little island... __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

06-05-2009, 05:56 PM	#17
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,911 Thanks: 337 Thanked 1,687 Times in 593 Posts	FLL........Couple of people in a white truck are coming to see you with a net......let them in...they are your friends

06-05-2009, 08:51 PM	#21
RC246 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you OCDACTIVE for seeing the REALITY of the situation. 4Fun, count me in on the forum fest (though not in front "of Pieces") BUT, in the same spot this incident occoured.

06-06-2009, 07:14 AM	#25
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,308 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	At my current assignment it's not practical to sign in and comment so I've been with you folks in spirit only. I agree with the "public park" comparison for our lakes. It is perhaps the best way to get across the public domain concept. I will keep this in mind the next time somebody gets territorial about "their" slice of the lake. As a former frequent user of our public parks I have to say though, there are a lot of "Ranger Boneheads" on the trails so don't expect too many B/H's to see the light.

06-07-2009, 07:50 AM	#27
gravy boat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Gilford year round, West Alton summers Posts: 594 Thanks: 601 Thanked 203 Times in 102 Posts	water driveway hoytglp -- The Varneys sounds like a nice place to anchor with about 20 of my closest boating friends. I'll have to spread the word and schedule a redevouz date! I'll suggest they bring the waterballoon launchers to ward off any boneheads zooming by too close. GB

06-07-2009, 08:30 AM	#28
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,911 Thanks: 337 Thanked 1,687 Times in 593 Posts	Good idea with the balloon launchers,gravy boat.....and don't forget biodegradable toilet tissue in case you have to do your business in the lake.

06-07-2009, 07:42 PM	#29
hazelnut Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,348 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 508 Thanked 462 Times in 162 Posts	Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!! Against my better judgment I boated over to the Weirs on Saturday. Usually I don't do this due to the fact that the largest concentration of Captain Boneheads congregate in this area on any given Saturday. Anyway it was such a light boat traffic day that I thought what harm could come of it, right? WRONG! I am sorry but this idiot in his pontoon boat in the Governors Island Channel pushed me to me breaking point. I've said it on here before that I try to fluff stuff of when I see it happening around me. I usually shrug my shoulders, laugh and shake my head. Well I snapped on Saturday. It began with this bleeping bleep-hole riding up my swim platform coming through the G.I. Channel. I had a Scarab in front of me and I wasn't about to drive up through him so I held my patience and figured well if this guy hits me he will owe me $$$ No big deal. Well as we approach the end of the no wake headed towards the Weirs this "captain" on his pontoon boat, older guy with his friends on the boat, punches his throttle and rides up next to me less than 15 feet away. Seriously 15 FEET! I have 3 little kids on my boat, ages 5 year old twins and 2 year old girl. Now he's actually turned towards the side of my boat and closing the gap. I FREAK!!!!! Basically I ask him, I don't have to yell because he could actually be ON my boat he's so close, "Is this your first day driving a boat?" He mouths off something and I elevate my voice inform him of the law and basically tell him he sucks at driving a boat. We break right throttle up and head for the Weirs channel. Guess who comes up behind us? YUP! You guessed it. When I finally stop at channel for gas he rides up beside us and tries, TRIES to make a comment, I cut him off and tell him "You are the absolute WORST boat driver on this lake, your passengers are in MORTAL DANGER driving with you!" I said "You not only put them in danger but the lives of my children." I then told him "move along before Marine Patrol is called and we check to see if you actually have a license to operate a boat in the first place!" He left, wonder if he actually had a license? Probably not! Phew I feel better now. Usually I don't explode like that but when it comes to putting my kids in harms way I FREAK!!!

06-07-2009, 08:34 PM	#30
OCDACTIVE Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fort Myers FL / Moultonboro Posts: 1,045 Thanks: 444 Thanked 574 Times in 178 Posts	wow hazel... Not good... Sorry I missed you swung by around 1 ish. One of these times! __________________ Have you had your Vessel Inspected Yet?

06-07-2009, 09:31 PM	#31
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	The old days are gone. Used to be, just a few shotgun blasts would do it Seriously, was he doing the speed limit?

06-07-2009, 10:44 PM	#32
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Do pontoon boats make wakes I've had at least three pass me in narrow spots, when I question then they always say that they're not making a wake. It seems I'm the only boat on the lake that makes a wake, because whenever I question (OK, yell at) someone passing me within in spitting distance, they always say they're not making a wake. It's been so quiet all spring, but Saturday reminded me how many people just don't under stand the rules of the road. How hard is it to remember, the guy on the right usually gets to go first. And don't get started about the pinhead in the sailboat in Glendale...

06-08-2009, 08:16 AM	#33
Marker42 Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lakes region Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	................................ As much as you may not like it the lake itself is a public area. Weather having an anchored boater or fisherman casting under your docks etc. it's public and owned by the State of NH. I do find it lets say stressing when they are close to the front of your property, but it is actually more that they are inconsiderate to be so close in many cases. If you find they are over nighting then call and kick there .......... out. When it comes to the let's call them unsafe boaters, you still need to keep your cool to insure the safety of your vessel and passengers. Unfortunately there are not going away and will probably only get worst. I have found myself not going out on warrior weekends any more between the unsafe boaters, parking battles at docks, speed limits, kayaks etc in the middle of the Broads, and motoring sailboats thinking they fall under sailboat rules (your a motorboat at this point). Commons sense goes along aways please use it.

06-08-2009, 01:11 PM	#35
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,966 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	Hazel... The amount of Boneheads out this saturday was amazing... Sorry you had a close encounter with one! No Wake speed does not mean 'Dead Slow".... In the past I have seen the MP chastise boats going that slow in the Weirs Channel... Usually a big cruiser with Martini Yacht Club flag! LOL! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

06-08-2009, 01:24 PM	#36
sa meredith Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 986 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 32 Thanked 352 Times in 137 Posts	weekends The difference between boating on a weekday and weekend, is remarkable! It's like night and day. On a Friday, which is my usual boat day, people seem to respect each other, and know where they should be..."give way, vs. stand on" and so forth. But on a weekend?! Christ, it is completely impossible to anticipate another boat's coure of action...you just never know. I would bet over 70 percent of weekend boaters have no idea who has the "right of way" in any given situation.

06-08-2009, 01:45 PM	#37
Mee-n-Mac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,943 Thanks: 23 Thanked 111 Times in 51 Posts	Didn't get better on Sunday I took "Mee" and her friends out for a house tour around Governors I. on Sunday and despite the low number of boats I had no less than 4 boats ignore the 150' rule and 1 RoW violation. Two were cruiser captains, 1 runabout and 1 pontoon. Sad thing was, with one exception, all were at least my age or older. You'd think by that age they'd have learned something but as the saying goes, "age is no guarantee of wisdom". The good thing was as I waited for my turn to go under the G I bridge I antipated the 2'nd boat in line on the far side to try to sneak through. But to my surprise he held off and let me take my proper turn. Nice to see some courtesy and respect for the unwritten rules still exist. Time to start this season's Capt Bonehead thread I guess. I've vowed to keep a spare digicam I have on the boat. You don't want to be in this gallery. __________________ Mee'n'Mac "Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by simple stupidity or ignorance. The latter are a lot more common than the former." - RAH

06-08-2009, 07:25 PM	#46
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 1,083 Thanked 434 Times in 210 Posts	R-Guy is right on target and Skip has both the RG's pegged right. They are very nice people that some out there need to learn from. From my experiences out on the lake: a few years ago I was in the far eastern end of the lake in an area that has a sandy botton and is < 25' deep quite a distance out from shore. I anchored about 200' out from where there was a very small boat mooring area (400'+ from shore) and in fact not directly out from the mooring area. Well the "Woman" who obviously had some children with her on shore went out to her moored boat got in releasing the boat from the mooring and proceeded to do a few spins creating a large wake which came out towards my boat and then parked the boat at the dock. She never took the boat out from the dock while I was there. I also got a few nasty looks from her as well but she never said a word to me. I did not move - finished our lunch took a swim and then read a book for a while. BTW the "Womans" property was a common area to a number of other homes not directly on the water. I know the area well as the adjoining property is one that I visited in my youth and is still owned by the same family today. I believe in respecting a property owners litoral rights and not be so rude as to drop anchor up close to shore. Would you pull up in front of someones home - on a street - get out and play catch in the street right up to their property line? Well maybe there are some that would. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

06-08-2009, 07:34 PM	#47
sa meredith Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 986 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 32 Thanked 352 Times in 137 Posts	no homes If you are boating on weekdays, and are seeking a quiet cove, where there are no homes (yet, at least), try Johnson's Cove in Winter Harbor. On weekdays, it has become one of my favorite spots on the lake. Very easy to anchor, and see nothing but water and woods all day. Very quiet, usually. And if you feel like climbing ashore after a swim, there is noone there to chase you away.

06-08-2009, 08:16 PM	#48
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Thanks for the good advice RG, I'm not totally inhibited from anchoring but I usually don't like to be too close. We are quiet, no kids or loud music, so if you have to have a boat in your cove... Now when the teenagers visit, we go to Paugus bay near the cemetary, and let the splashing and yelling wake the people there. SA Meredith, I know about Johnson's, but I never tried going in there. Can't think of why now. Probably pretty crowded on weekends. We have our tried and true places, some for crowded days, some we have friends at, some good for windy days, some only for weekdays, but sometimes we like to explore and find new places.

06-09-2009, 07:20 PM	#50
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	mooring Someone said that they could moore 5' off the shore. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that there is a law saying that it illegal to moore less than 25' and then you must be 50' from another boat. I must admit that I am not sure of this and could be wrong. (did I say I could be wrong?) I think that we all should respect other peoples property and privacy. Be courtess to your fellow boaters, obey the 150' rule, and then above all else enjoy the lake the summer is too short.

06-09-2009, 08:25 PM	#51
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	John, the distance from shore and distance from other boats, only applies in "No Rafting Zones". Outside these zones there are no distance rules or laws. See RSA 270:44 or search for rafting on this forum.

06-10-2009, 07:27 PM	#53
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,591 Thanks: 3,231 Thanked 1,107 Times in 797 Posts	Lake Norman NC I have seen an aerial photo at Lancaster BBQ in Mooresville NC of a huge rafting party on Lake Norman. From the air it looks like a huge serpant in the middle of the lake. This is pretty slick. I like to see on a calm day a huge rafting party on The Broads. I see no entry in Guiness Book of World record for number of boats tied together. Will anyone be interested in joining a rafting party on The Broads, weather permitting, to enter a number in Guiness Book of World record? That will be slick to have another Winnipesaukee first. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

06-10-2009, 07:46 PM	#54
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I've seen and been in rafts of about a dozen boats on Winnipesaukee. It was novel the first few times but it lost it's appeal. I haven't rafted the new boat yet, but I may try it with one or two friends. I've seen aerial shots like BH of huge rafts, at least a hundred boats. From a practical standpoint making this is on Winnipesaukee would be difficult. First you need a big shallow area that's not in a No rafting Zone. Anchoring in 80-90 feet of water like the broads will make an unweildy raft. Second you need to keep the wakes down. And one big wake will send everyone scrambling. No matter how many fenders I had out I never felt safe in a big raft. Imagine the weight of ten other boats carried by a big wake and pushing on your hullsides. Now think about 100 boats. Count me out, but I might buy the photo from Flyguy!

06-11-2009, 08:42 AM	#56
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,911 Thanks: 337 Thanked 1,687 Times in 593 Posts	After reading Woodswalks post,I would bet that he would welcome all in front of his place where it's a little more shallow

06-11-2009, 11:55 AM	#57
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Check this out http://www.skipperbuds.com/Page.aspx...e-Raft-Up.aspx

06-11-2009, 12:34 PM	#58
LakeSnake Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pine (Alton) Mountain Posts: 138 Thanks: 39 Thanked 33 Times in 20 Posts	BroadHopper, In the day's of my youth I tried a simmilar stunt as you describe with about 5 or 6 boats in the broads behind Rattlesnake. It went really well until just after dusk we were interruped by the Mount's horn as it came directly towards us from Wolfborough. If you need to know how fast a bunch of youngsters can unlash five boats and get them underway I can defenitly tell you. Therefore I must pass the offer to attempt this on a larger scale. I am not that young, quick or darring any more.