Dive moving on from Weirs?

[GodSmile]

Article in today's LDS states that there is a mutual agreement to end the arrangement between the Dive and the city. Not totally clear on why but the article does state that the Dive never followed through on plans to get permits and build a dock. What is really unfortunate about it (however you feel about The Dive) is that it sounds like a plan to rebuild the public docks, making them better suited to today's needs is now off the table.

[fatlazyless]

That is totally too bad about The Dive. While I was never a customer, I became an admirer, and thought The Dive had found its one & only happy spot on Lake Winnipesaukee, spuds downs at the very under used Weirs Beach town dock ..... like a drunk loser uncle, or something.

Boo-hoo-hoo-hoo ...... it will be missed ..... as long as it don't go spuds down near my location ..... Weirs Beach is where The Dive belongs and blends great!

My two cents ....... its business revenue must have suffered due to the 2020-pandemic as well as not being allowed by the MP to hit the two sand bar areas at Braun bay and west Alton in year-2020 with the contagious pandemic. In 2019 it was in the WeirsCam photo shot 24/7 which must have given it a big boost, as well. Something, it did not have in 2020. Plus, all those legal litigation expenses were probably enough to sink it without the pandemic happening.

Looks like it is down for the final count ...... 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 .... it's all over. Who knows .... will it be back?

Maybe it can cut a smok'n deal with the NH Liquor Commission and start doing business perched on top of The Witches, that rocky navigation hazard that used to be an island until it got washed in a big storm, or something. I do believe that The Witches must belong to the State of NH considering it is usually all under the water ...... so it's state property?

The Liquor Commission would run it and pay everyone NH-$3.26/hr plus tips, so's it could be a good revenue generator for the state ......

Come to The Dive's new location, permanently 365/24/7 located atop the scenic Witches rocky location for a good fun NH experience ...... what a super suggestion! ......

[gus62]

I have heard that they could be negotiating with a dock owner on Paugus Bay.

[Biggd]

I'm not a customer of the Dive and I've never thought of it as an attractive addition to the lake but I thought it's last location was it's best possible landing spot.
I'm guessing it's fall from grace was accelerated by Covid.

[MotorHead]

I think it is better suited for someplace at the bottom of the lake, well... for divers of course.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by MotorHead

I think it is better suited for someplace at the bottom of the lake, well... for divers of course.

I suggested before at "grounding it on the Witches".

[joey2665]

So much bitterness for a local business that invested a tremendous amount of money trying to survive.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Biggd]

Not bitter at all. I have nothing against it but I think it's frugly and wouldn't want it in front of my lake home.
Like I said, I think it's most recent spot was it's best but now that's gone by the wayside so where does it end up next?
I'm sure where ever it ends up it will cause a stir!

[mowtorman]

What if it's not a judgement but an observation? Hard to stay politically correct every moment. Bureau of Labor statistics 20% of businesses fail in the first year and 50% fail by the 5th year. Similar to the Mini Mount. Someone floats their indulgence on the lake and expects someone else to pick up the tab. I'm waiting for the first superyacht to call the lake home. Wouldn't the Dive make a great houseboat? Hot tub up top. One guy is floating a houseboat/barge platform down the end of Paugus Bay doubled his living space. Why shouldn't it take off like the northwest? They would sell like hotcakes.

[fatlazyless]

Have heard that houseboats are specifically excluded by state law from their use on Lake Winnipesaukee, in the great State of New Hampshire!

Whoever got that law passed ..... that was a smooth move .... and GOOD that it was done!

Would be interested to read the background history on the how, when, and where this state law or rule come to be?

So's The Dive should be aware.

.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ....................................

You know, that Weirs Beach public dock location was the one in 100, Lake Winnipesaukee, happy spot for The Dive. 2020 must have been a truly difficult business year for a bar-restaurant business like The Dive. Maybe the City of Laconia and The Dive can get back together and renegotiate a new lease, and move onward and upward for the new year, 2021. All things considered, The Dive had a lot of happy local customers who ordinarily wouldn't be stopp'n at The Weirs.

Just like Sturgis, South Dakota ..... www.sturgis-sd.gov/webcams-in-and-around-sturgis .... maybe Laconia could consider a Weirs Beach webcam to promote it including Lakeside Ave, the Mount Washington cruise ship and the beach area.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by mowtorman

What if it's not a judgement but an observation? Hard to stay politically correct every moment. Bureau of Labor statistics 20% of businesses fail in the first year and 50% fail by the 5th year. Similar to the Mini Mount. Someone floats their indulgence on the lake and expects someone else to pick up the tab. I'm waiting for the first superyacht to call the lake home. Wouldn't the Dive make a great houseboat? Hot tub up top. One guy is floating a houseboat/barge platform down the end of Paugus Bay doubled his living space. Why shouldn't it take off like the northwest? They would sell like hotcakes.

A lake home would be a great use for it.

Hopefully, the lake home would be connected to some sewerage pipes to avoid any lake pollution issues......

[Biggd]

Maybe there is a vacant lot in your neighborhood they could move it to.

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

A lake home would be a great use for it.

Hopefully, the lake home would be connected to some sewerage pipes to avoid any lake pollution issues......

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[mowtorman]

Then why is there one on rte. 3 across from White Oakes Rd.? Spent last winter at Handy Landing. No engines, a barge, only water and power hook ups. No place to pump out so must drain back into the lake? If there is one why aren't there 50?

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by mowtorman

What if it's not a judgement but an observation? Hard to stay politically correct every moment. Bureau of Labor statistics 20% of businesses fail in the first year and 50% fail by the 5th year. Similar to the Mini Mount. Someone floats their indulgence on the lake and expects someone else to pick up the tab. I'm waiting for the first superyacht to call the lake home. Wouldn't the Dive make a great houseboat? Hot tub up top. One guy is floating a houseboat/barge platform down the end of Paugus Bay doubled his living space. Why shouldn't it take off like the northwest? They would sell like hotcakes.

Not sure I follow. Who is picking up the tab for the “dive”? No one. They filing the permits and the appeals to the board and offer to pay to extend the public dock. There was not public funding involved

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[mowtorman]

Joey how many commercial ventures do you know of that got a free slip for an 80 foot barge last summer? It was a good deal whether they went on to get permits and build docks or not. A cheeseburger, fries and a coke for every Laconia taxpayer would probably cover it.

[FlyingScot]

These guys are act first, think later every time--then hope somebody is sympathetic for the simple reason that they are a business. Even as a businessperson, I'm not sure why being a business entitles one to more sympathy than others; but they keep banking on it:

First they're surprised that lots os folks don't like them because they are frugly (at least to some) and draw a crowd where it was formerly more peaceful.

Then they're surprised that various rules prevent them from docking pretty much anywhere they'd like.

Then they get a sweetheart deal at the Weirs, and they're either surprised again or they knew a year ago they could not really make good on their promise to build a dock.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by mowtorman

Joey how many commercial ventures do you know of that got a free slip for an 80 foot barge last summer? It was a good deal whether they went on to get permits and build docks or not. A cheeseburger, fries and a coke for every Laconia taxpayer would probably cover it.

It wasn’t a free slip and in any event it wasn’t the towns slip it was East Coast Flight Craft and if they want to give out a slip for free that’s their business it had no impact on the taxpayers.

Please do you research before accusing someone of taking advantage of the taxpayers.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by joey2665

It wasn’t a free slip and in any event it wasn’t the towns slip it was East Coast Flight Craft and if they want to give out a slip for free that’s their business it had no impact on the taxpayers.

Please do you research before accusing someone of taking advantage of the taxpayers.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

The spot at the end of the town docks was under the control of ECFC?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[winni83]

I believe that the reference to the free slip relates to the use by The Dive in 2020 of the Weirs Dock owned by the City of Laconia and not the use by The Dive during 2019 of the East Coast Flightcraft space. Under the terms of the now terminated 3 year lease between the City of Laconia and The DIve, The Dive was to pay no rent, but was obligated to build a 1,376 expansion of the Weirs Dock at the sole expense of The Dive and to obtain any necessary State permits for the construction of the expansion. According to the Laconia Daily Sun article today, The Dive never applied to the State for the required permits.

[Biggd]

I understand free market enterprise but there's no guarantee's when starting a new business. I don't like seeing a business go under but it happens all the time.
When you make a business plan you have to take into account all possible road blocks. This was a particularly risky venture from the get go that probably would have succeeded if not for the pandemic but that can be said of many businesses.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[mowtorman]

Joey put your guns away I'm glad you like the Dive or their food hopefully they land somewhere new for you.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by mowtorman

Joey put your guns away I'm glad you like the Dive or their food hopefully they land somewhere new for you.

I have never been but I am a small business owner and understand the investment and hurdles you have to jump. I do feel they have been unnecessarily maligned

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[tummyman]

Could be they did a good proof of concept here but found that a 10-15 week business might not be enough to make a decent profit. There might be other places in the south that would have a longer business season and make better financial sense. Just thinking.....

[WinnisquamZ]

I believe, they underestimated or were led to believe the dock build at Weirs was going to be approved. They must have done some early investigation and determined getting state approval to replace and build docks to today’s current standards was a monumental task

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by mowtorman

Then why is there one on rte. 3 across from White Oakes Rd.? Spent last winter at Handy Landing. No engines, a barge, only water and power hook ups. No place to pump out so must drain back into the lake? If there is one why aren't there 50?

It does not drain back into the lake. It has holding tanks that are emptied regularly. The man that owns it owns the land and dock that it is tied to. There is not enough land at that location to support a house so the houseboat was a logical solution.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Have heard that houseboats are specifically excluded by state law from their use on Lake Winnipesaukee, in the great State of New Hampshire!

Whoever got that law passed ..... that was a smooth move .... and GOOD that it was done!

Would be interested to read the background history on the how, when, and where this state law or rule come to be?

So's The Dive should be aware..

Wrong!

House boats are not illegal on the lake. There are many live aboard boats located all around the lake. A houseboat is just a different style of live aboard boat.

[mowtorman]

Learn something new every day. So the dive could be a floating condo or timeshare........why hasn't anyone done this? A social club with slips on the side and memberships....so many ways to make money who needs a restaurant. I do wonder why there isn't an explosion of houseboats to increase living space?

[Biggd]

A houseboat can only be lived in if docked. I don't believe it is legal to live in out in open water.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Bear Guy]

Someone copied the NH houseboat laws in this thread: https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...32&postcount=5

My unprofessional summary: houseboat can be occupied overnight only if anchored/moored/docked adjacent to owned land (or with permission of land owner). DES must be notified.
Thus, houseboats are certainly allowed, but restricted. The theoretical "floating condo" would have to be associated with a land lot; I see concentrations of these on Winni that I call marinas.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Wrong!

House boats are not illegal on the lake. There are many live aboard boats located all around the lake. A houseboat is just a different style of live aboard boat.

I'm guessing we don't see a lot of houseboats on the lake due to the issue of what to do with them in the winter..... They're quite big to keep hauling in and out of the water each year, and the costs may be too prohibitive.

[frank m.]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Have heard that houseboats are specifically excluded by state law from their use on Lake Winnipesaukee,

What does this mean... that houseboats are banned from Winnipesaukee or that certain rules don't apply to them? Please elaborate.

[Biggd]

I use to see some over in Gilford at that marina around the corner from Patricks going towards Alton on the left. The ones that I saw weren't that big, maybe 24 ft built on a pontoon, not much more difficult than taking a pontoon out of the water. That was years ago, back when B May Dennys was on the corner.

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

I'm guessing we don't see a lot of houseboats on the lake due to the issue of what to do with them in the winter..... They're quite big to keep hauling in and out of the water each year, and the costs may be too prohibitive.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[XCR-700]

This might be off-topic or taboo, but the last thread about the Dive just got locked (The Dive) anyone know why?

Mine seems to be the last post, and I'm just wondering if it was something I said that got it shut down or some other reason,,, It wouldn't be the first time said something I probably shouldn't have

Thanks

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by XCR-700

This might be off-topic or taboo, but the last thread about the Dive just got locked (The Dive) anyone know why?

Mine seems to be the last post, and I'm just wondering if it was something I said that got it shut down or some other reason,,, It wouldn't be the first time said something I probably shouldn't have

Thanks

Good question—there's nothing I see there remotely troublesome, though it wouldn't be the first time I'm surprised by a locked thread here.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Descant]

A houseboat is not necessarily a big square barge type vessel. It is defined by equipment such as a head and sleeping facilities. Your 20' cuddy could be a houseboat. Marinas are full of houseboats, but they are more commonly referred to as cabin cruisers, and people live on them all over the lake.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

I'm guessing we don't see a lot of houseboats on the lake due to the issue of what to do with them in the winter..... They're quite big to keep hauling in and out of the water each year, and the costs may be too prohibitive.

Not necessarily. The travel lift a MVYC is large and handles the biggest boat currently docked there, a Maritomo X50, with a 14'11" beam and a dry weight of 41,887 pounds. There are many boats docked and winter stored MVYC in the 40 to 44 foot range. That would be a decent size for a houseboat.

There was a large houseboat docked and stored on the end of A Dock at MVYC for many years. I think it is more a matter of what style boat people prefer. Houseboats seem much more popular in other parts of the country.

[Paugus Bay Resident]

Remember the house boat on A dock (they had the parallel slip). When we slipped at B3 around 2005 , the houseboat was a few slips over. Owners were a nice older couple. Was on it a few times - actually really nice inside, lots of room. Never saw it leave the slip though.

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by XCR-700

This might be off-topic or taboo, but the last thread about the Dive just got locked (The Dive) anyone know why?

Mine seems to be the last post, and I'm just wondering if it was something I said that got it shut down or some other reason,,, It wouldn't be the first time said something I probably shouldn't have

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Good question—there's nothing I see there remotely troublesome, though it wouldn't be the first time I'm surprised by a locked thread here.

The first post in this thread was originally posted at the bottom of the 3 month old "The Dive" thread. Instead of having the news about the cancelled lease buried in an old thread I thought it was time to start a new thread with that news. I closed the other thread so we wouldn't have 2 threads discussing the same thing. Nothing sinister.

If other threads get hopelessly hijacked and completely veer off into other topics they may be closed or separated. Again, nothing sinister. I'm not deleting anything. I'm just better organizing things and making new information easier to find for casual readers.

In the future please ask questions like this in the Support Forum. This thread shouldn't be hijacked into a discussion about how I moderate this forum.

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by webmaster

The first post in this thread was originally posted at the bottom of the 3 month old "The Dive" thread. Instead of having the news about the cancelled lease buried in an old thread I thought it was time to start a new thread with that news. I closed the other thread so we wouldn't have 2 threads discussing the same thing. Nothing sinister.

If other threads get hopelessly hijacked and completely veer off into other topics they may be closed or separated. Again, nothing sinister. I'm not deleting anything. I'm just better organizing things and making new information easier to find for casual readers.

In the future please ask questions like this in the Support Forum. This thread shouldn't be hijacked into a discussion about how I moderate this forum.

Thanks for clearing this up and pointing me to where I should ask such questions.

Not sure why I didn't think of the support forum.

I did look around for a button or other means to inquire about it, but I didnt think of the support forum.

Sorry for taking us off track here.

[Little Kin]

Hasn't aged well . . .