Conference vicki::boats

    
    Bill,
    
    	I tell what I know, but from what I've heard it's not
    gauranteed. When approaching MP&M, headed south, there are some
    "painted yellow" rocks on the left shore. When you spot these
    head from the center of the river to the left shore and pass
    about 40-50 feet from the painted rocks. After passing this set
    of rocks move immediately back to the middle of the river
    and watch for another set of yellow painted rocks on the 
    opposite (Right hand) side. Apply the same principal here.
    Pass about 40-50 feet away, then back to center. One more
    hazard is pretty obvious, just after the 2nd painted rocks
    there are rocks sticking up from the center of the
    river to the left hand shore. Pass these about 1/4 of the
    river's width from the right hand side.
    
    	Otherwise stay in the center and you should be OK, at
    least with the water level where it is.
    
    	I have been told that the are hazards between the
    Tyngsboro bridge and Nashua and haven't tried that portion
    of the river yet.

    Rick

    
    I'm looking for boat ramps on the Merrimack in the Nashua..Lowell 
    area. Can anyone point me to one? Prefferably public. Does Middlesex
    Power and Marine charge a fee?
    

    
    	re: .2
    
    		See note number 160 for Merrimack river ramps.
    
    	Rick

Moved by Moderator
    
                  <<< VICKI::SIE$DATA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BOATS.NOTE;1 >>>
                      -<           Powerboats           >-
================================================================================
Note 266.2                     N.E. Public access                         2 of 2
CLUSTA::COOPER                                        4 lines  15-FEB-1989 15:50
                             -< Amphibian Needed >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
    I found the ramp in North Chelmsford OK, but sure enough it's frozen
    out about 100 ft. I'll search further south... 
    			Thanks for all the help, Peter

    
re: OSINMS::BURKE "Jeff Burke"
    
>Last friday I hit a rock for the first time while on the Merrimack.  It was
    
    Jeff,
    
    	Where on the river did you hit rocks? Did you know about the yellow
    rocks?
    
    Rick
    

re <<< Note 165.5 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>
>                           -< How 'bout a rock map? >-

	Here's an extract from the mail I sent to Jeff about 48 hours 
before his unfortunate experience with a fast moving underwater 
obstruction.  Its what I know, have been shown, told, etc. - - assume 
all the usual disclaimers, i.e. this might help folks avoid some of 
the rocks, but if you follow it and STILL hit rocks ......da daaa, 
legaleeze mumble_de_gook - it ain't my fault.

	Others please elaborate, extend, add, modify, whatever - Ya 
just can't  BE  too cautious about rocks.  New England is a rock 
garden on land, we shouldn't suppose that its any different when 
covered by water.

	Reg
========================================================================

From:	ULTRA::BURGESS       5-JUN-1991 16:18:57.38
To:	EISNCG::BURKE
CC:	BURGESS
Subj:	RE: boats


i)	If you're going North (Lowell to NH) the worst part is what is
usually known as  "Behind Middlesex Power and Marine".  As you
approach the right curve and get sight of the apartment blocks on 3A
stay to the left, there will be rocks on your right that are usually
visible - when they are not the river is UNUSUALLY HIGH.  We head for 
the west bank; there's a little yellow house that we use as a 
landmark, then a big rock on shore that has been painted bright yellow 
- I get within 100 ft of it and turn right to head across river at 
about a 30 degree angle to the river's course, heading for a similar 
rock on the other bank that is painted the same bright yellow.  When I 
get to ~100 ft of it I make a gentle turn to bring me back to the 
centre of the river, by this time I am just across from Middlesex 
Power and Marine's ramp - but I remain very cautious.  On land there 
are visible the remains of a stone wall, on both banks.  I stay to the 
centre until I am well north of the tennis courts on the east bank.
The basic problem in this area is that there are 3 stone walls that 
cross the river and the gaps in them are none too big.  I guess they 
were built when the river was nothing but a stream - before my time.

ii)	The next bad part is essentially under the Tyngsborough 
bridge, we stay on the east 1/3 of the river here.

iii)	Next (soon after the bridge) is a big S turn, its important to
head at the outside of the right turn first - almost to the point of
alarming your crew, then take the right and get back toward centre. 

	I take ii) and iii) at planing speed (skiing speed in fact); 
I take i) at trolling speed, slipping it in and out of gear if the 
river is unusually low.  If you watch the surface of the water 
you can often see evidence of rocks near the surface without actually
seeing the rocks themselves.  Small whirlpools and eddy currents are 
the things to learn to look for and you can usually slip into neutral 
in time to just coast over them.

	They say there are some more bad spots north of the Hudson 
bridge, we've been up there a couple of times and had no problem, 
though I stay as close to centre as I can and ALWAYS watch points of
land that look as if they might run out underwater. 


	Damage - it depends, you're running an I/O, right ?

	If you have an aluminum prop and you just tickle a smoothe
rock at trolling speed (item i above is ALWAYS and ONLY a trolling
speed section for me) you might get some burrs, if the rock has a
nasty edge the prop might tear - about $50 to get it rebuilt.  Slight
burrs and tears may be OK, but if there's ANY detectable vibration at
speed its time to troll back to the ramp and get it fixed.  If you hit
a big bad rock with your outdrive at 30+ MPH almost anything can
happen, it might just swing up and scare you leaving only a scratch,
maybe not even that, it could smash or tear off the whole out-drive,
(I know someone who has wrecked THREE on the Merrimac) or just the
lower unit - conceivably it could pull the back end right out of the
boat  - -  like I sad, it depends.  I've heard of $2,000 damage to
I/Os.  There was a lot of discussion in the conf about stainless steel
props, they're stronger but pass on more of the shock of a hit to the
internals of the I/O, perhaps stripping gears, bending shafts, etc.,
they also cost quite a lot more. 

	I've never run aground or holed a hull {YET, and I hope I 
never do}  I have a heavily built inboard ski boat at the moment, 
supposedly the stabilizer fins (mini keels really) help deflect
floating objects downwards before the prop, shaft and rudder get to
them.  This doesn't really apply to FIXED underwater objects and my
encounter last month was just low enough for the fins to clear, but
just high enough to wreck my prop, shaft, strut and rudder - plus some
fibre-glass work.  A BAD DAY !   Even worse than a GOOD day at work 
(-:, (-:

	Reg

>    	Where on the river did you hit rocks? Did you know about the yellow
>       rocks?
    
Rick,

	This is going to sound kinda foolish, but I cannot remember exactly
where I was when I hit the rock.  It kinda reminds me of new golfers who 
cannot remember their score per hole, or who leave their clubs on holes, or 
on the other side of a green away from the next hole, etc.  I just look at
the river and my boating 'senses' are much less acute than those of an
experienced boater, or what they really need to be -- but I'm going to 
work on it.  

	It seems that boating is quickly becoming a passion.  For the past 
5 years I have averaged 50-60 rounds of golf per year, and right now I have
little desire to do anything else but boat -- or hunt for spots to put it in
the water.  I just got this 19' footer/205 hp and am already looking at ads
for something a little more stable and roomier.  It is such a wonderful
feeling to have a new passion.  BUT, there is sooooo much to learn. 

	Anyway, back to the question about where I hit -- I believe I was
fairly well past the yellow rocks, heading north left-center of the river, 
err, I think.

Jeff

    Don't they make charts for these rivers?
    

    
    	I've asked just about anyone I thought I might get a positive
    answer from, but always get the same answer of "Nope, no chart!"
    
    Rick

    I believe you can't get NOAA charts on anything that is not "navigable"
    as defined by the Coast Guard. That is, you can get to it from the
    ocean. The Merrimac you all are talking about ceases to be navigable
    upstream from all the fixed dams.

    Can we start a .ps version of a merrimak chart?  I have stern drive and
    have been afraid to go into the Merrimak, prefering instead local
    lakes.  But the Merrimack is closer and potentially more fun.  I know
    nothing of the river so I can't really contribute except with thanks if
    anyone takes on the job.  If one person started, each person could add
    their favorite rocks.

    
    RE: making your own chart.
    
    Not a bad idea,  you could start with some aerial photos,
    does our friend pilot still reside in the conference,
    you could probably even digitize the photos if you had
    access to a scanner.   If digitizing not possible at least
    you would have a starting point.   I have never been on the
    river either and not sure I would want to after all the stories
    I have heard.   Need to know the river well and even then you
    can still get burned.
    
    Mike

    
    	I would be willing to try and help if somebody can get pictures or
    drawings, I have access to a scanner.  I have a selfish interest in
    getting a chart.  I work for the sailing program that operates out of
    the Bellegarde Boat house in Lowell.  Every season one of our members
    manages to find rocks.  I usually get stuck with the repair job,
    anything I can do stop this is goodness.  It always impresses me that
    they hit rocks.  Only one set of rocks should be problem in the section
    of the river we allow people to sail.
    
    
    Forrest

    
    re: Forrest... Still here?
    
    >anything I can do stop this is goodness.  It always impresses me that
    >they hit rocks.  Only one set of rocks should be problem in the section
    >of the river we allow people to sail.
    
    	Which rock is that? The one you can see sometimes on the
    Pawtucket STREET side near the cleared dirt area?
    
    
    	Also.. does anyone have any info on the merrimack a little further
    south? Down near Haverhill? I noticed a stretch that looked quite
    nice just coming into Haverhill from the south (driving a car..boohoo).
    Any ideas are appreciated.... Launches, prices, depths (of the water,
    not my pockets :-) ), Slalom courses, When does the river become salt
    laden?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Rick
    
    BTW: I the water looked extra special cause IT AIN'T FROZEN!

    Where's Haverhill ?                                                   
    
    The section of the Merrimuck that you see from 495 N or S around exit
    49 is all rock bed. The section that is visible between exits 48 to 47
    (?) heading south is predominatly rock bed too. Only during the winter 
    will you see the water as high as it is now. Neither section is navagable 
    for a skiboat. In fact, for the 4 years that I've been living around 
    there I've only seen one small aluminum fishing boat on the water.
    
    If you head downtown there is a public, very steep, ramp adjacent to
    the Cresent Yatch Club. If you put in there I'm told it's a very scenic
    and pleasurable 14 or so miles down to the mouth of the Merrimack. I've
    also heard that skiing is quite common in many sections. My wife's
    friend used to run the river every weekend in a Boston Whaler. I hope
    to get him to go with me some weekend as tour guide this summer. I have
    heard of no slalom courses. Depending on if the tide is coming in or
    going out, you can run pretty far (Newburyport maybe??) down without 
    fear of hitting salt water. I've driven by car along 133 from Haverhill 
    to Newburyport and the parts of the river you can see are very scenic. 
    Would make an excellent day trip. 
    
    There's only one set of unmarked (above the water at least :^) ) rocks
    to avoid from talking to one of the engineers in my group. And that may
    not be a consideration for small boats. He runs a 30' with twin I/O's
    and drafts a little more water that your Nautique.
    
    If you put in at the public ramp downtown and head away from
    Newburyport I'm don't think you get too far before you run into shallow
    water. I don't know if there's a dam or not. Haverhill is an old mill
    city that relied on water power back in the ole days. Unless you want
    to see the backside of old factories it probably isn't worth the risk.
    
    I meant to do a sight seeing trip last summer but never did. It's
    something I will try again this year.

    They find rocks in a couple of different places.  When they mess up and
    get pushed up onto the sea wall (river wall?).  When the venture up
    close to the banks where they are not supposed to be.  The problem is
    they see the experienced sailors go close to the shore and assume they
    can do the same thing.  Finally the rocks just up river from the
    cleared patch where the Jet Skis hang out.  We try hard to keep a float
    on them but it sometime gets lost.

    Forrest

	Moved by moderator
    	------------------
    
              <<< VICKI::SIE$DATA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BOATS.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< Powerboats >-
================================================================================
Note 938.116         The Official 1992 Waterski Season Topic          116 of 116
STAR::KENNEY                                         15 lines   6-APR-1992 15:24
                               -< Any interest >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    	Some of the regulars have seen my notes about the community sailing
    program in Lowell.  Some of the members have been thinking about having
    a coffee and doughnut get together with other regular users of the
    Merrimack (Lowell and above).  The idea is to see what we can do to
    help one another.  At the present time it is just an idea.  Would any
    of the regular Merrimack river users be interested.  If I get enough
    positive feedback I will try and move it from the discussion phase to
    reality.  Please send me mail.  
    
    
    	How many of you knew that several river clean up days are scheduled
    this spring.

    Forrest

    
    Forrest,
    
    	I'd be very interested in a river cleanup (Gee, I wonder if
    Tyngsboro did anything about the Pontiac in the river which I called
    them to report?).
    
    	I would imagine that I could persuade at least a portion of
    the Merrimack powerboating community to attend a cleanup, as they value
    and enjoy the river's offerings as much as I do. What are the scheduled
    dates? What is needed? Trucks? Boats?
    
    	As for the coffee and donuts... *my* first reaction is that the
    session would be a piss-on-you-piss-on-me session between the sailors
    and the Powerboaters, but if efforts were made to keep minds open
    (including mine!) then I think it could be productive. 
    
    
    	Rick

    	I do not believe that a dump on one another was the idea.  The
    river is a public resource that is to be shared by all.  At the same
    time we can do things to help on another.  At various time there
    have been problems.  If we can do something to eliminate them why not
    try.
    
    	The first date I have for a cleanup is the 4-12 it is marked as
    tentative on my schedule.  Try calling 508-459-3305 and see if the
    sailing program has more data.  Mark your calendar 4-18 & 4-25 the
    river will be closed part of the day for UMass @ Lowell rowing races. 
    June 13 & 14 are marked for South Shore Outboard Association races. 
    Also Jet Ski races are scheduled down by the bath house but I do not
    have a date yet.  Sorry I cannot find the other clean up on the
    schedule I have online.
    
    
    Forrest

    	This is going to sound like a don't note it is not intended to be. 
    I am just passing on what I have been told about the ramps and docks in
    the Merrimack in the Lowell area.  I left out the N. Chelmsford ramp as
    I know little about it.  Our sailors know that it is just above the
    up river extreme of their sailing area.  The ramp next to the bath
    house is the other extreme.
    
    	The up river extreme is lifted 2 or 3 times a season when we run an
    escorted up river sail and picnic.  We have yet to schedule one where
    the wind cooperated enough to allow us to get much beyond the boat ramp
    but we keep trying.
    
    
    1) The ramp down by the bath house is open again finally.  But parking
       is limited, and the ramp is steep.

    2) The ramp next to the boat house is not open to the public.  Not my
       doing or the sailing programs either.  The state park representative
       closed it a long time back.  Last year a sign and barrier were in
       place.  The sign was torn down, and the barrier cut down several
       times.  We believe it was teens drinking and fooling around.  The 
       problem is the end of the pad is broken and if the water is even a
       little low it would be easy to get a boat and trailer stuck or damaged.

    3) The sailing programs docks are not open to the general public.  I
       disagree with this to a certain extent.  I have been told that it is
       an insurance issue.  If it is a quiet day and little to no sailing
       is going on then I do not mind.  But I would not want the open all
       the time for general use.  A large risk that your boat will get run
       into by one our beginning sailors.

    4) The crew docks have pretty much become general public use docks.  I
       know they don't like that but they sit out in the open and are not
       marked as private.  If you use them they have no cleats, or eyes to tie
       to.  Also when the river is really low watch out for rocks, and cables. 
       
       I got caught twice last year in a sailboat.  Rudder snagged the cable
       once and bottom the other time.  The rudder is no deeper than the
       bottom of an OB.  It was my fault I was sailing close to the dock.  I 
       was lucky no damage except to my pride.  The crew is always dinging
       props on rocks and stuff in by their docks when the water is low. 


    Forrest
    Ps.	The state has said that they will open the rest rooms on the
    	outside of the boathouse, and at the bath house.  I hope so but
    	have taken a wait and see attitude.

    Ok, folks, I know a lot of you are probably a little tired of reading
    my requests for help, but all I can do is ask, you know?
                       
    This time it's the Merrimack River. The Merrimack River in Merrimack,
    MA, right across the bridge from Groveland, MA.
    
    There is a section of shore about a quarter of a mile long just
    upstream from the bridge that is just covered with tires, shopping
    carts, assorted car parts, and miscellaneous rubbish. None of it is
    new, so we make the bold assumption that people don't dump there
    anymore, at least not in the wholesale way they used to. I've spent 
    hours on the phone looking for some interested Haverhill parties,
    but all I found was an astonishing degree of apathy.
    
    We're looking for some people who like the Merrimack and who are
    willing to put in four hours cleaning up that section of the beach on
    April 25th, when the Merrimack River Watershed Council is sponsoring
    several other cleanups. We'll put divers in the water to get *that*
    stuff out, but we need people onshore moving the other crap away from
    the river.
    
    The situation on April 25 will be this:
    
    In the morning, about 30 feet of the bottom will be exposed because the
    tide will be outgoing. This leaves a solid sandy beach to work in/on.
    We will arrange for one of the waste-management companies to provide
    a "30-yarder" to put the stuff into. With 20 people working the area,
    we can easily fill one of those in four hours.
    
    Since there it is more than a little likely that press will be there to
    tape and photograph and interview, may I suggest a sign saying that
    these volunteers are "Noted Boaters" or some such thing? Maybe a
    Digital logo to make corporate points?
    
    Any of you guys who spend time on the Merrimack feel up to a morning
    doing something like this? Tide starts coming in at 12:25 that day, so you
    could spend the rest of the day skiing or whatever on the high
    "currentless" version of the river.
    
    What do you say? How about it?
    
    John H-C

    
    Jeff and I will be there. Not only do I get to help the river
    a little, but I also get the opportunity to see a new section
    of the Merrimack.
    
    >currentless?
    
    Rick

    I said "currentless" because when the tide comes in and reaches that
    part of the river, it basically appears to stand still. Further
    downstream, the current actually reverses near shore (and maybe even in
    the channel, for all I know about that part of the river).
    
    See you there!
    
    John H-C

    
    
    	The park service has changed the date it is no going to happen
    sunday.  It was moved to a wednesday morning and I belive it is the
    22nd.
    
    
    Forrest

    RE: .20

    	I was informed that the ramp next the boat house was never intended
    for public use.  I had been told a long time back that it was public at
    one time.  When it became unsafe for general use so they closed it I
    was given incorrect data.  Sorry about the misinformation.......

    	I heard that the state park folks would like to put a public dock
    at the ramp by the bath house.  I believe that the usual money problems
    are what is holding it up.  If a group donated the material and labor I
    am sure something can be worked out.  I suspect that I could even get
    help with this project from the sailing program.  We have lots of
    practice building docks.  We build and replace several each and every
    season. 


    Forrest

    How far down river from Haverhill can one venture towards the mouth of
    the Merrimack without being scutinized by the Coast Guard. I don't have
    a user fee/tax sticker on my boat becuase I predominately use fresh
    water lakes. I live in Haverhill and thought it's time I make a day
    trip cruise to see what there is to see. 
    
    How far up river do the Coast Guard boys go, or are there any other
    local authorities that might care ?
    
    ~jeff

re   <<< Note 165.26 by CSLALL::JEGREEN "Only lead dogs get scenery changes" >>>
>                           -< How far up or down ? >-

>    How far down river from Haverhill can one venture towards the mouth of
>    the Merrimack without being scutinized by the Coast Guard. I don't have

	Dunno, but if you find out the hard way - please let us know (-:

	OK, seriously,,,  I think there is some  "to the first bridge" 
 definition of the boundary between river and ocean.

	Reg

re "to the first bridge"

I wouldn't bet on it. I think the Coast Guard's jurisdiction ends where 
they stop putting in aids to navigation (buoys and such). This is 
usually well upriver of the first bridge. 

    Since the Merrimack is tidal all the way upstream past Haverhill, and
    since there are channel buoys in the river all the way up that way, my
    own guess is that the CG has jurisdiction all the way to the Essex dam.
    
    On the other hand, isn't most of the CG's activity in the Merrimack
    safety oriented? In that case, the CG probably has its hands pretty
    full near the mouth of the river.
    
    John H-C

How far up the river can you fish without a license ? 


I was think of use the Salisbury ramp more. I normally use the public ramp
in Newburyport but I'm tired of the long ride to get out. 

How much does it cost dayly/yearly to use the Salisbury ramp ? 

Has anyone had any problem with leaving there cars there ( thefts or anything
else) ?

Anyother problems that I should know about ?


				Thanks
				 Jim

    I have seen the CG upriver of the rt 1 bridge aboard their whaler.  I
    believe a season pass to State Parks is $25 or $35 -ish, day pass was
    $3.00 a couple years ago, but has since gone up to around five per car.  
    There is no separate ramp fee.  The boat ramp is behind the 450 site
    camping area, which should not be confused with Fort Knox, from a
    security stand point, if you get my drift...   On the other hand, once
    you are in the Park, you can use the beach and the showers in the camping 
    area or at the beach house, and there is a dumping station for sewage. 
    If the mouth gets rough, and you come back early, you can still fish
    the jetty.  
    
    One of the other activities the CG is involved with is apprehending
    drug runners.  I camp at Salisbury state park, and a couple of times a
    hoard of state and local police would go roaring down to the boat ramp
    to apprehend some miscreant.
    
    

    Oh, yeah, don't forget about the Sunday afternoon traffic jam, get outa
    there before 3 or after 7.  
    
    Carl

    
    
    	Can someone give me directions to the "Salisbury" ramp, and others 
    	that provide access to salt water?  Is there somekind of
    	sports/fishing book that lists public access ramps?
    
    	new to this,
    	Jim
    

See notes in 160.*

			Jim

re..30

	I just got my season pass to Salisbury State Park for $30 recently.
	The ramp is good and ample parking except kinda tight on the usual
	Holiday weekends when weather hot, clear and calm winds/sea's.

	(508)462-4481 is park number.  8:00am -8:00pm
	You can enter/leave anytime day/night if towing and parked at ramp area.
	This is great for fishing the tides and beating the traffic in/out.

	I-495 North to Exit 55 Rt-110 Amesbury/Salisbury
	Go East on Rt-110 to Rt-1A
	As you travel down Rt-110 you will go under I-95 
	Take Right on Rt-1A to Salisbury Beach
	You will see the State Park Entrance on your right.

	- If you come up North on RT-95 I believe the EXIT is 57 onto Rt-110

	-< Tuna Tail >-
	

You may fish the entire tidal area without a license.  Basically, all the way
up to the Essex Dam.

Tim

All the way to Haverhill ?

    A 1989/90 ruling allows fishing w/o a license all the way to the Lawrence
    dam.

Reason I was asking is because I was hearing a about a lot of BIG stripes that
where being caught up in the Haverhill area. But I think they move back
down closer to the mouth now.

					Thanks again
					   Jim

    
    Anyone know how to get on the Lowell, Merrimack river boat tour?
    
    I'd like to take the tour even though they probably wouldn't
    let me kneeboard on that HUGE wake.....
    
    Rick

    
    	Contact the national park in Lowell they run canal tours during the
    days, and two upriver runs.  Used to be the up river trips were only on
    the weekends.....
    
    
    Forrest
    Ps.		The barges are funded by the Park Service but run by the
    		Lowell Regatta Festival folks.  They also run the folk
    		festival the sailing program and many other activities.

    
    	Where did all the Merrimack River water go? Supposedly, there
    was "plenty" of water there last Friday. But now it's become what
    could easily be classified as a mudhole. Lots of boats along the 
    river are just sitting on the bottom. I heard a rumor that they
    were trying to fill up Winnipesaukee.
    
    	Maybe we should take the opportunity to "chart" the river. Anyone
    got a small HP boat that they don't really care about the prop on?
    
    Rick

    Hi Rick,
    
    Which section of the Merrimack are we talking about here?
    I have an upcoming bass tournament on the river, and plan to
    be out there this weekend.  The tourney is on the Hooksett
    stretch of the river.  I assume you're talking about the
    Lowell/Chelmsford/Nashua section of the river, which may or
    may not have any correlation to the level on the Hookset stretch.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Gus
    
    P.S.  I have found that the water level on the Lowell stretch of the
          river fluctuates much more than the other sections I've been
          been on.  Might have something to do with the Hydro dam in 
    	  Lowell. 
    

re               <<< Note 165.42 by KAHALA::SUTER "Never too Hot!" >>>
>                        -< Thought I'd ask anyway.... >-

    
>    	Where did all the Merrimack River water go? Supposedly, there

	The fish have been drinking it again...

>    was "plenty" of water there last Friday. But now it's become what

	No, last friday it was  "VERY LOW"  so low that the landmark 
behind Middlesex Marine, now known as  "Roger's Rock"  was showing 
over a foot.   As we were going through the Zig_Zag we saw a small 
boat with an outboard go screaming straight through on the Rte 3A 
side, probably about 80 - 100 ft from shore.  I felt sure the pilot 
either knew a lot more or a lot less than we did and that he was 
probably drawing more water too, it looked fully trimmed down.  He 
made it - go figure....

>    could easily be classified as a mudhole. Lots of boats along the 
>    river are just sitting on the bottom. I heard a rumor that they

	Yup, we saw the one way up river - somewhere north of Hudson, 
must be nearly 10ft of almost dry "beach" between that boat and the 
water now.

>    were trying to fill up Winnipesaukee.
    
>    	Maybe we should take the opportunity to "chart" the river. Anyone
>    got a small HP boat that they don't really care about the prop on?

	Hmmm, maybe a Jet ski with a depth sounder ??
    
>    Rick

	Reg

    Lake Winnipesaukee did seem a bit low on Sunday. Nipple Rock was more 
    exposed than usual. It had had a recent two-tone (pink and red)
    midnight paint job, but apparently when the lake was a lot higher.
    
    Bill
    

    
    Yeah, I am talking about the Lowell/Chelmsford/Tyngsboro area of
    the Merrimack. But I did also wonder about the Hookset area because
    if the rumor is true about "filling up Winni" then I would assume
    that Hookset would be "dry" also.
    
    Anyone been to Hookset over the weekend? Dave?
    
    Reg, our "chart" would get quite wet on a jetski. I was thinking more
    along the lines of a 10 HP alum boat....
    
    Rick

    
    	The sailing program in Lowell was informed last week that regular
    damn and canal lock work would happen soon.  When they do the work
    they always drop the level real low.


    Forrest

    The Pawtucket dam lets some water go occasionally. I was in Lake
    Merrimack last week doing my first survey of the area. (Lake Merrimack
    is the section of what could be a river between the Amoskeag dam and
    the Pawtucket dam.)
    
    Truly the strangest aquatic environment I've seen in a long time.
    Barren in the extreme.
    
    "Filling Lake Winnipesaukee" is accomplished by rain, not by anything
    people do. "Draining Lake Winnipesaukee" happens according to the whims
    of the dam operators. At any rate, the relationship between the level
    of water in Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Merrimack is a very tenuous one
    at this point. True they are connected by the slope of the watershed,
    but that connection is broken in several places by dams.
    
    The Pawtucket dam has been squirting water for quite a while and is
    undoubtedly in need of a lot of work if they're not going to simply let
    it go.
    
    Right now, if the dam is still open, Lake Merrimack is probably looking
    a lot more like the Merrimack River.
    
    John H-C

My boat's been trailer-bound since right after the 4th of July weekend.  There's
literally (well almost) no water in our lake (Johnson's Pond, Coventry, R.I.).
Heck, we even made USA Today's "Statesline" section on Wednesday, July 28th when
they published a short blurb about how our ski show was cancelled due to there
being "3 feet of water in the pond."  Needless to say, there are lots of very
unhappy waterfront property owners who don't have much (if any) water in front
of their property.

...Roger...

    I had my first glimpse of how low the Merrimack is on Sunday,
    driving over the Tyngsboro Bridge.......amazing!  I've
    never seen it so low, the canal surrounding the Vesper Country
    Club is practically dry.  
    
    Sure glad to be on the Methuen end of the Merrimack, there's
    still plenty of water down there.  I heard two reasons why
    they're lowering the Merrimack, to work on a bridge, to look
    for a body.  I hope it's bridge work!
    
    By the way, we have a snapping turtle the size of a sea-turtle
    down on our end, and he's mean and lazy.  :>)  
                                            
    Jeanne
    

    
    Gee Rog, that really stinks about Johnson's Pond... Speaking of Johnson's
    pond and your buddy that skis on a paddle.... can you give me a few
    pointers on that trick over in the <ahem> slalom note?
    
    Apparently, no one is willing to risk their lower unit/prop for the
    sake of a Merrimack River chart. I suppose a downstream float without
    a motor in some rowboat type boat from Greeley park(Nashua) to Lowell
    would work also, albeit and all-day affair.
    
    Rick

re                 <<< Note 165.50 by DOCTP::DECAROLIS "Jeanne" >>>
>                           -< How low can they go?! >-

>    I had my first glimpse of how low the Merrimack is on Sunday,
>    driving over the Tyngsboro Bridge.......amazing!  I've
>    never seen it so low, the canal surrounding the Vesper Country
>    Club is practically dry.  

	I went to Spitbrook yesterday, I guess my previous reply about 
the river being  "VERY LOW"  on friday night was relative to what I am 
used to seeing.  Relative to yesterday afternoon friday night's water 
was  "kinda high" (-:

	OK, Ft Meadow is  "low relative to a month or so ago"  but it 
is skiable (non word ?)  so if anyone needs/wants a ski fix real soon 
contact me.

    
>    By the way, we have a snapping turtle the size of a sea-turtle
>    down on our end, and he's mean and lazy.  :>)  

	errr,,,,,  ???  (-:
                                            



re  Rick and charting the rocks.....    

	Any more of this nonsense and we would just need hiking boots 
and a surveyor's transit, maybe even rock climbing gear for the
"BIG LUMPS"  (-:

	Reg

    This is the second time this year the river has been low.  Last time
    I was told they were working on the locks in Lowell.  This time,
    I don't know.  I ski pretty regularly on Mondays sometimes Thursdays.
    I'm bumming.  I did take my Jet Ski out on the river Saturday to
    check out the rocks so that I don't damage my precious ski boat.
    
    I found only two surprises.  If you know the river, you know about
    the yellow now red rocks and you can see some trees or rocks on the
    side, so no big deal, no surprise.  But, going north after passing
    under the Tyngsboro Bridge about half way to the bend about 1/3 
    out into the the river from the left bank were a couple of boat
    eating rocks.  I went all the way up to the Hudson bridge and found
    no more surprises that way.
    
    Going into Lowell past where all the sailboats are, on the right
    about 200-300 yards before the place where the jet skiers put in,
    1/3 out into the river from the right bank is another boat eating
    rock.  I met someone in the spring who got real close and personal
    to that rock.  I could see paint and scraps on the rock.
    
    Hope this helps someone avoid tragedy.
    
    Jim
       

    We launched/shoved into low water Saturday at noon at the ramp near
    Greely Park..other "launcher" stated channel was passable. After
    dragging the motor(skeg) and paddling we gave it up and returned via
    paddle to the Greely ramp. I doubt we hit more then 2 foot of water
    500 feet either side of Greely...River was the pits!
    
    Last week in South Nova Scotia we ran off course and ended up on
    the mud flat-with tide ebbing..we used the paddle lots more then!
    
    
    new/old boat
    

    
    Thought I'd post the Riverfest Schedule for Lowell this weekend...
    
    Friday, Sept 10
    
    	Mainstage: Darien Brahms, 5:30 pm; Bruce Marshall, 6:30 pm;
    		Swinging Steaks, 7:45; Peter Wolf, 9 PM.
    	River Events: Cypress Gardens, 5:30 PM and 7 pm.
    
    Saturday Sept 11
    
    	Mainstage: Eating Contest, 2 PM; Baby Beautful contest, 3:30 pm;
    		Gentlemen Songsters, 4 pm; Canoe race winners' ceremony,
    		4:30 pm; Madelon Curtis dancers, 5 pm; Blackstone, 6 pm;
    		Cliffs of Dooneen, 7:30 pm; Tribe, 9 pm;
    
    	River Events: Sailing regatta, noon; canoe race, 3 pm; Cypress
    		Gardens, 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm.
    
    Sunday Sept 12
    
    	Mainstage: Miss Riverfest beauty pageant, 1pm; Lucky Duck race
    		ceremony, 4 pm; Marilyn and the Monroe Brothers, 7:00 pm;
    		McBride & the Ride, 8 PM.
    	River Events: Cypress Gardens shows, 1 pm; 5:30 pm and 7 pm; Lucky
    		Duck race, set up at 2 pm, race at 3 pm. (Here's your
    		chance to get a little yellow rubber ducky for your boat!)
    
    

I would appreciate any suggestions on the best land route for approaching the 
on the river activities in Lowell this weekend and suggestions as to the most 
desirable viewing location(s).

Land access from 495.

'Desirable' == not tooo crowded, some where to sit.   8^)


Thanks for the help.

Fred


Also would there be somewhere within a mile or so of the activities to lauch a 
canoe and paddle over to watch. Or will the river traffic be too 'wild'.

    
    Hmmmmm... best land route? It really depends upon where you are coming
    from. As for parking when you arrive, I assume the field along
    Pawtucket Blvd will be available and it's across the street from
    the river activities.
    
    You can put the canoe in most anyplace although in a canoe on an
    "event" weekend I'd be damn sure I was real close to shore. If you
    really like to paddle you could put in at North Chelmsford and paddle
    down to Lowell.
    
    A few more Riverfest notes.....
    
    	Pawtucket Blvd is closed from the Rourke Bridge to Varnum Ave (this
    is the section that runs along the "pavillion" area.
    
    	Also the ongoing events for the weekend are:
    
    		Carnival midway, mainstage entertainment, alligator
    wrestling, boat and car shows (featuring our own Rick Wilson), Circus
    acts, Purple Dinosaur, international food, karaoke, contests, casino
    tent.
    
    

    Could anyone tell me where I can get info on cruising the Merrimack
    near the Manchester, NH area?  I have a small 14 ft. aluminum
    motorboat.  Any sources for maps, etc.?  Of course, I would like to
    stay clear of fast current, rocky areas.
    
    Thanks,
    Denis

    The MRWC (Merrimack River Watershed Committee) offers pretty good maps.
    
    The section in down Manchester is the least navigable - and also has
    the nicest launch.   
    
    The secion below the Amoskeag damn to just below the 293 bridge is 
    pretty much canoe only.  
    
    Abome the Amoskesg there's a nice launch just below the hooksett damn.
    Pretty clear sailing from there to the Amaskeag.
    
    Below the 293 bridge, the best launch is in Greely Park in Nashua.
    Early spring when the water is real, I've motored to just below the
    293 bridge, but typically there are small rips which would prevent
    motoring upstream.
    
    Down stream you can go to the Lowell dam, a few tricky spots but not 
    an issue for the boat you described.
     
    Above hookset the launch is just below the bow powerplant.  This
    section is wide open as well.
    
    The next section up is concord, there's a couple launches, one at the
    skating rink, another behind a cornfield.  This section is tricker to
    navigate, but should not be a problem with that boat.  
    
    Farthest north you can navigate from there is the rips just below the 
    breached seawall's damn, i consider from there north to the headwaters,
    at the confluence of the pemigewassett and winnipesaukee river, canoe 
    country.
    
     

In Manchester, if you take the Granite Street exit off I293, cross the
bridge, and watch closely for signs saying "Vehicle Impound Area" (at the
first cross street; the one where Service Merchandise used to be) you'll
find the launch ramp. It's a nice ramp, and there is parking nearby.

I've been in there a couple of times with my 14-1/2' Sea Nymph. I only
fished between the two bridges. It was interesting, but I caught zip.

When I'm driving by I get brave and say, I could shoot those rapids above
the Granite Street bridge;  they're not bad. When I get down in there I'm
a chicken, and stay in calm water. I *still* think I could go upstream a
ways under power, at least up to the big steps (is that Riverfront
Park?). 

Also, before the state put up the "no parking off highway" signs we used
to pull off across from Montgomery Ward and launch our canoe there. We
could go a little ways upstream, and a long way downstream. We regularly
went down to the 101/293 overpass from there. This was *not* in a
whitewater canoe, and not white knuckle canoeing either. We were there to
fish, and that's what we did. There are smallmouth in there, and there
are humongous carp (we saw carp 3' long that looked like striped bass,
although we couldn't get them interested in anything; they're spooky,
too).

Art

	How wide a swath will this Chart recorder cover?

	Sounds like the right tool to "chart" the Merrimack.

Rick

>>Contact:	Joe Tomas
>>Email  :	XCUSME::TOMAS
>>DTN    :	264-2571
>>
>>FOR SALE:	Uniden MC-200 Paper Chart Recorder
>>
>>FEATURES:	200kHz
>>	
>>		6 depth ranges
>>		  0-10', 0-20', 0-40', 0-80', 0-160', & 0-320'
>>
>>		White line, paper speed, mark key, print scale, sensitivity
>>		time control (STC)
>>
>>		Includes 4 rolls of chart paper & extra stylus, transducer,
>>		power cable and mounting bracket.
>>
>>		Unit is about 3 yrs old but has only had 1 roll of paper
>>		through it.
>>
>>PRICE:		$100 firm (Original price was about $350)

	I mailed the author of the device mentioned in .-1 and
the paper chart recorder uses a 1 to 5 ratio for viewing the bottom.
For every 5 feet of depth, 1 foot of bottom is seen. Since the river
is only 30 feet deep in the *REAL* deep spots, "charting"
the Merrimack's bottom would take a longggg time using it.


	However, they powers-that-be have pulled the proverbial
plug on the river again, to repair the damn again... argh! I'm
still looking for a person that owns an aluminum boat that they
don't care much about to take a tour of the Merrimack while the water
is down, while I take "Rock notes".....

Any takers? I'll even row for a while....

Rick

ps. No I'm not using the Nautique!
	

Ouch, that hurts Rick.  :-}

The_Rock_Climber

    So does this mean the water level is below even *your* comfort level ?
    Any idea when the water will return ?
    
    ~jeff

>> <<< Note 165.64 by SALEM::BIRDIE::JGREEN "Living beyond my emotional means" >>>
>>                          -< When's it coming back ? >-
>>
>>    So does this mean the water level is below even *your* comfort level ?
>>    Any idea when the water will return ?
>>    
>>    ~jeff

	Ah..... well.... mostly, yeah.... It would certainly be a
calculated gamble taking a boat beyond the Lowell section of
the Merrimack right now. I was going to launch in the Lowell
section last night and stay there, but the number of PWCs
convinced me to move to Mascuppic.

	The water level is such that I *MIGHT* be convinced to
go up river, but the convincer would need to be a smooth talker.
Although, I think the odds are better than 50% that a boat could
come through unscathed.

	Looks like they are making progress on the dam, (damn?) 
so maybe by the weekend the water will be back.

Rick

BTW: My neighbor pulls in Sunday night with 2 very large Atlantic
Salmon and 1 ?Striper?. These fish were big, all 30+ inches long
and nearly as big around as a coffee can. (Can you tell that I'm
not a fisherman?)

Anyway, he said they'd been moved from below the Lawrence damn to 
above and in certain locations in Lowell you can reach down with
a stick and hook them by the gills.

    The dam repair is slated to be completed this upcoming Sunday. (6/25)
    Good timing on the repair.... It's hard to believe that this couldn't
    of been taken care of in the early spring.
    
    Ross

The Lowell Sun, Tues, 6-20 reported that the locks would be closed on that day
and that the river should return to normal level within 24 hrs. (Sounds good
for the W/E.) The river will be lowered again in 2 weeks for further repair
of the dam.

Kris

	The Merrimack river in the Lowell/Nashua section is almost back
to it's "normal" water level now.

Rick

	Admittedly, I'm not usually on the river on weekends, but
it seems it's really turning into a zoo. The wallys were so thick
you could cut 'em with a knife. Not to mention the outlaws....

	I spotted one boat that had a skier in tow without a
spotter. When the EP in Nashua spotted them he gave chase with
his non-marked aluminum boat, with about a 10 HP motor... Needless
to say the scofflaws eluded him. SOME PEOPLE! On top of all this,
this boater also didn't respect the NO WAKE zone under NH's bridges!
They should lock 'em up and throw away the keys! 

	My suggestion? Don't go to the Lowell/Nashua section of
the Merrimack river. Tell all your friends not to go there either!
Have them tell 2 friends, and they tell 2 friends...........

Rick

Smileys?

    As -.1 mentioned, the environmental & local police are making their
    presence known on the river. I don't have a problem with it, in some
    respects it was long overdue. 
    
    We were visited Saturday morning by a NH EP just after our kneeboarder
    spilled. Had the 'boarder not spilled, we would have proceeded right
    under the Nashua/Hudson 111 bridges, just like we've always done. The EP
    informed us that "headway speed only" under a bridge. OK, not a
    problem. For those of you who know the river, just south of the 111
    bridges is an old set of bridge towers, with no bridge-way. The EP
    *slowed down* while going through them too. That seems ridiculous. 
    
    The U-Lowell bridge now has "no wake" signs posted which I just
    noticed. Might have been there before, just didn't notice.
    
    I'm interested to know what the boys in blue plan to do about
    barefooting without a USCG approved type III vest. I thought NH didn't
    accept type V's (which *some* bf suits are rated). Then's there's the 
    150' distance from boats/docks/shore rule. The river isn't that wide in
    some sections! 
    
    ~jeff
                  
    Rick, I'm suprised that you didn't give chase to the scoff-laws, and
    perform a citizens arrest until the EP showed up. :^)

    
    Hi All,
    
    It is my understanding that the 'No Wake Under Bridges' rule
    is not, in fact, a new law passed by the NH Marine Patrol,
    but an application of the 150' foot that has been (periodically)
    enforced all along.  As a tournament bass fisherman who frequents
    the Merrimack, Connecticut and other NH rivers, we have been 
    told that the MP will enforce the 150' rule for bridges,
    including blown out bridges such as the one south of the 
    route 111 bridges.
    
    Technically, all river sections that are less than 300' feet
    wide are no wake.  When two boats pass eachother on a river (or
    any body of water for that matter) the minimum width has
    to be 450' wide, or it's no wake.  
    
    Of course, enforcement is completely arbitrary, however your
    chances for citation greatly increase if you are in a bassboat
    with mass registration numbers!
    
    Cheers.
    
    Gusman
    

	Yeah, it's points exactly like mentioned in .-1 that *really*
worry me...... If the laws are enforced to the letter, then there would
be very few, if any places to ski/create a wake on the Merrimack. Truly
a great loss. On the other hand (there is always another hand!) if the
laws are only enforced *sometimes* is this fair?

	re: Barefoot suit not CG approved...

	It's legal in Mass....

Rick

ps. I would have chased the scofflaw but I was a little busy at the time.

pss... getting nabbed breaking the "No wake under bridges" law costs $43.20
	rather than the standard $57.60.

    
    Re .69
    >        Admittedly, I'm not usually on the river on weekends, but
    >it seems it's really turning into a zoo. The wallys were so thick
    >you could cut 'em with a knife. Not to mention the outlaws....
      
    Tell me a place that isn't short of 5 miles out in the ocean (where
    you get to see them coming....)
    
    >        My suggestion? Don't go to the Lowell/Nashua section of
    >the Merrimack river. Tell all your friends not to go there either!
    >Have them tell 2 friends, and they tell 2 friends...........
        
    Or you can all trash those noisy things and buy sailboats and
     windsurfers... ;>) ;>) ;>)
    
       Sailor John....

    
    	The section of the river from the damn in Lowell up to the Rourke
    bridge may become a 5mph zone in the future.  Heard this second hand
    from one of the folks at the program.  He said he was told about it by
    the enforcement folks.  SIGH.....
    
    	While I have to admit from the sailing clubs perspective making it
    5mph is nice.  Cuts down wear and tear on the docks and boats, I don't
    like the idea of that much of the river being lost to boaters.  Also at
    5mph it would take a long time to get to an overturned sailboat.
    
    	The 150' is still not real uniform I saw the marine folks pull a
    boat over for violating the no wake under the bridge.  But let several
    boats go by less than 150' from the docks laying down pretty fair sized
    wakes.  They are enforcing no swimming around the bridge and other 
    places.
    
    
    Forrest

 5mph is pretty darn slow. However, if they are after no-wake... that's
 different. Nowake is an interesting concept. At about 5mph I can layout
 a pretty dam good wake in my boat if I wanted to... So that's an
 interesting topic in and amongst itself.

 On the other hand, how does that effect sailboats? 5mph is pretty slow
 in a sailboat too! Remember if they change it, its 5mph for everyone.
 You could sure rack up some tickets on a windy day in your sunfish
 and windsurfer

 - Dave (Who would make sure all violators were treated equal)

    >  On the other hand, how does that effect sailboats?
    
    I believe the "no-wake" speed is 6 mph or less.
    
    In my 2000# 20 foot sailboat, 6 mph is top end, under
    ideal conditions and perfect sail trim. Well, maybe 6.5 but never 7.
    
    Yes, my sunfish will do better than that on a plane (with someone
    lighter than me), but it won't be leaving much of a wake.
    
    I believe that the law is defined in terms of there being no wake,
    and the speed is further defined as not more than 6 mph.
    I'm not aware of people being cited for over 6 mph, if there was
    no wake. I'm under the impression that you would be cited if you were
    creating a large wake at just under the no wake speed limit.
    

     .... um...
    
    maybe ya'll oughta consider buildin' some better bridges up thar,
    so's ya' wooden hafta worry yer sevs about knockin' down  with
    yer wakes ...
    
    ;-)

    > maybe ya'll oughta consider buildin' some better bridges up thar...
    
    Ayuh. An mebbe we otta put a toll booth on em so's we can get more of
    them flatlanders ta help pay for em.
    
    Mr. bill
    

	Launched in Haverhill on the Merrimack river at the public boat
launch beside the Cresent Yacht club yesterday. The water level appeared
to be about "normal" height, I believe it was something less than high
tide at about 3:00 pm. The ramp was pretty decent, parking was ample 
although the latter looked as if it might not be true during the summer
months.

	As usual with windy days on the Merrimack, it was difficult to
tell which direction the river was running. We really showed our true,
NON-ocean-people true colors when Jackie and I looked at each other
and said; "Which way is the ocean?"... We decided it *must* be to the
right, errr Starboard! As we departed the Haverhill ramp, we were first
surprised by the fact that *REAL* marker buoys dotted the river. Wow,
actual navigation on the river instead of the situation we are used to
on the Lowell-Nashua section, which is "pray for the best"! Our second
surprise? The first set of red/green buoys, no problem... The second *set*
wasn't a set at all. It was just one green buoy *way* over on the left (port)
side of the river. Hmmmm..... let's see are we really supposed to go way
over near shore to pass that buoy? Hmmmm... as long as we are truly headed
toward the sea then we should. "Red, right, returning, correct?".... Not
to mention, that last set of buoys is either backwards or we should pass
near shore. After lunch and watching the other boat traffic we finally
felt "safe" passing pretty close to shore going around said green buoy.
In our defense, we still were unsure about, which direction "returning"
was...


	This situation was repeated many times over on our way to the ocean
and seemed to be the rule rather than the exception. The majority of the ride
to Newburyport was spent near shore while following the markers. This made
the navigation "channel" pretty skinny at times. One of those times was when
I looked down river and said "Is that a boat? Or is that a house?"... "Geez,
it's moving, it's a boat, and it's BIG!". We had just spotted the "Merrimack
Queen"... I tried to stay out of his way as best I could, although it was
a little tough since we were at one of those "skinny" places. He didn't seem
bothered and just waved and cruised right by at a moderate speed. His
wake wasn't too nasty. I'm not sure exactly what the Merrimack Queen is
used for, anyone know? It appears to reside in southern Haverhill or
Groveland, I'm not sure which...

	No shortage of no wake zones and we finally reached the bridge
before what I think was the Route 95 bridge in Newburyport. Maybe this
bridge was route 1?? At this bridge we got our first taste of the tide
heading OUT. We headed to the left at this bridge and passed under it. 
Just after we did we felt that we were just headed into a cove (later
we found this wasn't true) and that we should have kept to the right.
(are you still with me, here?) Anyway, when I turned the boat around
to pass back under the bridge I felt the full current that had been
pushing us along, and it was strong. It wasn't so strong that I couldn't
handle the boat, but what had been "one-finger" steering was now "entire
hand" steering and much more throttle. I was surprised how it snuck up
on me.

	We cruised into Newburyport without incident and wondered where
the much feared "mouth" was. Gee was it that strong section under the 95
bridge? That wasn't bad at all... We had no great desire to test the
waters by going somewhere that we really didn't belong in a 17 foot boat.
As we began to get a view of open water, we decided it best to turn around.
We were just past the Coast Guard station.

	On our return trip, we were very confused on the correct
procedure to pass under the 95 bridge. (on our way out we just followed the
line of boats passing under the left/port opening which seemed backwards
to me). On our way back in, I tried to apply the "backwards" rule I had
seen earlier. Nope, boats seemed to pass under both sides, in both directions.
What gives? Free-for-all rules, maybe... The biggest boat wins?

	Our only other difficulty was seeing the buoys on the way back
up the river. The sun was pretty low in the sky and directly in our
eyes which made seeing the buoys tough and identifying them even more 
difficult. The latter task was simplified exponentially when Jackie
reminded me that reds are cones and greens are drums! Oh yeah, DUH!

	All in all a nice outing and worth the trip, although no wake
zones and tight channels would make any skiing pretty tough. Would it
be nice at low tide? Not sure... I'm also not sure what the channel
markers really indicated. Is their intent to mark navigation for boats
like the "Merrimack Queen" at low tide and all the little boats have
plenty of water no matter where they are? As you can tell, I didn't
feel the need to test this theory.

Rick

    	There are plenty of places to get into trouble running the river
    from Haverhill to Newburyport, and they change a bit from year to year.
    They, as you noticed, really spread the markers out quite a bit. 
    
    	Aside from running it with someone who knows it, the only other way 
    is to just take it slow and try to follow the contour of the river while
    watching for/following markers. I would not assume that there is plenty
    of water everywhere as there are a couple places with rocks just below
    the surface at high tide, as well as a few sand bars. A slow run at low
    tide in a shallow draft boat will show you quite a few of these
    gotchas.
    
    	Most of those boats you see at the Yacht club never seem to move.
    As kids we used to fish quite regularly in view of the yacht club. It
    takes a while to get to the mouth, especially with all the no wake
    zones now, and I guess some just don't want to be bothered.
    
    	The River Queen does river tours (booze cruises ?) and I believe is
    run by Red Slavit, the Harbormaster. A real interesting character with
    a lot of neat toys....er...equipment.
    
    	As far as skiing there (Haverhill area), I still see pieces of
    toilet paper floating down the river, along with tampons, used rubbers,
    and other disgusting bits. Turning right from the yacht club, the first
    bend to the left is right near the treatment plant, which can produce some 
    most melodorous oders, as they say on TV. Especially if the wind is blowing
    in your direction. Either that, or it's the dump. One or the other.
    
    	Groveland has some decent spots, but then you have the marinas and
    the River Queen to contend with occasionally. If you go up river, then
    you have more crap in the water and you'll want to stay away from the
    left side of the river in a few spots. The closer you get to the mouth,
    the more boats and marinas you have to contend with, which is probably
    why many of those boats never leave the yacht club :-(
    
    	Ray
    	

	Anyone (read: Forrest) know the current scoop on the Lowell/Nashua
water level? Are we simply waiting for rain? Could be a long wait!

thanks,

Rick

ps. Where'd you get all that great dock? Custom job, huh?

    
    1) They are working on the dam and when they finish it they will let it
       come back up.  What with the lack of rain it is going to be a bit before
       that happens.  Look if it stays this low the thuder in the valley
       folks are going to have a tough time this year.  The cranes have to
       swing out a good 20' to drop in and remove boats.
    
    2) Not our docks the state purchased them for the UMass lowell rowers.  I 
       don't know where they got them from.  They were supposed to be
       installed back in June (HA).  I think the last of the missing sections
       showed up last week.  I know that many of the rowers don't like them
       as the are a little to high for a person in a single.  Also unlike the
       old docks they had which could be lifted in by hand in March these
       need a crane to install and remove.
    
    
    
    Forrest

	Looks like the river in the Lowell/Nashua section came back
up a bit over night. Must have been the rainstorms that passed thru 
the area yesterday.

	It still is real low... The rock between Paulie's and the Tyngsboro
bridge is still showing, although not by much. I would assume that the
North Chelmsford ramp is still iffy, since the last time I was there, only
4 or 5 concrete ramp sections were submerged.

	Figures that the state footed the bill for the new docks, I took
a quick peek and it's real nice custom made stuff. All welded aluminum
framing, PT decking and plastic square drum floats. If the new gate wasn't
there......... :-) :-)

Rick

    Rick,
    
    	You would not want to use that ramp even if the gate were not
    there.  The bottom 1/3 is cracked and in terrible shape.  We wont'
    talk about the crap that floats up and sinks in there.  The new gate
    was also added for the rowers by the state.
    
    
    forrest

	I'm told the Nashua Telegraph had an article that said Hudson [NH]
Cycle has LOANED a Kawasaki jetski to the Lowell Police so that they can
tow disabled boats, assist in rescues, and enhance environmental patrols. 
So....that jetski you see on the Merrimack may now be the P-O-L-I-C-E!! 
Now doesn't that just make your day!!!

Jeff...you may want to get a "special" sticker for the bow to be ready for
this one!! :)

Me, sign this? No way!

    I have a hard time believing that the Lowell Police have any interest
    in towing boats with a jetski PWC. What kind of rescue could a
    watercraft of that size help assist in?? I'm looking forward to seeing
    the jockey who rides it and what he intends to do with it. Lowell has a
    22' center console with a big 200hp outboard. That has got to be as
    fast as a PWC, better able to tow & rescue.
    
    ~jeff

I noticed *LOTS* of logs, limbs, branches, etc floating below the Tyngsboro
bridge this morning.  The weekend weather must have loosened shorebound logs, or
blown in a few standing ones.

If you're planning on  being on the river in the next few days, "let's be
careful out there!"

dave

Dave,

	It's the rain that does it... the water level rises and then items
that were previously sitting on shore dry get dragged down river...

Rick

ps. It was real nice Sunday... today is supposed to be nice also.. cough,
cough..

	I'm afraid I may have just read some news that may result in further 
clogging of the Merrimack by PWCs. Seems the Concord river launch in Bedford
has become a popular PWC launch area, and that technically they are not allowed
to exceed headway speed on any portion of the river nearby. Or as one official
put it; "unless they are doing very small circles right in front of the ramp,
it's illegal".

	My favorite river launch site has also become "home base" for a large
number of PWCs. My biggest complaint? The PWCs seem to take over any available
beaching area beside the ramp making beaching the boat while going to get the
trailer next to impossible. Bedford plans to more strictly enforce what
essentially amounts to prohibition of PWCs. I hope this does not mean increased
numbers on the Merrimack.

Rick

<Jeff, where are you when we need you??>

    
    	You are just full of good news.  The 10 to 20 PWCs that already
    hang out on the river between Lowell and Chelmsford are more than 
    enough.
    
    
    Forrest

    >"unless they are doing very small circles right in front of the ramp,
    >it's illegal".
    
    Oh great. This is actually my *only* complaint about some PWCs at that 
    ramp: getting a boat on the damn trailer when some chucklehead PWC
    pilot  is boring holes in the river 20 feet away from the ramp is a
    major PITA, hazardous to both crew and boat alike. Other than that, I 
    don't have any problem with PWCs...
    
    >Bedford plans to more strictly enforce what essentially amounts to 
    >prohibition of PWCs.

    Obstensively the EP's should apply the same reg enforcement to all
    boats, and not just focus on PWCs. That'd be fine with me, especially
    if they clean up the ramp behavior there, before someone gets hurt...
    
    /dave

    Well, I believe the river usage may be growing too fast for the amount
    of controls in place. While I don't like being told we can't ski under
    a 150' wide bridge opening because it's 'headway' speed only, I would
    accept that if it meant the grossly delinquent behavior was curtailed.
    
    Maybe they should have left the wreckage from last month's fatality at
    the ramp as a tribute to stupidity. I've seen some shopping malls that
    have displayed the wreckage from drunk driving accidents. 
    
    As the popularity of the river increases it's only likely that there
    will be conflicting behavior. I believe we should be tolerant and
    respectful of another's actions. Take the time to try and educate
    someone whenever possible. Either that or we offer free beer one night
    a week to all the chuckleheads and stand on shore and watch them mow each 
    other down.
    
    ~jeff
    ~jeff  

Hey Jeff,

	I think you must have left your tube logged in last night and some
tolerant, flexible, understanding boater got their hands on it and wrote a
note! :-)

Rick

                      <<< Note 165.92 by BIRDIE::JGREEN >>>
                               -< not always PC >-

    Well, I believe the river usage may be growing too fast for the amount
    of controls in place. While I don't like being told we can't ski under
    a 150' wide bridge opening because it's 'headway' speed only, I would
    accept that if it meant the grossly delinquent behavior was curtailed.
    
    Maybe they should have left the wreckage from last month's fatality at
    the ramp as a tribute to stupidity. I've seen some shopping malls that
    have displayed the wreckage from drunk driving accidents. 
    
    As the popularity of the river increases it's only likely that there
    will be conflicting behavior. I believe we should be tolerant and
    respectful of another's actions. Take the time to try and educate
    someone whenever possible. Either that or we offer free beer one night
    a week to all the chuckleheads and stand on shore and watch them mow each 
    other down.
    
    ~jeff
    ~jeff  

    >Take the time to try and educate someone whenever possible. Either that
    >or we offer free beer one night a week to all the chuckleheads and stand
    >on shore and watch them mow each other down.
    
    On at least one occasion I've tried to 'splain how inconsiderate ramp
    behavior can be dangerous. Unfortunately, it appeared that the PWC pilot 
    in question already had a few of those beers (free or otherwise) in his
    system...