Conference vicki::boats

    
    re: Mike,
    
    	Sure you can ski on Winni during the weekend! Since your
    idea of calm is when you can see over the waves while standing
    on skis!  :-)  :-)  :-)
    
    Rick

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Note 292.2                  Questions about Winni...                      2 of 2
WEDOIT::MALCOLM                                      42 lines   8-MAR-1989 14:32
                            -< Winnipesaukee stuff >-
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    Mike,
    	I've been boating on Winni for the last 12 years, and in my
    own boat since 1980. My first boat was a 17' Galaxy. We didn't have
     too much trouble then. The rough water comes from two sources:
    Wind and other boats. The wind hasn't changed much. The number of
    boats, however, has changed significantly. I had trouble a couple
    of times last year off the Weirs even with very little wind. The waves
    from the boats were unbelievable. The worst place is Sunday around
    2 pm by Governors Island @ Buoy # 2 until Buoy # 1. It is also not
    a lot of fun in Paugus Bay between  the channel and the area near
    Buoy # 39. On the weekend, the best times to ski are before 11 on
    Sat and Sunday; after 5 on Sunday (Tourists have gone home) and
    sometimes Saturday between 6 and sunset. I have found a couple of places
    that are usually skiiable outside those hours, but they vary according
    to the wind. 
    	The prevailing wind on the lake is  usually straight down the
    lake, from Center Harbor towards the Alton/Wolfeboro line. It can
    be fairly rough, 5-8 foot waves past Rattlesnake in 25+ MPH winds.
    In these waves, a 17 ft boat will feel real small. However, you
    only see these wind waves if you are going to/from Alton/ Wolfeboro.
    Since I don't like the crowds that much, I stick to the Wolfeboro
    area. The exceptions to this are Motorcycle weekend, the occasional
    trip to the Weirs, or to Burger King, or Wendys, or Frankennsunday,
    or dinner at Hart's or...... :^) . Ok, so maybe I do visit that end
    a lot. And lets not forget the NASWA  barefoot beach bar. Always
    an interesting stop on a hot afternoon...music, bar on the beach,
    tables on the sand, water 3 feet away ( of course I have a designated
    drinker, er, I mean driver).
    
    Now as far as slip prices, If you are running from Sunapee towards
    cheaper prices, I think you are going the wrong direction. Slips
    are going up every year.
   
	Also, if you are in Nio, I have a chart on my wall if you want
    to stop by and talk lake. I'm at pole T6. 
    
    Scott
    
    P.S. Also, be very careful of the wakes off of the Mailboats (Sophie
    C., Doris E. I think). While they are smaller than the Mount
    Washington,their wakes are killers...very steep and VERY deceiving
    
    

    Mike,
    
    Slips are big bucks on the lake if you can even find them. There
    are a lot of coves you can ski in around the lake, problem is that's
    where everybody else is going to go for skiing. A 17 foot boat can
    be real small on that lake during weekends and real windy conditions.
    I would recommend trailering there a few weekends this summer to
    see if you like it before dishing out big bucks for a slip.
    
    Another thought!  If the drought conditons this winter continue through
                      the summer, you will have a tough time getting
                      boats out of some of the marinas on that lake
                      by mid august. That happened three years ago, where
                      seven marinas had tough times getting boats in
                      and out.
    
                                 Jeff

    Scott,
      Could you expand on the NASWA Barefoot Beach Bar?  Where is it
    exactly, I've never heard of it.
    Doug.
    

    The NASWA Barefoot beach bar is located on the Weirs channel. It
    is across from  and 500 feet further down the channel (towards Paugus
    bay) from Channel Marine.
    They is also a motel,resturant and gift shop there. I've only been
    to the bar :^). This is the place where the big boys go to show
    off their toys ( but I go anyway). There are usually a few Checkmates,
    Scarabs, lots of Formulas, a couple of ski boats, at least one 211
    Liberator :^), and many others... Last year they had at least one
    afternoon with a live Reagga ? band. Waitresses in bikinis'.
    There are about 8 tables, 10 bar stools, lots of standing room.
    The last 2 years they have had an early last call (6:30), but that
    just meant you could get 1 last ski in...... We used to be able
    to stay late and watch the fireworks at the Weirs (only the high
    ones). The usually have a couple of people on the dock organizing
    the waiting line. They have room for maybe 50-60 boats. I made the
    mistake of going by land once (boat in shop). Definatly not the
    same! Be sure to bring sunglasses and wear lots of sunscreen, the
    afternoon sun is aimed right at this place. I think they also serve
    some food beyond just munchies. If anyone wants to go this summer,
    let me know. I don't get off Winni (no trailer) and put 150+ hours
    on the boat per season (April 28-Nov 1? for '88). 
    
    Scott

    
    RE: Rough water
The big lake definitely can get rough, and you have to be careful. 
That doesn't mean you can't enjoy it in a smaller boat though.  I've
cruised the lake the last 5 years in both a 16' tri-hull and a 25
year old 14' V-hull.  One weekend day last summer I covered 66 miles
on the lake in the 14'er, including a trip through the Weirs and
across the Broads.  Never have run into any real danger, although
we have had more than one uncomfortable ride home.  You can do it
in a smaller boat, you just have to be more careful, and be smart
enough to know which days to stay on shore.


    RE: Water skiing
I agree with what was mentioned earlier; ski the lake in the morning
or evening, or almost anytime during mid-week.  On a weekend afternoon
your only hope is to find an uncrowded bay, but remember that everyone
else is looking for the same thing.  During mid-week you can ski almost
anywhere.  We usually ski in Winter Harbor, which on the east side of
the lake just north of Wolfeboro Bay, but that's getting more crowded 
too.


    RE: The NASWA
I've been to the NASWA Beach Bar a couple times.  It's located along
the left side of the channel from Weirs Beach to Paugus Bay.  It was
interesting, but a little too rich and stuffy for my blood.  If you
want to see a bunch of rich kids paying for drinks with $100 bills 
and talking about their new yachts and condos then check it out.  You
should at least have a good laugh.  Just don't take it all too seriously
and you'll probably have a good time.  And bring $100 bills.

Rick W.

    Let's see now...
    
    Skiing on Winni is always a challenge ... wind, waves, novice boaters
    running between you and the tow boat (don't laugh, it happened on
    Paugus Bay several years ago), etc..
    I have several friends who left Winni to go to Newfound Lake for
    calmer, 'cleaner' waters.
    
    In response to the increased traffic, I moved up to a 26' deep-V....it
    helps quite a bit.
    
    The best part of the lake for skiing is on the Alton/Wolfeboro side
    of the lake...avoid the Weirs/Meredith area...and don't bother with
    Paugus Bay...takes a long time to get through the channel single
    file, and it's incredibly crowded.
    
    The Naswa Beach Bar is an excellent place for people watching...most
    of the regulars are 'monied', relatively unpretentious boaters; it's
    the 'irregulars' who come to show off the gold chains and their
    'just bought brand used' Checkmate with the holed pistons and the
    metalflake hull that really make for good watching. Also, watching
    people maneuver in and out of the place can be very entertaining,
    especially when they pick one of the more difficult spots to get
    into and they're not that good on the throttles yet. The hordes
    of spectators doesn't make it any easier on them easier.
    
    But, it's all in good fun. 
    
    

    RE SKIING:
    In my opinion the best skiing is done before 9 or 10 am on weekends.
    You really have to get an early start, it seems like everyone is
    looking to find a calm spot.  We don't even try to ski after that
    because it seems like every boat on the lake is in travel.  As far
    as where to go- I can't tell you.  We prefer to be the only boats
    in sight when we ski.  That doesn't usually happen unless we're
    out there before 9am.
    
    RE NASWA:
    The NASWA is a great place to go on a sunny afternoon.  Great sights,
    both human and machine!  Great drinks and a good time.  I don't
    think you have to be rich to go there.  Everyone seems to be very
    friendly- even the wealthy ones.
    
    Another good party spot is Braun Bay.  We frequent that place. 
    Hundreds of boats anchor up.  Boats of all sizes, including jet
    skis, yachts and any size inbetween.  People of all sizes, shapes
    and ages go there.  They have water volleyball, water balloon games
    (fights) and plenty of rafting.  They also have 2 party barges that
    serve food, have a raw bar and will even blend your beverages in
    ice.  Most importantly, the water is only waste high!  You have
    to try it at least once.  It's an unforgetable experience!!!
    
    RE WATER:
    THE WATER IS ROUGH!  WE HAVE A 20' CHECKMATE AND I HAVE FEARED FOR
    MY LIFE IN SOME SPOTS.  WE'RE LOOKING TO UPGRADE REAL SOON!  YOU
    HAVE TO TAKE IS SLOW NEAR THE WEIRS BEACH AREA.  IT'S FUN BOUNCING
    AROUND SOMETIMES, BUT IF YOU'VE JUST EATEN OR HAVE VALUABLES IN
    THE BOAT- IT'S TERRIBLE THERE AND ON THE WAY THERE FROM THE OTHER
    SIDE OF THE LAKE!  Some sections are very calm and you can manage
    if you just take it easy.
    

    So, is any else going to Winnipesaukee for motorcycle weekend? I
    haven't missed it for the last 5 years. There are spots in Paugus
    Bay to watch the "show" from at anchor. I'll be there. Any other
    boats???

    I'm planning on it, weather permitting.  Will you be in the area around
    the seaplane rides dock?  I seem to recall a good view of Rt 3 from 
    there. 
    
    I have a brown Renken bowrider... What will you be in?
    
                                                     TOm

    I end up usually about 1/2 mile to the right of Christmas Island.
    They usually have an active croud at a yellow house with a lot of
    SMYT signs. There have also been some SMYC signs for the ladys...:^).
    I'll probably get to Paugus bay around 2-2:30.
    I'll be in a grey/black/gold stripe 4Winns Liberator. I also stop
    by Burger King, Naswa, and sometimes go for a walk at the Wiers.
    Anybody else?? I may have room for more people, I 'll know Thursday
    AM.
    
    Later,
    Scott
NH 0167 AA 

    
    I heard that the lake was going to be drained 2'8" by October 8 this
    year.  That seems a bit more than other years.
    
    Has anyone got any information about this?
    
    Steve
    

    
          Drain Winni?   2'8"?  Now THAT will be a LOT of water!

    
    					Kenny

    Draining Winni will begin (sometime) after Columbus Day and should take
    until sometime in March to reach the full drawdown of -2.5 ft.  Normal
    drawdown is -1 ft.  This is according to the NH Water Resources
    Authority.
    Doug 

    
    
    The big drain is open.....
    
    I went to Winni this past week end.  First I was surprised to see that
    the lake is already down about a foot since labor day.  I took my boat 
    out for a little ride and was taken back when I kicked up a little sand
    in a few spots that I have frequently traveled.  When I got back to the
    marina,  I was talking to some folks about it.  They said that there
    were some bridges that were in need of repair and that the water was
    being dropped way down to allow it to happen.  They said that there
    would be about another 1.5 ft drained in the next few weeks.
    
    I told them to put my boat away for the season.........
    
    
        	B U M M E R !
    
    
     
                        

    Re: 15;  Yup that sounds alot more accurate, from the locals, than what
    I was told by some bureaucrat in Concord.  I assumed some repair work
    needed to be done but it seemed odd that "it would take until March" to
    let the water down.  Maybe he meant that it would be down *until*
    March.  But he also said it wouldn't start going down til after
    Columbus day.  (?)
    DW