Conference vicki::boats

    Louisa...there are MANY notes in this conference regarding boat
    registration both here in Mass. and NH.  See notes 17, 54, 175, 314 and
    344 for at-length discussions and horror stories.
    
    As for information about Winni, note 292 has some good stuff.  Of
    course, there are some Winni gurus who read this conference who can be
    more specific.
    
    					...Roger...

RE: Note 412.0             Lake Winnapsakie (sp) infor PLEASE 

Louisa,
I'll try to answer some of your questions.  First off, if you're gonna
be a Winnipesaukee boater you've gotta learn how to spell it:
                "WINNIPESAUKEE"


>>    	I am a new boat owner (1 month) and I would love to take
>>  	my 19 foot cubby cabin up to lake Winapsakeie (sp), but
>>  	I hear that I have to register my Massachusetts boat in
>>  	New Hampshie also.  First thing I need to know  is that
>>  	true? and how do I go about registering my boat, can I
>>  	do it over the phone, and how much does it cost?

Yes, you will need a separate registration for you boat.  Most marinas
can do it for you.  Your NH registration number will the same as your
Mass. number, but they will issue you a pair of stickers to be put on
your bow, right next to your Mass. numbers.  The cost is based on some
hocus-pocus formula they use, but seems to be based on year, length, and
horsepower.  As a guideline, my 1989 17'3" Sunbird with 88hp cost me $53.


>>      One more thing, where is the best place to launch the boat? 
    
Launch facilities can be difficult to find, you will not find anybody
welcoming you with open arms.  You could help to narrow it down by 
telling us which area of the lake you plan to use, or check note 32.21
for some ideas on where to go.  Wherever you go, plan on spending a few
bucks.  Last season the public launch in Meredith went from free to $6,
and they cut the parking lot in half.  Ames Farm in Gilford will let you
launch, but I'm not sure of the price.  Thurston's Marina in Laconia
will give you unlimited use of their launch for $250/season, or for
$350 you can leave your boat there on its trailer in their parking lot.


>>      are you allowed to sleep in your boat over night in the lake?

No, you are not allowed to sleep over night on the lake.  Between 2 and
4:00 AM you must keep moving, or at least not let the marine patrol
find you.  Most property owners are very territorial and will call the
police if they see you camping out in front of their property.  And be
very careful of *everything* you do out there.  Follow all the rules,
carry the required equipment and registration forms, keep 150' from other
boats etc.  They seem to be *really* cracking down this year, and will
nail you if they see any violations.

If all of this seems like a lot of hassle, you're right.  The place is
overcrowded, so they're not exactly trying to encourage more people to
use the lake.  And if you do find your way out there, they try to make
sure you follow the rules so nobody gets hurt.  So just pay your money
to launch, play by their rules, and you will have a great time. Enjoy!

Rick W.

    If you live or have access to the Nashua area I would also recommand
    the boat shop mentioned in note 54.85 for getting a boat registration.  
    I went there yesterday after seeing the note  got my registration($50)
    and a chart/map of Winni($5).  Got directions from them over the
    phone.  Had to pay cash ONLY for the registration, seemed standard
    after talking to a number of places.  I would  call any place you
    go to first since some only due regs. on certain days.
    
    Mike Smith  

    
    	Thank you all very much, all the notes were very helpful
    	I knew I could count on the folks in boat notes!
    
    RE .2 
    
    	I also have a 89 Sunbird blue & white with a johnson 110
    	This is the best summer so far and it has'nt even begun!
    	do you live in Mass? and where do you boat?
    
    	thank you all agin and I will be careful out there
    
    Louisa

RE: .4
>>    	I also have a 89 Sunbird blue & white with a johnson 110
>>  	This is the best summer so far and it has'nt even begun!
>>  	do you live in Mass? and where do you boat?

I've got a blue and white Sunbird SPL174 cuddy, with the Johnson
SPL88 outboard.  I live in Milford NH, but bought the boat at Gauch
Bros. in Shrewsbury MA because I work down that way.  We travel to
a lot of places, but most often you'll find us on Winnipesaukee.  
We launch at the Glendale docks in Gilford, which I didn't mention
in the previous reply because it is open only to Gilford property
owners (which my parents are).

If you have the 110 motor then you must have the new SPL194 cuddy?

Rick W.

    I talked to the Mass Motorboat Registry and the Vermont Small Boat
    Registry today regarding reciprocity. Mass said NONE register with
    Mass for $30, Vermont has a valadation sticker for $10 plus 4% of
    the current book value; form and all that stuff.....I am new to
    trailering and intend to go to the cape some weekend and to Vermont
    some weekend this summer.  I will register in NH probably at Cadcraft
    as you suggest, but do you all intend to do about reciprocity? 
    Does anyone know the fine schedule in Mass and Vermont?  This is
    crazy....
    
                                               Enrico.....
    

    
    RE: .6
    
    Not sure about Vermont, but you're all set if you want to go to
    the Cape.  New Hampshire registrations now comply with Coast Guard
    regulations and are accepted in all salt water areas.  You just
    won't be able to use any of the Cape's inland fresh-water ponds. 
                                      
    Rick W.

    I would like to emphasize the importance of having a chart. There
    are a LOT of rocks and shallow areas on the lake. I also have noticed
    that there several buoys missing in some pretty nasty areas. I will
    probably report a couple of them if they're still not in this weekend.
    Get a chart several days before you go up. Study it every night.
    All the launch ramps and gas docks are marked. You can then pick
    the "best" one based on where you want to be and where you want
    to go. When  you look at the chart, understand what those red and
    black dots are. Know what those funny dotted lines mean (they are
    explained in corner.
    
    The original note didn't state whether or not you have a compass.
    I would recommend one if you don't know the lake.
    
    Going thru Sally's Gut is kind of interesting. 
    If you don't have much experience getting the boat on and off the
    trailer, select a sheltered ramp. Downings in Alton Bay is pretty
    good, but the Alton Public ramp can be very, very tricky if there
    is any wind. There is a nice free ramp on Winter Harbor and you
    can park behind the Libby Museum.
    
    Winnipesaukee is a big lake. Respect it. ESPECIALLY if it is windy.
    You will find the area by the Weirs will probably be very rough
    from boat traffic from this weekend on.
    
    Good Luck
    
    Scott 
    @Roberts Cove Basin
    

    I have a question for all you winni gurus. A good fried of mine
    is on "Marine Patrol" in winni and we usually get up there once
    or twice a year for a day or two. We have slept on his boat but
     I guess that dosn't count because he's the law.
    
    He could not explain why they have that stupid rule and I had never
    heard of it before he mentioned it. Can anyone explain Why?
    I overnight on my boat all the time, Just find a sheltered harbor
    and throw out the hook. But I'm in the big pond.
    
    What about fishermen that fish all night? anchor up or do you have
    to troll during the 2 to 4 hours?
    
                                   Walt
    

    Sounds like you can't always 'Live Free' as the sign says.
    
    

    
    There are several reasons that I've heard for prohibiting overnighting
    on Winni. I suppose you can take your pick..I don't know of any
    'official reason'. 
    
    1. The lake is very congested. You want to move as many people off
    the waterway as possible whenever possible.
    
    2. In order to cut down on the number of collisions at night - you
    want to eliminate as much anchoring as possible.
    
    3. Overnighting can lead to overboard sewage release &/or overloading
    the few pump-out stations on the lake.
    
    4. Having to suffer through an all-night party had by someone anchored
    outside your cottage is NG.
    
                          -----------------------------------
    
    Some last minute pointers for Winni:
    
    You absolutely must have a chart for the lake - it is a vicious
    place for those without it. The underwater (slightly) mountains
    are famous for ripping drives, keels, and bottoms off of baots and
    sinking them quickly. 
    
    Compass - yes, must also have. It is so irregularly shaped with
    so many islands that you're lost without one. 
    
    You must also drive quite 'defensively' (when was the last time
    you heard that expression used for a waterway?). There are quite
    a few untrained &/or reckless novices out there!
    
    When you're ready to relax...stop in at the NASWA beach bar on the
    east side of the Weirs channel in Paugus Bay. Great people watching!
    

    
    RE .4
    
    	Hi Rick,
    
    	you know your boats, I do have the SPL194 and I to bought my
    	boat at Gauch Bros.."SMALL WORLD"  To bad you live in NH and
    	I in Mass, we could of boated together..oh well. If you ever
    	want to boat somewhere different, Webster lake in Webster Ma
    	is a very nice lake..but you do have to pay 24.00 to get in
    
    	Thank again everyone, I'll be Winni bound next weekend!
    
    	See you there...Louisa

    
    Is anyone else headed up to Winnipesaukee this weekend?  We'll
    be heading up tonight, and launching at the Glendale docks in
    Gilford around 10:00 tomorrow morning.  Probable destinations
    will include a raft up with another DECcie in Braun Bay, 
    lunch at Burger King in Paugus Bay, and stops in Wolfeboro Bay
    and Winter Harbor.
    
    I'll be in a blue & white Sunbird SPL174 cuddy, and there
    should be 4 of us in the boat.  Is anyone else interested
    in getting together for a brew or 2?
    
    Rick W.  (Anxiously awaiting 5:00 pm)  
    

    
    
    	24 Dollars to launch at Webster lake!!!!!! Do they think the
    lake is *that* nice?!?!?!?

    I'll be on the lake this weekend. Black/Grey/gold 211 liberator.
    We will have 6 people Sat and 5(maybe) Sunday. Look for Twin
    O'Brien Tubes (Black and Red) in Winter Harbor. or Wolfeboro or
    Roberts Cove or Meredith Sat. AM around 10:30 or.......Well, you
    know how it is.
    
    Scott
    NH 0167 AA
    

Oooohhhhh, what a bummer to be back at work after a week's vacation
at Lake Winnipesaukee....  Some idle thoughts while sitting here at
my terminal:

- Having spent an average of about 5 hours of each day for the last week
  on the big lake, I've come to the conclusion that no sane person could 
  argue that something absolutely must be done to protect us from the
  morons who have no idea of the rules.  If that means written tests and
  licensing then so be it.

- "Personal watercraft" riders are their own worst enemy and are in real
  danger of having no place to ride.  The guy on the unmuffled machine who
  rode back and forth relentlessly on Thursday afternoon knows just who
  I'm talking about.  Reminded me of a mosquito buzzing around your ear, 
  just begging to be swatted.  Almost every day the local papers carried 
  stories on hearings being held to limit or ban their use.  

- The marine patrol is also cracking down on the use of personal watercraft.
  A friend of mine brought his Kawasaki Jetski up one day last week.  I'd
  rather that he hadn't, but figured what the heck.  After registering his
  machine, we headed over to the launch.  First we launched my boat, then his
  Jetski.  By the time I got back from parking the truck, the marine patrol
  was in the process of issuing him a warning for riding within 300' of shore,
  having a non-approved fire extinguisher and no horn or whistle.  They said
  they'd have to arrest him if he went back out without the proper equipment.
  Scratch the next half hour while we bring the Jetski back up to the house.  
  I believe he also now holds the unofficial record for shortest period from 
  time of registration to issuance of first citation (less than 1/2 hour).

- The massive party at the Braun Bay sandbar may soon be over.  Local residents
  are perturbed over the rafting of up to 250 boats on a sunny weekend. Seems
  the partiers are known to have loud boats and play loud music at all hours,
  drink excessively and leave their trash behind.  The two pontoon boats which
  roam the area selling hamburgers and mixing drinks also seem to rub the 
  locals the wrong way.

- As bad as the boat traffic/licensing situation is, the air traffic seems to 
  be out of hand.  Last week a helicopter crashed into the lake on Saturday,
  and a seaplane crashed on Monday.  Yesterday my parents also witnessed an 
  unnumbered seaplane buzzing the crowded beach at the Gunstock Acres 
  Association on the broads.  At one point the plane dipped lower than the 
  mast of a sailboat moored next to the beach.  These guys better get their 
  act together, because the FAA is a bit more strict than the NH Safety Patrol.

- There are still two cars sitting on the bottom of the lake from last winter's
  fishing season.  Their owners face large fines, as well as ~$1200 in fees for
  the salvage companies to remove them.  I wonder where the gas and oil from
  these vehicles went?

- Heard an ad on the radio for Exxon marine fuel.  The ad made reference to
  the fact that it was the "most popular fuel on the water".  How appropriate!

Rick W.

    So, Rick:
    
    Did you have any fun during your stay in Winni-ville? Your note
    seems to sing me the blues!
    
    Your observations are very accurate. 
    
    But, really--did you have any fun???
    
    Mike

    RE: .17
   >> But, really--did you have any fun?
    
    Despite what it may sound like, yeah we had a blast.  There are
    plenty of crazies out there, but if you're careful and know where
    to go there's still plenty of fun to be had.  Can't wait for the
    weekend to head back up!
    
    Rick W.

    
    Rick W.
    
    How was the lake on the weekdays???
    I imagine it was A LOT less crowded then the weekends,  but
    was it EVER UN-CROWDED.  I am thinking of heading up on a 
    Friday hoping to find some un-congested waters.  Is it 
    possible to find this??
    
    Mike
    

    
    FYI - weekdays on Winni are delightful, Yes, quite empty.
    
    

Hi,

We had a beautiful indian summer day yesterday.  I took my 19' Galaxy to
Lake Winni with a full tank of gas and 5 other DEC folks yesterday.
End-of-season splurge, I guess.  We left MKO at 12:45 and were in the water
at 2:00.  Had the whole lake to ourselves.  The weather was great and we
had an absolute blast.  Next year I'll definitely be doing a weekday
afternoon to the Lakes Region every two weeks so.

Jeff

P.S. This is my first year to power boating and I'm definitely hooked.  I am 
     *just* looking at new SeaRay bowriders -- 22' and 24' beauties.  

    Official Ice out was yesterday 4/21. I thnk the radio said 2:50 p.m..
    
    Bill
    

    ALL RIGHT!
    
    This Sunday is the day!
    
    

    
    Well, I started this note in June of 89.  It is now July of 92 and I
    finaly made it to Winni'!  After hearing all the horror stories about
    the lake, I was affraid to go.  I got myself a great map and I saved
    and saved for a depth finder and compas.  (On a secretary's salary you
    can see it took awhile) :-)  I read everything and I wanted to be a
    good boater!
    
    I had a cottage right on the lake in Meridth/Weirs beach right on Senic
    Cove.  We spend 2 days just driving around the lake and in total awe of
    the size and beauty.  The rest of the week we spent on Braun Bay on the
    sand bar playing frisbee and vollyball and soaking up the rays.
    
    I found all the boaters very very nice and helpful.  We never got lost
    and we didn't ruin a prop!!!  We didn't see any bad boaters just nice
    helpful people.
    
    I still can not belive how beautiful the lake is..how clear and clean
    it is and the size!!!!  I never want to boat anywhere again but on Lake
    Winni!
    
    We saw lots of Loons and a American Bald Eagle searching for food..we
    saw a few 2 to 3 foot Striped Bass scanning the bottom...it is the best
    place in the work..I think everyone should boat on Lake winni!
    
    but do bring a Map and a depth finder!  Thanks for all the great info
    about the lake!
    
    Louisa...hooked on Winni!
    
     

    
    Louisa - I have also fallen in love with Winni just as you have and for
    many of the same reasons. I too, was somewhat concerned about going
    there when listening to all of the horror stories. Once I actually went
    there for myself and was able to see what it is really like, I found
    that it was not nearly so bad as all the stories and very beautiful.
      The area in front of the Weirs can get rather busy, but the rest is
    virtually always wonderful. It is almost a true paradise. There are
    still so many parts of the lake I have yet to explore. Perhaps I will
    see you up there sometime. :^)
    
    					Kenny

    
    Kenny - Yes, it is much quiter up in the Moultonboro (sp) area..but
    I love were I was at.  I didn't get much sun becasue I was exploiring
    every inch of Winni'  I dont think I missed an island to go around or
    a bay or inlet...I was just so fasinated with the whole thing.  When I
    get to go back..I hope I can meet up w/ some other winni noters.
    
    Louisa

    
      Yes, you're right. I usually stay up in the northern end of the lake
    myself. Did you get to go through Sally's Gut? It's a really relaxing
    and scenic place. I do not usually go to Braun Bay, I usually head up
    to Blueberry cove which is basically through the woods (to the west)
    from Braun Bay. I will usually head up there first to get a good space
    and relax. Then explore/cruise etc. later on in the day. I plan on
    being up there on Saturday, hope to see you. My boat is a blue and
    white Larson 17' bowrider with a XP100 Evinrude. Hope to see you up
    there sometime.
    
    				Kenny

    This note is getting my attention.  I've never been up to
    Winni with my Baja...one of these days!  Sounds like a lot
    of fun.
    
    Jeanne
    

    
      The Witches is a huge are of rocks (maybe a 1/4 mile square?)that are
    mostly just below the surface. They are located near one of the most 
    heavily traveled areas of the lake (near Governor's I) and are out where 
    one would normally travel. They are bounded by a number of bouys, but if 
    it is a bit choppy and you aren't paying too much attention..... :^(
    
    				Kenny
    

    Hopefully someone can help with this question. In a couple of weeks I 
    will be taking my sons (6 & 7 yrs) camping on the lake somewhere. I
    really do not want to just head up there with no destination so I was
    wondering if I could get some names and possibly numbers of some 
    campgrounds on the lake that have docks space available. I will be
    taking a 22 ft cabin cruiser with me.
    Can you just anchor anywhere on the lake?
    How about the Islands?
    
    Any suggestions helpful
    
    Never had the boat on a lake before.
    
    Jerry
    
     

    There are a couple of campgrounds on Long Island, which is off
    Moultonboro Neck. I don't know if they have any dock space. You may
    have to make arrangements with a marina near a campground.
    
    Almost all of the islands in Winnipesaukee are privately owned, and
    in general, the owners value (demand) their privacy. There are a few
    owned by publuc trusts that can be visited with permission, but in 
    general, don't plan on much island roaming.
    
    You can day anchor most anywhere, as long as it is not right in
    someone's "frony yard" (common courtesy). You cannot anchor overnight
    anywhere on the lake. The marine patrol does patrol and will kick you 
    out after some late hour. Rafting is prohibited in a number of areas
    which are marked in red on the chart. Rafting is defined as the tying
    toghther of 3 or more boats. 
    
    You will definitely want to get the chart of the lake - for multiple
    reasons, and you may want to find the paperback book that is a guide
    to the lake.
    
    
    Call if you want more info.
    
    Bill
    

    
    Jerry - The person who could REALLY answer your question is Rick
    Wilson, but he is up the lake right now on vacation (The fink), but
    I'll tell what I can.
    
      There are indeed campgrounds and/or motels with dock/mooring space
    available. One place I like to launch at and is close and quite laid
    back is Ames Farm. It is located in Laconia, right on the water. They
    have decent launching facilities and cabins and rooms. They also have
    docks and a great parking area. I have never stayed there overnight, I
    only have launched there. It seems like a decent place though. I also
    am pretty sure you can leave your boat there (On the trailer) for a
    certain fee, while you are not there. If you are not staying there,
    they charge $10 to launch.
      There are a number of campgrounds which I am sure would be just what
    you would want and Rick has a favorite, but I just do not know any
    names to tell you. Since it will be a couple weeks before you head up,
    you should be able to get a lot more info from Rick or somebody by
    then. I know that Rick will be back on Monday.
    
       Because of the amount of people who use Winni and the number of
    private landowners combined with the usual number of people who do
    their best to spoil a good thing, No, you cannot anchor overnight on
    the lake *anywhere* except at a real mooring or a dock or a beach where
    you have some sort of permission. (Like at a campground you are staying
    at or a friends house) There is no place that I have EVER heard of
    where you can beach your boat except at launching places and the like.
    The lake shore is virtually all private - that includes all the
    islands. The only exceptions are a few (very few) natural areas where
    you are allowed to visit, but not stay.
    
    				Hope this helps,
    					Kenny

    One more tidbit - last I knew, overnighting on a mooring
    was technically prohibited, (but pretty impractical to enforce).
    We have overnighted many a time on our mooring at Fay's Boatyard.
    
    I have a friend who keeps his boat on the trailer at Ames Farm. Last I
    knew it was $350 per season. I understand that the folks are kind of
    funny there about granting season privilleges. Seems that they have to
    get to know you and decide whether or not they like you before they
    will take your money for a season. (just an aside)
    
    Bill

    Thanks for all of the info. I will try to talk to Rick on monday and
    see if he has anything to add. 
    Judging from the replies so far, I think I will just take the canoe
    and leave the cruiser to the oceans. It is not practical for me to
    take the boat on and off of the trailer every day.
    
    Thanks 
    
    Jerry

    WHY is it prohibited to overnight on a boat on a mooring, or anchoring
    too for that matter?  Since overboard discharge can occur during the
    day as well as at night this doesn't make sense to me.  All these
    restrictions (I suppose are 'necessary') are getting to the point
    which reminds me of a story I have heard about a lake in the Denver
    Area.  As I understand it, if you do manage to get a launch permit,
    wait through the line, and jam your way onto the crowded lake, then
    you can 'enjoy' the use of your boat.  Why bother!?
    
    

    My understanding is that the issue is one of sewage. Keep in mind that
    there are a lot of smaller boats that don't even have porta potties on
    the lake. There are also something like 11,000 (eleven thousand) boats
    that use Winnipesaukee. I suspect it is partly fueled by the continuous
    conflicting views of the land owners and the non-land owning boating
    public.
    
    Winnipesaukee is a very clean (and beautiful) lake that supports a large 
    summer population. Keeping it that way does require some control.
    I suspect that there is little than can be done to reduce much of the
    "overboard discharge" that does occur during the day. Given the high
    usage, I believe that some of the overnight restrictions do help to
    keep it clean and special. The theory is that if a boat is "attached" to
    shore, overnighters are less likely to use the lake as a toilet.
    I don't think it's a perfect solution, but a reasonable compromise.
    
    I know the mooring regulations and I suspect the overnight ban also
    applies to the other 4 "large lakes" in N.H.: Squam, Little Squam,
    (neither of which have much if any public access), Sunapee, and
    Newfound. One cannot put a mooring on any of these lakes without a
    state permit - which essentially requires that you be a land owner
    to do so.
    
    Bill
    

    
    Jerry - If you stay at a campground or a motel (Like Ames Farm) you
    will NOT have to take your boat out of the water every day - that's the
    beauty of staying at a place like that.
    
    					Kenny

    
    Well, I'm heading up to Lake Winni' again this year.  If any of you
    are there from 17-31 and you see a white/blue cuddy cabin w/
    2 Dalmatians aboard, stop and say hello!  
    
    Louisa

    Where around Lake Winni are you going to be at?
    
    Bob

    
    I'll be in Merridth on Senic Road.  I spend alot of time on Alten
    Bay's Sandbar.
    
    louisa

    "Ice-Out" was officially declared at 12:35 yesterday, April 23, 1994,
    as at that time the route of the M/S/ Mt Washington became navigitable.
    
    Historically, Ice out has ranged from an early of March 28, 1921 to
    May 12, 1888.
    
    It's time to raise sails! (oops - wrong conference)
    
    "My friend(s), There is nothing -- absolutely nothing - quite so
    worthwhile as simply messing about in boats"
    
    Bill
    

70 degrees, sunny, light breeze/chop in Gilford on Lake Winni.  Boat went in and 
for a short ride.  Left it floating happily at its' dock.  

Talked to a few Salmon-heads,  not much activity yet, hook ups are sporatic.

Life is once again as it should be ('cept for the part where I "left it...")

    
    I'm a novice boater.
    I've got a 14' runabout w/50hp outboard.
    I've got a compass, but never used it 8-)
    I've never read a chart, but can read road maps 8-)
    I have a MA. registration, still need a NH. reg?
    
    My wife booked us at Christmas Island for Memorial Day weekend
    as she hoped it would be a great pleasure and surprise.
    
    Surprise yes, Pleasure?
    I haven't seen much Winni talk in this notes file lately,
    but one can assume that Winni is just as 'demanding' as ever...
    
    Are we CRAZY?
    -(dan)

>>    I've got a 14' runabout w/50hp outboard.

	This may be your biggest (or smallest haha) problem with
Winnipesaukee, particularly on a holiday weekend. I assume this 14
footer is at least a V-Hull, that will help. But, in my opinion, a
14 foot boat is a bit small for Winni. You'll likely need to pick
and choose where you go depending upon the wind and other boat traffic.
Fortunately, there are plenty of sheltered places on Winnipesaukee,
although I'm not sure about their abundance around Christmas Island.

	Have you driven this boat enough to know how it handles large
waves and wakes? (wear a swimsuit)


>>    I've never read a chart, but can read road maps 8-)

	You can likely read a chart, then.... But read it BEFORE you
head out on the water. Just one word of warning... if you are not sure
where you are on the lake/chart, STOP immediately until you figure it
out. Find out where the "Witches" is.


>>    I have a MA. registration, still need a NH. reg?

	Nope, Ma registrations are fine in NH now.
    
>>    Are we CRAZY?

	Maybe :-)... Just be careful and take it slow...

Rick

	Just to put this "size of boat vs. Winnipesaukee" thing
into perspective..... The last time I was on Winni with my 19 foot
Ski Nautique, I spent most of the day plowing water at about 10 mph
with the bow up. It was just too bone-jarring to travel on plane.

	The disadvantage the Ski Nautique had in the 2-4 foot swells
that day is that it's a "modified-V Hull", a V in the bow, but almost
flat at the stern.. therefore it really slams in rough water. A true
V-Hull, of any size, I would suspect should perform better.

Rick

    Christmas Island is in Paugus Bay, the 14fter should not have a problem
    there.  With the 50hp, I'd guess its a glass deep v hull.  This would
    be fine on the main lake under calm conditions, but when the water
    kicks up, you'll need to be careful.  
    
    To learn the lake I'd suggest getting the navigatinal map and taking a
    ride on the Mt. Washington, this will help put things in prespective.
    
    -don mac

    Just imagine boating on the Southeast Expressway, but
    without the courtesy.

In NH lakes you need to know the routine with respect to buoys. There are
black-top buoys and red-top buoys. Your compass will help you do the
right thing. Remember the name BEN. If it's a

  B lack-top buoy, you must stay 
  E ast and 
  N orth of it

Similarly, if it's a red-topped buoy, you must stay south and west of it.

They place some buoys right on an obstruction; some are just close. Steer
well clear and you should be safe.

You can buy an excellent Winnipesaukee navigational chart at almost every
store around the lake. They come in normal paper or on a waterproof paper
(which is more expansive, but might be better in a 14-foot boat).

Your boat can be fine in Paugus Bay if you're watchful. Watch for the
muscle boats that come down to Burger King. They can throw a mean wake.

It's okay to go up the channel on a weekday, around 8 to 10 am or 6 to 8
pm. Hanging around Weirs Beach any other time is looking for trouble.
Forget Saturday and Sunday, or 4th of July week unless you get a bigger
boat.

The "boat cops" are very active and aggressive. You'd better have all
your paperwork and safety equipment. Your Massachusetts registration *is*
now recognized in New Hampshire, so you don't have to reregister.

Art

    
    Thanks for all the replies...
    
    Yes, its glass w/vhull in good shape with all the saftey requirements.
    I think I'll truck it down, launch it and IF IT LOOKS SAFE, I'll
    probably venture out.  Charts and Bouys?  I've already begun to do
    my homework.  Southeast Expressway?  Can't wait
    
    -(dan)
    

    Also, if the wind is blowing, pay attention from where it is coming.
    If it is the common NW wind, it will blow right down the lake. Down
    around Rattlesnake island, it has close to a 20 mile fetch. I have seen
    this build up waves 3' or more, and I have never been out on the lake
    in a real storm.
    
    If there is much wind and you venture out onto the main lake from Paugus
    Bay, go upwind. If you can handle that, coming back downwind will
    be easier.
    
    As long as you proceed cautiously and watch out for wind, weather, 
    and idiots in much larger boats, you should be able to have a safe
    but exciting weekend. 
    
    Another point about the chart of the lake. There are dotted lines 
    on the chart that lead you on the safe side of buoys an areas
    where it might be ambiguous. Use your compass to tell N-E from S-W
    at buoys, but remember that anything thet is ferrous metal or
    even worse - with a magnet in it (like radio speakers) anywhere
    near the compass will throw itr way off.
    
    It's easy for a beginner to get lost on a lake as large and convoluted
    as Winnipesaukee. Each of the lights (always near a buoy, that marks
    the real obstacle) has a unique number on it, which helps if you are
    unsure where you are, but  keep good track of where you are on the
    chart at all times. Not all he lights (and numbers) may be in place
    by memorial day. Perspectives will look different than you 
    expect as you move around the lake. 
    
    The only major natural hazard on that part of the lake is (aas
    mentioned earlier) the Witches - between Governor's, Locke, and 
    Timber Islands. It's well marked if you are really looking for it.
    As the chart will show, it is ringed by about 8 buoys.
    
    Enjoy,
    
    Bill
    

    The southeast expressway is the channel between Paugus Bay and Weirs
    Beach. I never use it, cause my mast won't go under the U.S. Rte. 3
    bridge. Watch the no wake zones, and try to observe the 150' rule.
    
    Bill
    

	If you go into Alton bay there is a place with a RED and
	a Black marker across from each other. Just looking at them
	you would think you should go right down the middle, WRONG.
	You need to go to the outside of either marker. I've seen
	people make this mistake, it isn't pretty. So long as you
	use the map you should have any problem.

	Have a great time and don't forgot the fishing gear. There is
	some great fishing (Salmon, Bass, White perch ....)

	I going up this week for the derby, Cann't wait. I love this
	lake especially this time of year. When the salmon are on top.

			Have fun, it isn't all that bad.

				Jim 

    
    Another thing to remember about navigation markers (in general)
    is that there are two different types of red and black markers.
    
    The markers, regardless of color, can be entirely colored or
    white with colored tops.  The markers that are solid red or
    black always come in pairs, and indicate that you show go between
    them.  These are marked on the navigation chart as colored squares.
    The white markers with the red or black tops indicate hazards 
    you must go around.  These type of markers are not paired up,
    although in certain sections there may be many of these markers 
    of both colors, shich can sometimes be confusing.  The white/red 
    and white/black markers are indicated using colored dots on the 
    navigation chart.
    
    After a while, it does get easier to navigate, and there are many
    sections of the lake (such as Meridith) that are pretty free of
    hazards.
    
    Gus (who was at Winnie all day Saturday).
    
    

    
    
    If you are ever in dought, just watch the other boaters. There should
    be a few.
    
    If you do get caught in the rough stuff ( it can come up quick ):
    
    Keep your bow up..either by trimming your motor or by distributing
    the weight in the boat to the back of the boat.
    
    Try to keep your direction of travel "into or with" the wind. This
    takes the waves easier.
    
    As a previous noter stated to go slow. You could bring it up on plane
    but it would likely beat you to death. He had a 20 footer I think.
    
    Make sure you have enough gas. There is quite a few gas pumps around
    the lake, but they could be ( with a 50hp ) 3-5 gallons apart.
    
    It is also a real good idea to bring an anchor in the event of any
    motor problems, ya never know.
    
    One other thing: There are "alot" of clueless boaters out there. So       
    don't think because you see a real nice boat ar any boat for that
    matter that the person behind the wheel has a clue to proper boating.
    
    Keep an eye out and be careful.
    
    Jeff

    Just don't do what I did a few years back and you'll be all set.
    
    4th of July, 1pm, canoeing from Weirs Beach to about 1/2 mile out.  
    Surf was up when the mailboats and some of the other big boats went 
    by. On the way out the water seemed fairly calm then all of a sudden
    it seemed like there were some swells that were ready to swallow us 
    up. The only real scary part was some sudden traffic of powerboaters 
    not watching where they were going. Once they leave the Weirs canal
    they like to tromp the throttle and head out in all directions at 
    the same time.
    Would I do it again? No way. It was too far to swim back to shore 
    with all that boat traffic. Ah, the crazy days of youth.

    
    
    Parasite(sp) ????
    
    My sister-in-law heard that there was a parasite found on lake
    Winnie and Lake Winnasquam(sp).  Has anyone eles heard this?  I
    will on lake Winnie for 2 weeks starting Saturday!
    
    Louisa

    Yup.  It's called "swimmers itch".  It's carried/spread by ducks.
    They burrow into your skin and leave a little red spot/welt.  It
    goes away in a few days.  I've heard using water proof sunscreens helps
    to protect you from it.  
    
    As far as I know, it's only been found in one area of lake Winni
    so far, so it's not like the whole lake is infected.  I don't
    remember when exactly it was found.
    
    Mark,
    

    There has been a lot published in the papers.
    First of all, it is not dangerous. It gives an effect like mosquito
    bites. It is most prevalent in shallow water, especially where ducks
    hang out. It may be prevented, even if swimming in an infected area
    by washing off after swimming.
    
    the Gilford Town Beach is the area where it has been reported.
    This is a residents only beacj on the west side of varney point
    on Saunder's bay in Gilford. Ellacoya Satat beach has also been
    mentioned.
    
    If you have ducks around, don't feed them. The conditions have to be
    just right for the duck droppings to infect snails which pass it
    on to people.
    
    I wouldn't rearrange my vacation plans around this, but I would
    be aware of what causes it and act prudently.
    
    Bill
    

    .57 is correct, waterproof sunscreen is supposed to help. I believe it
    needs a break in the skin to infect.
    
    Bill
    

    
    Thank you very much.  Lake Winni' here I come!