Boat Launch with parking
 

I used to put my boat in at Ames Farm. They were sued a couple years ago after being a boat launch for a hundred years and can no longer public launch. I want to dive this summer and have a side scan sonar on:) my boat. I found this site last year and its great.

There is Downings Landing in Alton Bay which is now owned by NH Fish and Game. It is right before the bridge on Rt 11 (coming from Alton) and has plenty of parking and a good ramp. Parking and launch is free. I expect that it will be a busy place though.

Other Post about the sale and photos:
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...wnings+Landing

When and why did the launch and park go south at Ames farm?

Only rumor I heard was the (I will be nice here) gentleman lawyer from Massachusetts who lives next door two months out of the year shut them down complaining of "too much traffic" in front of his house... Hmmm, I didn't know he owned the lake! Anyways.... Too bad, a business that was in business for so many years shut down by a Flatlander just makes my blood boil...

There is a lot more to the story than that....Ames Farm was by no means innocent in their actions over the years.

Not a Mass lawyer either
 

Lawyer and family are local. And I agree with Codeman...Ames not all innocent here either.

Several prior threads, here is one.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...es+boat+launch
It is really too bad that they got shut down. That rumor you heard in not far off.

If that is his new house just south of Ames whicjh just had a seperate garage built, the house has a two car garage . And a nice dock with his boat in already. It seemed to be empty all winter. If a local lawyer, why was it empty all year. Seems more like a flatlander to me. Some lawyers make my blood boil. Too bad for Ames no matter what they may have done, they were operating for years.

Maybe Marriott can buy the place and put in a big hotel and conference center.

Just one second off topic, I heard yesterday that lawsuits cost every person in this country more than a thousand dollars a year. Ok, back on topic.

The property that borders Ames to the east is owned by a lawyer from Mass. I believe you are referring to the "locals" that own property near Ames to the west/northwest.

Back on Topic
 

Town of Alton has a free boat launch with parking. You need to park the trailer up at Letter S road and drive back to the launch to get your boat.

Town of Meredith has a boat launch with parking up the street. The launch is limited. I had a tough time launching a 22' boat. I wouldn't try to launch a larger boat. It is free off season and I believe before 9am in the morning and after 5pm at night.

Almost all of the marinas provides boat launch and parking for a fee, usually $20. In the past, WAM was great if you want to put your boat in for a week or so and need to park your trailer. I am not sure of the policy today.

It is unfortunate what had happen to Ames Farm, the privilege should have been grandfathered as the farm allowed boat launching and storage back in the 50's. I agree that because of changing zoning laws and regulations that Ames should cease and desist. But when it comes to traditions, who gave the mcmansion owners and flatlanders to tell us what we can do and cannot do on our beloved lake!

I once heard that 80% of all statistics are made up on the spot.

Well, it could be. We heard it on Stossel on Fox. If you are a liberal you surely won't believe it. But it wouldn't surprise me!

Two Free Launch Sites In Alton Bay
 

Alton has two launch sites with parking. One is as described above and is the ramp in the Bay parking lot next to Shibley's at the Pier. Trailer parking is as indicated.

Also available for free is Downing's Landing, at the intersection of Rte 28A (East side Dr.) and Rte 11. This facility is now owned by NH Fish and Game, and has several vehicle and trailer parking locations in the lot.

Misinformation
 

I don't understand why people post things which they don't know for certain are accurate. It just undermines their credibility on other posts.

If I may add another second to the off topic comment: IMHO "TORT Reform" is way overdue in this country.

I forgot about the Victoria/Shibleys ramp in ABay. THAT ramp is not for the faint of heart though. A good ramp for smaller boats and driver's with good trailer skills. Steep and skinny.:D In the public lot too.

Correct
 

You can either be a shining example to those who trailer a boat, or you can be a source of great entertainment.

Never have been a shining example, and would launch or pick up boat at 7 in the morning to avoid the crowds, and the laughter echoing across the bay like the fireworks on the Fourth.

Actually not a bad ramp with the water up, but if the lake is low and the boat is of any size, it can be an adventure for anyone.:)