Best Navigational Route
 

Trying to avoid the "Witches". Any suggestions on the best navigational route from Tuftonboro to Gilford, then back again?

Off to the Weirs
 

Others can direct you to Bear Island. Then, pass near the south end of Bear Island north of the black lighted buoy, then head northwest passing to the north end of Mark Island through a narrow buoyed channel with a black lighted buoy at the west end of this channel, then pass north of a cluster of buoys,with a black lighted buoy. This buoy cluster is toward the middle of the area between Mark and Governor. Frequently hard to spot until you are near it. Continue west passing between Governor and Eagle. Continue past black Buoy No. 1 to the docks at the Weirs.

What part of Gilford?

Just curious: The OP wanted a route from Tuftonboro to Gilford and you gave directions to the Weirs in Laconia, clearly out of the way and not what he asked. What's up with that?

Very Easy
 

Just stay between the red and black markers to the South West of Timber Island and you will be fine. It's the route the Mt Washington takes as do most others.

Seems like a silly question trying to avoid the Witches as if it were a VERY narrow and dangerous spot to navigate. Yet I note it is TrpnBilly's first post -- therefore the helpful me pop's out.

Do not fear this area of the Lake -- There is more than ample ample passage on all sides of the Witches EXCEPT the Northern side where it might be considered a bit "tight" yet as mentioned-- that is the Mounts normal passageway. I would not avoid or fear this general area for boating at all -- just be cognizant that the witches are there.



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suggestion
 

I have a suggestion. rather than staying north of this marker or south of that spend $10 and buy yourself a chart. You will have for other trips. ;)

Oops!!!
 

Barney Bear apologizes for misreading the question asked by TRPNBILLY.. He has just come out of hibernation. He suggests his wrong directions be considered bear scat.

Ditto!
 

The Witches are clearly marked and unlike other hazards, depending on the lake water level, the rocks actually stick out of the water most of the time!

I have to agree with Phantom. If you have a chart and follow it, you should have no problems. Take your time and stay aware of your location which you should do all the time anyway.

Where to where?
 

First, welcome to Trpnbilly.

Second, Pjard asked 1/2 the question. Where in Gilford? The other half question is where in Tuftonboro?

You can leave Tuftonboro Neck and go straight across the Broads and hit the shore in Gilford. Not a buoy or a rock to be seen for miles. Nowhere near the Witches. Going to Glendale or Saunders Bay? Again, not really near the Witches.

I think we're happy to help, but the question needs more clarity.

Don't avoid The Witches!

Own The Witches!

Dominate the Witches!

Be The Witches!

There are clear routes around it on both sides, which are also marked with lights for night navigation.

Click below to check The Witches out via satellite (Be sure to select the Earth or Satellite view! Zoom in/out scroll around, learn what's there:

The Witches

Thanks to all
 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I do use a chart but was looking to supplement that with some input from others. But, it looks like a moot point now anyway. We're just outside of Melvin Village, in Wawbeek, and had hoped to take the boat to a concert at the pavilion in Gilford. But...I wasn't able to find a slip or a dock near the venue to rent for when we're at the show.

So, while I appreciate everyone's replies, it doesn't seem like it's going to work out for us. It looks like we'll be driving (the old-fashioned and less enjoyable way).

Have you tried contacting Fays or Mountainview Yacht Club to see if they have my transient slips available for rent for a night?? I know for a fact Fays has some, whether any are available is another thing...

Good luck!

Dan

You can save the call to MVYC .... nope

I wanted to get an overnight slip for friends that would be visiting ... Nada !

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