Evenstar...
Squam is a gorgeous lake. It has historically been a very private/exclusive lake with no public access until recently. The landowners on Squam actually banded together to buy property that the state was going to use to build a public launch. The state finally was able to build a public ramp that to this day is very sore spot with some people. Squam is nothing like Winnipesaukee. It has for the most part retained its rural character, and has nowhere near the numbers of boats on it Winni has. It really is a completely different atmosphere. I love Squam! I haven't boated there in 2 years, but I doubt it has changed all that much.
Lake Winnipesaukee has been built on and built up tremendously over the last decade. Currently in Weirs there are approximately 1500 new housing units approved to be built, although I am not sure how many are condos vs houses. Most of these housing units will be second homes so even more people will be up here on busy summer weekends. The property values in the area have shot thru the roof, causing many old school laker families to sell out because they can't afford the taxes. The marinas accomodate the needs of this building boom by building more and more buildings to rack store boats. All of these boats and people create alot of congestion in certain more popular parts of the lake during the summer.
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The ower of the kayak shop where I bought my kayak has a family camp on Winni. She's a certified instructor and an expert kayaker. When I was in her store last week she told that going out on the main lake during the summer in a kayak is not at all safe. She says that it is a very dangerous lake for kayaks, due to the high speeds of some of the powerboats. This woman is an expert, and knows Winni very well. She feels that the lake is way overdue for a speed limit.
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Truthfully Evenstar, its not speed that is really the issue. Its congestion! There are alot of boats on the lake, especially heading to and from the more popular destinations, Weirs, Meredith, Wolfeboro, Alton. There are a few go fast boats on the lake, but its a very small percentage (probably less than 1%) of the many boats that use the lake. There are far more Crownlines, Regals, Bayliners and Maxums on the lake than there are Baja, Donzi, Fountains or Formulas. The go fast boats are easily singled out because of thier exhaust noise and flashy graphics.
You could argue that if by going slower there is a better chance of seeing a small boat or kayak, however I don't agree. Most of the go fast boaters I know are extremely safe, proactive drivers. There are a few bozos in every lot, but that isn't the norm. There is no demonstrable need for a speed limit and its associated costs. There have been no accidents involving a go-fast where speed was the major factor. I would ask you to post any info you have on any kayaker/go-fast collision. I do not wish to limit your enjoyment of the lake, I really would hope you don't feel the need to limit mine.
Safety is paramount for anyone who uses the lake. You have as much right to enjoy the lake as anyone else. By the tone of your post, I gather you haven't yet kayaked on Winni. Here is an analogy for you:
You have the right to ride your bicycle on the streets of Boston, but laws being what they are, you have to share the streets with lots of cars and trucks and motorcycles. You cannot use the sidewalk, as its against the law. You have as much right as they do to be there, but the reality of the situation is that driving a bicycle in the city carries with it some inherent risks. You could go to a place where only bicycles are allowed to enjoy your bicycle, but you want to explore the big city. You could also go cycling during off hours or off days to limit your risk. Its your decision.
Lake Winni on a summer weekend is much the same, holiday weekends would probably qualify as rush hour in some parts of the lake, complete with lots of Boston drivers! You need to be defensive, you are the small guy out there. Don't assume the boater can see you. There are still alot of boaters on Winni who do not have a the required safe boater certificate have rented a boat and have no clue on how to operate it. Make sure your kayak is a bright color, wear a bright color PFD with a reflective strip so you can be seen at dusk. Bring a map. The waves out in the broads can get pretty big, probably as close to ocean kayaking you can get in this state without actually being on the ocean especially if there is a strong wind, so now the weather. You could put in at Glendale, cut through the Witches, avoid the broads altogether and enjoy exploring all sorts of islands and coves without having any issues at all! I don't know what it is you wish to explore, but there is plenty of quiet spots even on busy holiday weekend. You just need to get off the beaten path.
For the record, I have a 22' boat.
Woodsy