Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post - Ideal dates for July 4th vacation??? any advice?

Mink Islander · 05-02-2007, 09:14 AM

I am not aware of any law preventing you from anchoring after dark. You may not anchor overnight (and yes there are some exclusions for that if you are tied to shore, have the land owners permission, etc.). That's a whole different topic, however. Moreover, the boating laws SPECIFICALLY reference fireworks events as being excluded from the usual rafting rules too.

I go the Meredith fireworks and if you didn't anchor and there was any kind of breeze, the boats would be playing bumper cars with each other. the MPs troll around mostly to make sure folks keep their speeds down and lights on.

The biggest issue with going the fireworks is what happens AFTER the fireworks. If you are new to boating at night, this would not be a suggested first adventure. The mad dash after the fireworks to get home, get to Center Harbor or the Weirs for their shows or whatever turns Meredith Bay into a chaotic mess. I'm sure the Weirs is the same. Best advice is to hang out for 15 minutes after the show's over and then slowly head for home. By then most of the boats will be long gone though the water will still be sloshing around with swells coming from all directions due to the mass exodus ahead of you. Make sure you have a good spotlight in your boat and it never hurts to have a navigator/lookout to help you find your way and spot/avoid other boats. By all means make sure you are very familiar with that part of the lake from daytime experience. A GPS (even a hand held one) is a good reference tool too, but don't think you can "operate on instruments" alone. The lake's a very different place after dark with landmarks/reference points much more difficult to sight. With care, you can do this safely, however.

Just my 2cents.

05-02-2007, 09:14 AM	#39
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Rule against anchoring after dark??? I am not aware of any law preventing you from anchoring after dark. You may not anchor overnight (and yes there are some exclusions for that if you are tied to shore, have the land owners permission, etc.). That's a whole different topic, however. Moreover, the boating laws SPECIFICALLY reference fireworks events as being excluded from the usual rafting rules too. I go the Meredith fireworks and if you didn't anchor and there was any kind of breeze, the boats would be playing bumper cars with each other. the MPs troll around mostly to make sure folks keep their speeds down and lights on. The biggest issue with going the fireworks is what happens AFTER the fireworks. If you are new to boating at night, this would not be a suggested first adventure. The mad dash after the fireworks to get home, get to Center Harbor or the Weirs for their shows or whatever turns Meredith Bay into a chaotic mess. I'm sure the Weirs is the same. Best advice is to hang out for 15 minutes after the show's over and then slowly head for home. By then most of the boats will be long gone though the water will still be sloshing around with swells coming from all directions due to the mass exodus ahead of you. Make sure you have a good spotlight in your boat and it never hurts to have a navigator/lookout to help you find your way and spot/avoid other boats. By all means make sure you are very familiar with that part of the lake from daytime experience. A GPS (even a hand held one) is a good reference tool too, but don't think you can "operate on instruments" alone. The lake's a very different place after dark with landmarks/reference points much more difficult to sight. With care, you can do this safely, however. Just my 2cents.