Memorial Weekend Boat Traffic Down???

This'nThat · 05-25-2009, 09:00 PM

I know the weather wasn't the greatest. Windy on Monday; cool with morning showers on Sunday; cool on Saturday; hot and cold on Friday. But even with those conditions, did anyone notice boat traffic way, way down? I went out a couple of times, and if I was offered $10,000 for every boat I saw, I'd still be a poor man. Was it the weather? The economy? Can't be gas prices -- they were way down from last year. Or maybe I need glasses? But IMO, what a dismal start to the boating year.

KonaChick · 05-25-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by This'nThat

I know the weather wasn't the greatest. Windy on Monday; cool with morning showers on Sunday; cool on Saturday; hot and cold on Friday. But even with those conditions, did anyone notice boat traffic way, way down? I went out a couple of times, and if I was offered $10,000 for every boat I saw, I'd still be a poor man. Was it the weather? The economy? Can't be gas prices -- they were way down from last year. Or maybe I need glasses? But IMO, what a dismal start to the boating year.

Too funny! I was just saying to my husband that I thought boat traffic was fairly high for this early in the season. We sat on our deck yesterday afternoon observing all the boats and I was thinking it was a pretty good turn on for Memorial Day. Two totally different perceptions here

)

RumGuy · 05-25-2009, 10:22 PM

I had noticed the same. Although we were cleaning up the house and yard, we noticed a definite lack of boat traffic. We also noticed how dark the opposite shoreline was on Sunday night.

The good news was that the car traffic for the dreaded trip home was not bad....

jst_4_kiks · 05-25-2009, 10:38 PM

i think there was a fair amount of boats out this weekend. i can only say that due to my experience from working at the yacht club valeting all the boats in and out the past four days. took out around 40 boats or so today alone

Lakegeezer · 05-26-2009, 06:05 AM

My impression is there was a lot of traffic for how windy it was. It was interesting to judge how well different types of boats took the white caps and rollers as they returned north.

Phantom · 05-26-2009, 07:29 AM

Traffic was DEFINATELY down -- I have to agree with This'nThat.

We were fortunate to be able to come up and be on the Lake starting Wednesday nite. With Thursday & Friday being obviously 5 star rated days oddly there was more boating traffic on Friday mid day than there was the entire week-end. Albiet Monday afternoon got extremely wind choppy.

This seemed to reflect in the car traffic as well --- anticipating a typical "Holiday week-end" ride home, we left the Lake mid/latter afternoon and were shocked

at the lack of traffic on both Rte 11 to Tilton and subsequently South on 93

Audiofn · 05-26-2009, 07:38 AM

Traffic was down up in Maine on the lakes but the river that I live on seemed bussy for this time of the year. So I would assume that most of it was people staying out of the snotty lake water. There was still no shortage of people doing stupid things!

Rattlesnake Gal · 05-26-2009, 07:55 AM

Out on The Broads it was on and off again. Somewhat quiet on Friday evening and it was very quiet on Saturday until the sun showed it's face, though it was still pretty quiet. Sunday after the rain shower there were a lot of boaters. Yesterday there were quite a few out and surprisingly there were still a lot around after the wind picked up. I was happy we were going with the wind upon exiting the lake.

cowisl · 05-26-2009, 10:23 AM

From our viewpoint on Cow which overlooks the broads, traffic was way down. We took a ride to the Weirs on Sunday afternoon and it was quiet over there as well.

jetskier · 05-26-2009, 10:35 AM

I put the jetski in on Sunday and decided to take a ride with my daughter. We stopped at Lakeport Landing for some gas and I asked the attendant whether they had been busy. He indicated that the traffic was off for a normal memorial day weekend.

We then took a ride out through the channel and the boat traffic was quite light considering. The NASWA was reasonably crowded from the look of things, but I have seen it much more crowded in the past.

Personally, I think that this is partially the economy and partially the weather. Sunday was rainy and threatening in the morning and then it became sunny/nice. Monday was very windy.

Jetskier

VtSteve · 05-26-2009, 11:01 AM

Extremely quiet in Vermont as well. The only traffic was for Sunday's marathon. After that, it was desolate. The lake was practically barren all weekend. I must have seen a dozen boats in the open waters all day. Granted, the weather was iffy, and with the wind and 43 degree water, not many takers.

Last year's boat traffic was definitely down due to the tremendous increases in gas combined with the economy. This year's economy is far more painful than last year's gas prices.

Probably best to wait and see what June brings. It's hard to judge anything with these types of weather patterns.

LIforrelaxin · 05-26-2009, 11:28 AM

First I agree with most people here, the boat traffic was way down. Now when I say that I look back at the last 20+ years of comming up to the lake. It is definately down from the peak. However I feel that it probably wasn't that much different then last year.

Having said that.... I also noticed as I drove through Center Harbor on my way south this weekend, the the perfered properties sign stated said something to the tune of Rental Insenatives, or some such thing..... indicating to me that the Rental bussiness might be having a big down turn.

All in all given the economy we are currently experiencing, I am not surprised......

tis · 05-26-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Out on The Broads it was on and off again. Somewhat quiet on Friday evening and it was very quiet on Saturday until the sun showed it's face, though it was still pretty quiet. Sunday after the rain shower there were a lot of boaters. Yesterday there were quite a few out and surprisingly there were still a lot around after the wind picked up. I was happy we were going with the wind upon exiting the lake.

I totally agree with that. When we were off Rattlesnake both Sun afternoon after the "sun showed it's face" and Mon. afternoon, there were a lot of boats out there. I was surprised it was so busy on Monday because it was quite windy.

Excalibur · 05-26-2009, 11:51 AM

The family took a cruise along the bay for the sunset. It was a great night out light boat traffic, plenty of spaces at the town docks. On the way out of the Meredith Bay back to Gilford around 8:30 PM. I noticed a marine patrol drifting or anchored closer to shore. I was doing 22 on the GPS and throwing quite a big wake with my tabs all the way down to keep the old boat on plane. I am not sure if he had radar or lidar on, but it looked like a good spot for a speed trap.

Sman · 05-26-2009, 02:39 PM

I agree with the noticably busier after the sun showed up on sunday observations. also real busy over towards the weirs on Monday prior to the wind really blowing up, maybe about 11:00am.

Like always, all mornings were quiet, cooler to be out but no waves, used to think that was just a well kept secret, but I just don't think people can or want to get going earlier so I figure no danger in posting it, had my toddler out for a cruise at 6 am monday morning and I was looking around as she was driving and I did not see any boats.

John A. Birdsall · 05-26-2009, 03:13 PM

I noticed what I thought was a lot of small boat traffic. I only saw one cigerette boat out. I did witness a stupid jet ski boat. Dosen't understand the 150' rule, and worse when he seen me he aimed his boat at me and gunned it. What is worse he had a kid perhaps 10 years old sitting in front of him. What is it gonna take to make them learn?

corollaman · 05-26-2009, 03:22 PM

Even though the weather wasn't really all that great, there were a fair amount of boats on Paugus Bay. My neighbor had his boat out all afternoon yesterday. It's still early, and you'll see more boats as the weather gets a bit warmer. I don't believe the economy has a real great effect on boating because most of the big boats and boats in general are owned by wealthy people, and they'll always have money to run the boat. My friend is a boat mechanic, and he's been right out straight putting boats in the water. I'd imagine if people couldn't afford to run them this year, they wouldn't even bother putting them in.

BroadHopper · 05-26-2009, 03:45 PM

Usually spend Memorial Day weekend on Winni. This year I was invited to the CocaCola 600 at Lowes Motorspeedway in NC. I was boating on Lake Norman and it is quite an experience compared to our lake. This lake appears overcrowded in comparision. It also makes me glad we have the 150 feet rule. I've been sprayed a few time by passing boats.

OCDACTIVE · 05-26-2009, 04:01 PM

I also was fortunate to head up early Thursday. Beautiful weather Thursday and most of Friday. However there was no one out there. Literally on Friday I went from one end of the broads to the other around noon and I saw 2 boats, and one was a barge!!! Saturday was very slow due to the weather, and Sunday morning the same. However when the sun showed its face on Sunday afternoon every yahoo and their brother was out there.

Not going down the wrong road here but seriously...... If this weekend is a glmpse of things to come...not good. I couldn't believe it. Right in the middle of a very congested channel are 2 kayakers paddling perpedicular to the traffic. What a mess it caused. Then coming in from the broads into the barbers pole, for those of you who don't know the area, there are two markers a red and black. Plenty of room for a boat to enter and another exit at speed. There was a party boat with down riggers and outriggers, again perpendicular to traffic causing everyone to come to a hault and figure out what this guy was doing and where to go without cutting their lines. Then in another channel 2 jet skiers criss crossing back and forth, the stopping abruptly, not even looking at the line of boats coming on and off plain due to their actions.

Anyway.. I had enough and docked her for the rest of the weekend.

With that said... Great time on Thursday and Friday though!!!

PS.. I think traffic was down only due to the incliment weather. Once the sun hit it was crazy as usual.

hazelnut · 05-26-2009, 05:13 PM

On that note:

Twice..... TWICE this past weekend I saw Marine Patrol engaging in what I consider rude, inconsiderate boating practices. Once in the Barbers Pole area and the other time in the 6 pack/mini-graveyard off of Long Island.

Both times the officers, (different boat and officer each time) were cruising at no wake speed RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHANNEL. Making it impossible for anyone to pass above headway speed. Now I am all for relaxing and taking it slow but this is downright rude boating. It borders on entrapment IMHO. As if they were daring boaters to pass them. Both times I offered the obligatory shrug of the shoulders and shake of the head.

Seriously though consideration goes a long way in both directions. I would never ever ever take up the middle of the channel at no wake speed and I can only imagine Marine Patrol would probably pull someone over for pulling a stunt like that. Not that they would have grounds to but they'd probably give someone a stern lecture for it.

Other than that Sunday afternoon was amazing! The front line pulled through in time for a fantastic afternoon. We had just finished picnicking in Salmon Meadow cove (in a rainstorm). We cruised (covers on) all the way to the Weirs and Meredith and it was as if the rain never happened. Docks full 6-7 boats waiting. It really turned into a nice afternoon.

Weekend Pundit · 05-26-2009, 09:23 PM

While I was only out on the lake on Monday, it seemed to me traffic was down as compared to some previous years. One telling point: there are still a lot of slips available for rent. Usually by now slips are hard to find, but not this year.

VtSteve · 05-26-2009, 10:25 PM

SNAFU Kayaks and fisherman traveling across channels.

I heard about some marinas giving snarky comments and letters to people about getting their slips early.

rick35 · 05-26-2009, 11:28 PM

On a couple of occasions last year I thought the MPs were putting themselves into situations that would result in my need to drop to headway speed. There's no reason for them to go out of their way to do this. There are plenty of offenders out there that they shouldn't have to create one.

After dinner at the Lyon's Den this past Sunday night we left the dock and headed toward the red blinker where the MP had pulled over a sailboat. My wife wanted me to go left behind Lockes to avoid him but I was going headway and stayed far enough away plus I wanted to see what was going on. I almost expected to be stopped.

OCDACTIVE · 05-27-2009, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtSteve

SNAFU Kayaks and fisherman traveling across channels.

I heard about some marinas giving snarky comments and letters to people about getting their slips early.

I mean really. I also Kayak.. I think it is very fun to do. You are able to get into coves and inlets that would just be impossible with a normal boat. Great for explorering. However I would never think of cutting across the channel where it is the only way for the power boats to go. 1. it is totally inconsiderate 2. it is just plain dangerous. Some people just don't think. Even if you need to cut across wait until traffic lightens up. Or if you need to go the same way stay outside the markers where the boats can not travel!.. You are drafting what 1 inch maybe 2 inches of water... You don't need to worry about hitting anything.

Anyway just my 2 cents.. It gets beyond frustrating. Then the same people will complain that they are scared to kayak on the big bad lake due to the power boats. Plenty of room for everyone. Just use your heads.

VTSteve.. What do you mean about getting to your slips early? letters? sorry didn't follow.

LIforrelaxin · 06-17-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hazelnut

On that note:

Twice..... TWICE this past weekend I saw Marine Patrol engaging in what I consider rude, inconsiderate boating practices. Once in the Barbers Pole area and the other time in the 6 pack/mini-graveyard off of Long Island.

Both times the officers, (different boat and officer each time) were cruising at no wake speed RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHANNEL. Making it impossible for anyone to pass above headway speed. Now I am all for relaxing and taking it slow but this is downright rude boating. It borders on entrapment IMHO. As if they were daring boaters to pass them. Both times I offered the obligatory shrug of the shoulders and shake of the head.

Seriously though consideration goes a long way in both directions. I would never ever ever take up the middle of the channel at no wake speed and I can only imagine Marine Patrol would probably pull someone over for pulling a stunt like that. Not that they would have grounds to but they'd probably give someone a stern lecture for it.

Other than that Sunday afternoon was amazing! The front line pulled through in time for a fantastic afternoon. We had just finished picnicking in Salmon Meadow cove (in a rainstorm). We cruised (covers on) all the way to the Weirs and Meredith and it was as if the rain never happened. Docks full 6-7 boats waiting. It really turned into a nice afternoon.

Here is the thing, was the marine Patrol boat, the only boat in the six pack at the time you witnessed him going down the middle??? I wouldn't be surprised by the fact that he was.... I live over in that area, and everyone including the MP comes right down the middle of the six pack if no one else is around.... Its only when there are other boats in the channel that you need to scoot off to the sides...... Oh and by the way if two boats are in the six pack, it is very quesitonable as to weather they are 150 feet from each other.... so they should just be at headway speed.....

hazelnut · 06-17-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Here is the thing, was the marine Patrol boat, the only boat in the six pack at the time you witnessed him going down the middle??? I wouldn't be surprised by the fact that he was.... I live over in that area, and everyone including the MP comes right down the middle of the six pack if no one else is around.... Its only when there are other boats in the channel that you need to scoot off to the sides...... Oh and by the way if two boats are in the six pack, it is very quesitonable as to weather they are 150 feet from each other.... so they should just be at headway speed.....

He was in fact the only boat on a day with very limited boat traffic.

Also, one day about 2-3 years ago I actually had the opportunity to ask a Marine Patrol officer the very question you raised. I was curious as I go through that area quite often. I asked if two boats could legally pass above headway speed through the 6 pack. He replied yes that they could provided both vessels were "hugging the markers." He gauged the channel to be greater than 300 feet across. Just barely I'm sure. So if you're passing the Mount

You better come off plane. A traditional 8- 8.5 foot beam would be the key to passing legally. Any more than that it becomes a close call.

Blue Thunder · 05-27-2009, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiofn

Traffic was down up in Maine on the lakes but the river that I live on seemed bussy for this time of the year. So I would assume that most of it was people staying out of the snotty lake water. There was still no shortage of people doing stupid things!

Would that be the Crooked or Songo?

Audiofn · 05-27-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

Would that be the Crooked or Songo?

Songo River I am on the Brandy Pond side of the locks.

Blue Thunder · 05-28-2009, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiofn

Songo River I am on the Brandy Pond side of the locks.

I am on the west side of Frye facing what they call Big Bay. I make the trip up and through the locks once or twice a year. There was quite a bit of boat traffic Sunday afternoon and Monday morning until the wind came up and chased everyone off the lake.

BT

This'nThat · 05-30-2009, 08:32 PM

Traffic was wayyyyyyy down today, also. Temp in the 70's. No waves on the Broads at 1:00pm. No boats anywhere! No boats, either, at 6:00pm, and the water was only a little more choppy. Beautiful day.

Something's going on. Two weekends in a row can't be just a fluke. How many summer weekends are there? And two of them with no boats on the water? Wow.

BroadHopper · 05-30-2009, 10:56 PM

That make me not boat on weekends are the Bonehead skippers. I'd rather boat during the week when they don't seem to be out there.

Gas prices do have an effect on my boating. I am cutting down on the amount of cruising I do on the lake. I would be anchoring/rafting more and staying at ports more.

kjbathe · 05-31-2009, 07:43 PM

Maybe it's because we've had the lake to ourselves since Mid-April that I thought Memorial Day weekend was busier than usual (when the sun was out). I was surprised by the traffic on Monday given the windy conditions, but what really caught my attention was how many larger cruisers and performance boats were out there -- on plane. I guess that's the difference between fuel prices this year and last.

But if traffic was indeed way way down, I'm all for it...

KonaChick · 05-31-2009, 10:38 PM

We picked up our boat at Shep's yesterday and they guy there told us that 40% of the boats were still in storage. High number for this time of year he said.

This'nThat · 06-01-2009, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KonaChick

We picked up our boat at Shep's yesterday and they guy there told us that 40% of the boats were still in storage. High number for this time of year he said.

Here's an April 2009 story from the NYT regarding abandoned boats in the S.E. “Our waters have become dumping grounds,” said Maj. Paul R. Ouellette of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “It’s got to the point where something has to be done.”

Hope the boats "in storage" are simply late -- and not abandoned!

Audiofn · 06-01-2009, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by This'nThat

Here's an April 2009 story from the NYT regarding abandoned boats in the S.E. “Our waters have become dumping grounds,” said Maj. Paul R. Ouellette of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “It’s got to the point where something has to be done.”

Hope the boats "in storage" are simply late -- and not abandoned!

I just got a boat a few weeks back that was a pay the storage bill deal. The former owner just did not have the money and gave the boat over to the yard. The yard that I got it from just got back 7 or 8 letters from other owners that were basically telling them the same thing! This was not a huge yard either. Price of fuel is back on the rise and the economy is still in the dumps. I think this is going to be the theam for the summer.

Excalibur · 06-01-2009, 11:51 AM

I noticed very light traffic on the lake and on the highway for two straight weekends. The weather was not to bad just a few passing showers both days.

It was strange not seeing a backup or even a slight slow down at the toll booth. Also the traffic pattern was lighter then the winter skiers traffic.
But I am not complaining, just wondering how long it will last.

tis · 06-01-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by This'nThat

Here's an April 2009 story from the NYT regarding abandoned boats in the S.E. “Our waters have become dumping grounds,” said Maj. Paul R. Ouellette of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “It’s got to the point where something has to be done.”

Hope the boats "in storage" are simply late -- and not abandoned!

Very interesting article. I hadn't thought of that but of course just as people can't afford their houses, they can't afford their boats! It could happen to RVs and autos, all kinds of things. The insurance scheme thing is a shame. The rates for the rest of us are high enough, this kind of thing will make them worse.

fatlazyless · 06-01-2009, 04:29 PM

I was a little surprised to see two kayaks out in the middle of the area between south Bear Island and Governor's Island on Saturday at about 1pm. In the past, that would have been prime time for the usual Winnipesaukee 'day at the races' what with boaters driving Indy 500 style. But not on this weekend's sunny Saturday....it's way too early to say...but it seems like the motor boat volume is down.

05-25-2009, 09:00 PM	#1
This'nThat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 534 Thanks: 19 Thanked 134 Times in 61 Posts	Memorial Weekend Boat Traffic Down??? I know the weather wasn't the greatest. Windy on Monday; cool with morning showers on Sunday; cool on Saturday; hot and cold on Friday. But even with those conditions, did anyone notice boat traffic way, way down? I went out a couple of times, and if I was offered $10,000 for every boat I saw, I'd still be a poor man. Was it the weather? The economy? Can't be gas prices -- they were way down from last year. Or maybe I need glasses? But IMO, what a dismal start to the boating year.

05-25-2009, 10:22 PM	#3
RumGuy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cape Cod / W.Alton Posts: 76 Thanks: 4 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Traffic I had noticed the same. Although we were cleaning up the house and yard, we noticed a definite lack of boat traffic. We also noticed how dark the opposite shoreline was on Sunday night. The good news was that the car traffic for the dreaded trip home was not bad....

05-25-2009, 10:38 PM	#4
jst_4_kiks Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 127 Thanks: 24 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts	i think there was a fair amount of boats out this weekend. i can only say that due to my experience from working at the yacht club valeting all the boats in and out the past four days. took out around 40 boats or so today alone __________________ Marine Technician - Learning Something New Every Day PM with any questions about marine repair

05-26-2009, 06:05 AM	#5
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,661 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 348 Thanked 626 Times in 281 Posts	My impression is there was a lot of traffic for how windy it was. It was interesting to judge how well different types of boats took the white caps and rollers as they returned north. __________________ -lg

05-26-2009, 07:29 AM	#6
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,931 Thanks: 445 Thanked 604 Times in 340 Posts	Traffic was DEFINATELY down -- I have to agree with This'nThat. We were fortunate to be able to come up and be on the Lake starting Wednesday nite. With Thursday & Friday being obviously 5 star rated days oddly there was more boating traffic on Friday mid day than there was the entire week-end. Albiet Monday afternoon got extremely wind choppy. This seemed to reflect in the car traffic as well --- anticipating a typical "Holiday week-end" ride home, we left the Lake mid/latter afternoon and were shocked at the lack of traffic on both Rte 11 to Tilton and subsequently South on 93 __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

05-26-2009, 07:38 AM	#7
Audiofn Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bedford, MA/Naples, ME Posts: 162 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Traffic was down up in Maine on the lakes but the river that I live on seemed bussy for this time of the year. So I would assume that most of it was people staying out of the snotty lake water. There was still no shortage of people doing stupid things!

05-26-2009, 07:55 AM	#8
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Boat Traffic Out on The Broads it was on and off again. Somewhat quiet on Friday evening and it was very quiet on Saturday until the sun showed it's face, though it was still pretty quiet. Sunday after the rain shower there were a lot of boaters. Yesterday there were quite a few out and surprisingly there were still a lot around after the wind picked up. I was happy we were going with the wind upon exiting the lake.

05-26-2009, 10:23 AM	#9
cowisl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cow Island Posts: 167 Thanks: 6 Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts	From our viewpoint on Cow which overlooks the broads, traffic was way down. We took a ride to the Weirs on Sunday afternoon and it was quiet over there as well.

05-26-2009, 10:35 AM	#10
jetskier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores Posts: 850 Thanks: 57 Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts	Down indeed I put the jetski in on Sunday and decided to take a ride with my daughter. We stopped at Lakeport Landing for some gas and I asked the attendant whether they had been busy. He indicated that the traffic was off for a normal memorial day weekend. We then took a ride out through the channel and the boat traffic was quite light considering. The NASWA was reasonably crowded from the look of things, but I have seen it much more crowded in the past. Personally, I think that this is partially the economy and partially the weather. Sunday was rainy and threatening in the morning and then it became sunny/nice. Monday was very windy. Jetskier

05-26-2009, 11:01 AM	#11
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	Extremely quiet in Vermont as well. The only traffic was for Sunday's marathon. After that, it was desolate. The lake was practically barren all weekend. I must have seen a dozen boats in the open waters all day. Granted, the weather was iffy, and with the wind and 43 degree water, not many takers. Last year's boat traffic was definitely down due to the tremendous increases in gas combined with the economy. This year's economy is far more painful than last year's gas prices. Probably best to wait and see what June brings. It's hard to judge anything with these types of weather patterns.

05-26-2009, 11:28 AM	#12
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, not that one, the one on Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,836 Thanks: 1,019 Thanked 885 Times in 518 Posts	Some observations First I agree with most people here, the boat traffic was way down. Now when I say that I look back at the last 20+ years of comming up to the lake. It is definately down from the peak. However I feel that it probably wasn't that much different then last year. Having said that.... I also noticed as I drove through Center Harbor on my way south this weekend, the the perfered properties sign stated said something to the tune of Rental Insenatives, or some such thing..... indicating to me that the Rental bussiness might be having a big down turn. All in all given the economy we are currently experiencing, I am not surprised...... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

05-26-2009, 11:51 AM	#14
Excalibur Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Gilford,NH is where I would like to be and Southborough, MA is where I have to be Posts: 86 Thanks: 14 Thanked 10 Times in 3 Posts	Sunday Meredith Bay The family took a cruise along the bay for the sunset. It was a great night out light boat traffic, plenty of spaces at the town docks. On the way out of the Meredith Bay back to Gilford around 8:30 PM. I noticed a marine patrol drifting or anchored closer to shore. I was doing 22 on the GPS and throwing quite a big wake with my tabs all the way down to keep the old boat on plane. I am not sure if he had radar or lidar on, but it looked like a good spot for a speed trap.

05-26-2009, 02:39 PM	#15
Sman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 102 Thanks: 3 Thanked 27 Times in 8 Posts	I agree with the noticably busier after the sun showed up on sunday observations. also real busy over towards the weirs on Monday prior to the wind really blowing up, maybe about 11:00am. Like always, all mornings were quiet, cooler to be out but no waves, used to think that was just a well kept secret, but I just don't think people can or want to get going earlier so I figure no danger in posting it, had my toddler out for a cruise at 6 am monday morning and I was looking around as she was driving and I did not see any boats.

05-26-2009, 03:13 PM	#16
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	boat traffic I noticed what I thought was a lot of small boat traffic. I only saw one cigerette boat out. I did witness a stupid jet ski boat. Dosen't understand the 150' rule, and worse when he seen me he aimed his boat at me and gunned it. What is worse he had a kid perhaps 10 years old sitting in front of him. What is it gonna take to make them learn?

05-26-2009, 03:22 PM	#17
corollaman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 181 Thanks: 8 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts	Even though the weather wasn't really all that great, there were a fair amount of boats on Paugus Bay. My neighbor had his boat out all afternoon yesterday. It's still early, and you'll see more boats as the weather gets a bit warmer. I don't believe the economy has a real great effect on boating because most of the big boats and boats in general are owned by wealthy people, and they'll always have money to run the boat. My friend is a boat mechanic, and he's been right out straight putting boats in the water. I'd imagine if people couldn't afford to run them this year, they wouldn't even bother putting them in.

05-26-2009, 03:45 PM	#18
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,526 Thanks: 3,135 Thanked 1,090 Times in 784 Posts	Lake Norman Usually spend Memorial Day weekend on Winni. This year I was invited to the CocaCola 600 at Lowes Motorspeedway in NC. I was boating on Lake Norman and it is quite an experience compared to our lake. This lake appears overcrowded in comparision. It also makes me glad we have the 150 feet rule. I've been sprayed a few time by passing boats. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day. Last edited by BroadHopper; 05-27-2009 at 08:27 AM.

05-26-2009, 04:01 PM	#19
OCDACTIVE Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fort Myers FL / Moultonboro Posts: 1,045 Thanks: 444 Thanked 574 Times in 178 Posts	I also was fortunate to head up early Thursday. Beautiful weather Thursday and most of Friday. However there was no one out there. Literally on Friday I went from one end of the broads to the other around noon and I saw 2 boats, and one was a barge!!! Saturday was very slow due to the weather, and Sunday morning the same. However when the sun showed its face on Sunday afternoon every yahoo and their brother was out there. Not going down the wrong road here but seriously...... If this weekend is a glmpse of things to come...not good. I couldn't believe it. Right in the middle of a very congested channel are 2 kayakers paddling perpedicular to the traffic. What a mess it caused. Then coming in from the broads into the barbers pole, for those of you who don't know the area, there are two markers a red and black. Plenty of room for a boat to enter and another exit at speed. There was a party boat with down riggers and outriggers, again perpendicular to traffic causing everyone to come to a hault and figure out what this guy was doing and where to go without cutting their lines. Then in another channel 2 jet skiers criss crossing back and forth, the stopping abruptly, not even looking at the line of boats coming on and off plain due to their actions. Anyway.. I had enough and docked her for the rest of the weekend. With that said... Great time on Thursday and Friday though!!! PS.. I think traffic was down only due to the incliment weather. Once the sun hit it was crazy as usual. __________________ Have you had your Vessel Inspected Yet?

05-26-2009, 05:13 PM	#20
hazelnut Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,348 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 508 Thanked 462 Times in 162 Posts	On that note: Twice..... TWICE this past weekend I saw Marine Patrol engaging in what I consider rude, inconsiderate boating practices. Once in the Barbers Pole area and the other time in the 6 pack/mini-graveyard off of Long Island. Both times the officers, (different boat and officer each time) were cruising at no wake speed RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHANNEL. Making it impossible for anyone to pass above headway speed. Now I am all for relaxing and taking it slow but this is downright rude boating. It borders on entrapment IMHO. As if they were daring boaters to pass them. Both times I offered the obligatory shrug of the shoulders and shake of the head. Seriously though consideration goes a long way in both directions. I would never ever ever take up the middle of the channel at no wake speed and I can only imagine Marine Patrol would probably pull someone over for pulling a stunt like that. Not that they would have grounds to but they'd probably give someone a stern lecture for it. Other than that Sunday afternoon was amazing! The front line pulled through in time for a fantastic afternoon. We had just finished picnicking in Salmon Meadow cove (in a rainstorm). We cruised (covers on) all the way to the Weirs and Meredith and it was as if the rain never happened. Docks full 6-7 boats waiting. It really turned into a nice afternoon.

05-26-2009, 09:23 PM	#21
Weekend Pundit Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilford Posts: 310 Thanks: 22 Thanked 61 Times in 36 Posts	While I was only out on the lake on Monday, it seemed to me traffic was down as compared to some previous years. One telling point: there are still a lot of slips available for rent. Usually by now slips are hard to find, but not this year.

05-26-2009, 10:25 PM	#22
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	SNAFU Kayaks and fisherman traveling across channels. I heard about some marinas giving snarky comments and letters to people about getting their slips early.

05-26-2009, 11:28 PM	#23
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 719 Thanks: 57 Thanked 173 Times in 107 Posts	Entrapment? On a couple of occasions last year I thought the MPs were putting themselves into situations that would result in my need to drop to headway speed. There's no reason for them to go out of their way to do this. There are plenty of offenders out there that they shouldn't have to create one. After dinner at the Lyon's Den this past Sunday night we left the dock and headed toward the red blinker where the MP had pulled over a sailboat. My wife wanted me to go left behind Lockes to avoid him but I was going headway and stayed far enough away plus I wanted to see what was going on. I almost expected to be stopped.

05-30-2009, 08:32 PM	#30
This'nThat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 534 Thanks: 19 Thanked 134 Times in 61 Posts	Saturday AFTER Memorial Day Traffic was wayyyyyyy down today, also. Temp in the 70's. No waves on the Broads at 1:00pm. No boats anywhere! No boats, either, at 6:00pm, and the water was only a little more choppy. Beautiful day. Something's going on. Two weekends in a row can't be just a fluke. How many summer weekends are there? And two of them with no boats on the water? Wow.

05-30-2009, 10:56 PM	#31
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,526 Thanks: 3,135 Thanked 1,090 Times in 784 Posts	One thing That make me not boat on weekends are the Bonehead skippers. I'd rather boat during the week when they don't seem to be out there. Gas prices do have an effect on my boating. I am cutting down on the amount of cruising I do on the lake. I would be anchoring/rafting more and staying at ports more. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

05-31-2009, 07:43 PM	#32
kjbathe Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 281 Thanks: 3 Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts	Down? Maybe it's because we've had the lake to ourselves since Mid-April that I thought Memorial Day weekend was busier than usual (when the sun was out). I was surprised by the traffic on Monday given the windy conditions, but what really caught my attention was how many larger cruisers and performance boats were out there -- on plane. I guess that's the difference between fuel prices this year and last. But if traffic was indeed way way down, I'm all for it...

05-31-2009, 10:38 PM	#33
KonaChick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 518 Thanks: 19 Thanked 62 Times in 15 Posts	We picked up our boat at Shep's yesterday and they guy there told us that 40% of the boats were still in storage. High number for this time of year he said.

06-01-2009, 11:51 AM	#36
Excalibur Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Gilford,NH is where I would like to be and Southborough, MA is where I have to be Posts: 86 Thanks: 14 Thanked 10 Times in 3 Posts	Very light traffic this weekend also I noticed very light traffic on the lake and on the highway for two straight weekends. The weather was not to bad just a few passing showers both days. It was strange not seeing a backup or even a slight slow down at the toll booth. Also the traffic pattern was lighter then the winter skiers traffic. But I am not complaining, just wondering how long it will last.

06-01-2009, 04:29 PM	#38
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,563 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 297 Thanked 960 Times in 701 Posts	I was a little surprised to see two kayaks out in the middle of the area between south Bear Island and Governor's Island on Saturday at about 1pm. In the past, that would have been prime time for the usual Winnipesaukee 'day at the races' what with boaters driving Indy 500 style. But not on this weekend's sunny Saturday....it's way too early to say...but it seems like the motor boat volume is down. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!