Planning a trip for 5 familys' with boats

[BlackSnowSlide]

Sorry for the long pause between posts. I was lucky enough to get the flu this past week and only thing I felt like doing was dieing. Better now and back to he important stuff.. Boating.

Our Boats, Mine is a 2007 Monterey 250 CR with 3 aboard, Another Monterey 270CR. I think its an 06. Its him , wife and 2 kids. There is a Regal 2750 with 2 adults. A Well Craft 252 coastal (?) with 3 aboard. Lastly there is a Proline 26' . Not sure of the model but 3 on board that as well. Most of our rigs are between 50-60 feet.

We do sleep out on the boats but the wives prefer a comfortable suit in a 5 star if you know what I mean. I was thinking 2 nights on the boats overnight and the rest at a waterfront hotel with there own docks.

I am not bashing Winnie. I apologize if anyone misunderstood my original post. The Info that I have read until this post never gave me a welcoming feeling.

example: http://winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9137


http://winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9293

Ames Farm being closed : http://www.bizer.com/ listed in there launch part of site.

The loving feeling by the chamber with 6 words, " Its all on line. Please hold" then click. Nothing for 10 minutes? I guess they are out strait at 2:15 on a Tuesday afternoon. Maybe they were going to come back, but it didn't feel it.

Anyway.. Back to the good stuff.

I am going to search, google, and Google earth all the stuff you guys have given me. I am very pumped again and I thank you all for that.

More to come... Best regards.. Black Snow Slide

[Airwaves]

I figured I'd follow the Bizer link to see what is listed for people who are "day boaters"...the ones that haul their rigs to Winnipesaukee to spend a day and I was surprised.

Bizer lists a bunch of launch sites, but many do not have information regarding parking. That pretty much rules out those ramps for people coming to the lake with rigs that are not familiar with the area since no one will drive to a ramp with no information listed and risk that they can't park. The lake is a little too big to spend the day driving around looking for a place to launch.

That leaves only 8 launch sites identified by Bizer as having public parking, and one of those 8 has limited access because of a bridge.

[KDL]

Sounds like a great group of boats. Overnight sleeping on boats is not allowed on Winni unless you are in a marina. You might also want to check out the Bay Side Inn in Alton. If you haven't already, check the lodging links from this site. Get a navigational chart of the lake and know where you are at all times. If you can hook up with a local for a guided tour around the lake, it will greatly speed up the learning curve. Plan on having a great time.

[BlackSnowSlide]

OK.. 2nd week of August and I have 5 rooms at Center Harbor Inn for 4 nights. We have dock rental taken care of at the hotel.

Good gas station to be able to swing the boat and trailers through to fuel up before we splash?

I am looking at boat ramps now.

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by BlackSnowSlide

OK.. 2nd week of August and I have 5 rooms at Center Harbor Inn for 4 nights. We have dock rental taken care of at the hotel.

Good gas station to be able to swing the boat and trailers through to fuel up before we splash?

I am looking at boat ramps now.

There is an Irving not too far from the Inn north on 25 on your left next to the Red Hill Dairy. The Red Hill has great take out there and owned by a great member of this forum. Should have ample room to pull in and fuel up and grab some fried clams.
Right next to the Hotel is the Center Harbor town ramp. If you have kids with you you'll love the location of the hotel, right next to a big public beach and playground. Perfect spot for kids.

Good Luck and have fun.

[Phantom]

you will not be dissapointed with the Center Harbor Inn --we've had friends stay there many different times. I do caution however, (you mentioned in yoiur post) other than the Mills Falls/Church Landing complex there really isn't any 5 star establishments -- and we like it that way -- keeps it quaint. Don't get me wrong, you'll get 5 star service, but most of the establishments are not equipped with sauna's, day spa's, et al (except the aforementioned). For what you explained, the Cntr Harbor Inn will be great. Easy launch, hotel is next to ramp for vehicle parking, and by car you are very close to Merideth for dinners out and boutique shopping.

Words of caution--

(1) You must have an active State issued (home state will surfice) boating certificate to boat anywhere in NH.

(2) There is no "sleeping aboard" allowed on Winni other than at "Yacht Clubs". Center Harbor Inn is not one.

(3) you are obviously familiar with Bizer, I highly recommend getting a chart early to familiarize yourself with the somewhat different and challenging (for newcomers, seasoned boaters or not) navigation. A GPS download would be in order too-- specific to Winni, not the East Coast general map.

(4) I have to presume you all have VHF's -- Marine Patrol actively monitors channell 16 and they are always on the lake. Downloading their landline to your cell would be advisable as well.


You will love the lake, it's a great place with lots of boating exploration. You can literally spend days riding and find new areas to explore, anchor, and swim. We've been vacationing here (40-50 days per season) for over 20 years now and contrary to your unfortunate "First experiance" we've always found 99% of the people quite firendly and hospitipal. I apologize (and I'm not even a local) for your experiance when looking for information, including here with some of my fellow forum contributors. It's apalling and NOT the true nature of the "Lakes Region" and once you visit you will experiance that for yourself. There's a 1% wherever you travel in the world!!

Enjoy, and if I can be of any further help please do not hesitate to PM me through the site.

P.S --Second week of August should be a PERFECT time to visit. the weather is usually awesome and best of all the Lake has warmed up to it's near highest water temp (takes the chill outta the water for the ladies )

[fatlazyless]

.....play basketball? .....Center Harbor Inn is two steps from the local town beach, town waterfront, boat launch, town docks, and outdoor town basketball court.....probably need to bring your own basketball for midnight basketball.....

Center Harbor has two secret outdoor tennis courts, one with a unique backboard, way up the Rt 25-B hill, hidden away behind the jungle at the intersection of Rts 3 and 25-B

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by Phantom

(2) There is no "sleeping aboard" allowed on Winni other than at "Yacht Clubs". Center Harbor Inn is not one.

I'll assume the OP has rooms at the Inn but FWIW I though you could "sleep aboard" so long as the boat was tied to the land (not just anchored) and you had permission of the land's owner. I don't know what rules the CH Inn has re: this at their docks.

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/...-A/270-A-2.htm

270-A:2 Where Overnight Mooring Permitted. – A houseboat may be beached or grounded, or tied to the shore of any of the inland surface waters of the state for an overnight period, or any part of an overnight period, only when on or at a location owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of the owner or operator of the houseboat or by permission of the owner, lessee, or person otherwise in control of such location. An unoccupied houseboat may be anchored on the inland surface waters of the state for an overnight period, or any part of an overnight period, only in an area reasonably adjacent to a location owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of the owner or operator of the houseboat or by permission of the owner, lessee, or person otherwise in control of such location.
And no, I don't what to discuss the meaning of a "houseboat".

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ead.php?t=5735

BTW : If the OP has an inkling to visit Squam Lake, as mentioned elsewhere in this thread, he might want to read the above link. I'm thinking at least 2 of the boats in his group might be restricted from operating there.

[This'nThat]

Originally Posted by BlackSnowSlide

I am going to search, google, and Google earth all the stuff you guys have given me. I am very pumped again and I thank you all for that.

More to come... Best regards.. Black Snow Slide

Well, BSS, looks like the sane folks on this forum have come through to welcome you, and turn your somewhat less than good initial experience into something that's now positive, informative, and helpful. I'm proud of our forum members for coming through for you -- even if it was touch-and-go there for a while. I think everyone wants to welcome you to Winni -- as there is a lot to see; lots to do; and the forum members are quite proud of the fact that they contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that most folks enjoy.

P.S., they are quite informative too, aren't they? Ask a question here -- and you will get an answer!

[sunset on the dock]

BSS...also sorry for the initial cool reception...glad to have you come visit Lake Winnipesaukee. The lake is indeed family friendly. Be sure to visit the Country Store in Moultonboro, close to where we live. Also it is especially good to know that you want to visit this special area as some thought that recently enacted boating laws might be bad for business...your enthusiastic response is proof positive that this is not the case. Please feel free to send us a PM if we can be of further assistance...Sincerely, Sunset on the dock and family

[BlackSnowSlide]

Last night I went to the " Captain's Quarters" ( One of the guys who is going, his garage is Mammoth. I keep my boat in his garage during the winter. His boat is inside there as well as 2 cars and his truck, work bench area, pool table, small TV, and an REAL old soda machine that works. Heated at 65 and Admirals are not allowed to give orders. ) We get together almost every Sunday night for eating and laughs. The highlight last night was the talk of the Winnie trip.

I gave everyone the 1st of many itineraries. I down loaded Photos, brochures, Printed pictures from google earth and they have the link to this chat so they can read up.

Equipment wise our boats are set up well. VHF, Chart plotters, some radar, Depth, Fish finders and on and on.

Everyone is good with Boater safety courses and 2 have Capt licenses.

Launching.. I am thinking we will launch next to the Inn. Good? Is there a better place?

Is there a car wash close by? When we pull out of Winnie we want to clean the boats as to not cross contaminate? We give them a good wash down and then we go to a shopping area parking lot so the Admirals can assault our credit cards and we can detail clean trailers, breaks, out-drives, hulls ex.. We have spray bottles with vinegar/ water solution to help in killing the hitchhikers if we find any after power washing.

Restaurants with docks?

Is the marine police cool with cooking with gas grills on the boat? They are all marine set ups. 2 years ago we had a visit by a fire fan boat saying they had a report of smoke coming from our boats. It was kind of funny. We didn't want them to feel like it was a waist of there time and resources so we did what every other boater would do.. Yup.. We fed them.

Is there good places on the lake where we can all raft up?

Is there beaches that we can bring the boats close to and enjoy for the day?

Than you again for all your help... Best regards to all. Black Snow Slide

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by BlackSnowSlide

Last night I went to the " Captain's Quarters" ( One of the guys who is going, his garage is Mammoth. I keep my boat in his garage during the winter. His boat is inside there as well as 2 cars and his truck, work bench area, pool table, small TV, and an REAL old soda machine that works. Heated at 65 and Admirals are not allowed to give orders. ) We get together almost every Sunday night for eating and laughs. The highlight last night was the talk of the Winnie trip.

I gave everyone the 1st of many itineraries. I down loaded Photos, brochures, Printed pictures from google earth and they have the link to this chat so they can read up.

Equipment wise our boats are set up well. VHF, Chart plotters, some radar, Depth, Fish finders and on and on.

Everyone is good with Boater safety courses and 2 have Capt licenses.

Launching.. I am thinking we will launch next to the Inn. Good? Is there a better place?

Is there a car wash close by? When we pull out of Winnie we want to clean the boats as to not cross contaminate? We give them a good wash down and then we go to a shopping area parking lot so the Admirals can assault our credit cards and we can detail clean trailers, breaks, out-drives, hulls ex.. We have spray bottles with vinegar/ water solution to help in killing the hitchhikers if we find any after power washing.

Restaurants with docks?

Is the marine police cool with cooking with gas grills on the boat? They are all marine set ups. 2 years ago we had a visit by a fire fan boat saying they had a report of smoke coming from our boats. It was kind of funny. We didn't want them to feel like it was a waist of there time and resources so we did what every other boater would do.. Yup.. We fed them.

Is there good places on the lake where we can all raft up?

Is there beaches that we can bring the boats close to and enjoy for the day?

Than you again for all your help... Best regards to all. Black Snow Slide

The launch next to the Hotel, Center Harbor town ramp, will be perfectly fine to accomodate your needs. There are town docks right there for you to tie up to as well. You'll want to visit Braun Bay to anchor and hang out for the day. Pay attention to strict laws on Rafting as discussed in other threads. Braun Bay is a must visit for you! If you have young kids, or not, a trip to Weirs Beach is in order for sure. Then for the exact opposite experience head on down through the Broads down to Wolfeboro. The best part of the lake is the different personalities each town has. I love the Weirs for the arcades, boardwalk, pizza, and laid back fun. Wolfeboro has that quaint New England town feeling, totally different but nice in its own way. Public docks at both places fill up fast on a Saturday, be patient. Oh yeah by the way make sure you cruise the channel while down at the Weirs. Stop in at the Nasua for a drink and you'll be treated to some fun people and boat watching as well as live entertainment right on the beach!

There is a car Wash on the Center Harbor, Moultonboro Line, just up the street from your hotel. The bays should be large enough to accomodate you.

Have fun!

[BroadHopper]

Hazelnut did a good job with descrbing itinearies for cruising the lake. As for Braun Bay, weekdays are a good time to visit and stay. It gets a bit crowded on weekends and it attract the MP. On weekends, rafting off Timber island, or Patrician Shores are better alternatives.
If you like to do some hiking, visit Stonedam Island. It's a wildlife sanctuary with a nice hike along the shore. Dock space is very limited. Visit the Lakes Region Conservatory trust wesite and there is a list of islands that you can visit.
Visit Alton Bay. The town is known for it's weekend craft fairs and Friday night concerts by the water with firworks.
You mention GPS. You can download a Bizer map into your GPS. If you have a Garmin, there is a Winnipesaukee map on their website.
I have been on the lake since I was a baby. A true Winnipesaukee native. PM me if you want to hookup and ask for more info.

For a little variety, take a day off and launch in lake Winnisquam. There is a popular sand bar and the fishing is superb. A day on Squam Lake is another great fishing lake. Squam Lake is very rocky. A map is a must!

I am a bit upset with all the negative publicity concerning boating on Winnipesaukee. I winter in CO and had many folks ask me what is going on. I have friends in Montana, California and Florida inquiring as well. I'm hoping this will go away but I am afraid it is here to stay and will get worst. Enjoy it while you can.

Most boaters will not patronize SL supporters that are listed on a particular website. Problem is the website refuse to update that list as a number of them have change thier mind and were listed on a defunct website that was more up-to-date. So please use that list with discretion. PM me for more info.

See you on the lake!

[Turtle Boy]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I am a bit upset with all the negative publicity concerning boating on Winnipesaukee. I winter in CO and had many folks ask me what is going on. I have friends in Montana, California and Florida inquiring as well. I'm hoping this will go away but I am afraid it is here to stay and will get worst. Enjoy it while you can.

Most boaters will not patronize SL supporters that are listed on a particular website. Problem is the website refuse to update that list as a number of them have change thier mind and were listed on a defunct website that was more up-to-date. So please use that list with discretion. PM me for more info.

See you on the lake!

Not true BSS...many many boaters like myself go out of their way to support said businesses. As far as enjoying it while you can...don't be intimidated by such rubbish...the lake has never been better for families and yes, this is unlikely to change.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by BlackSnowSlide

Last night I went to the " Captain's Quarters" ( One of the guys who is going, his garage is Mammoth. I keep my boat in his garage during the winter. His boat is inside there as well as 2 cars and his truck, work bench area, pool table, small TV, and an REAL old soda machine that works. Heated at 65 and Admirals are not allowed to give orders. ) We get together almost every Sunday night for eating and laughs. The highlight last night was the talk of the Winnie trip.

I gave everyone the 1st of many itineraries. I down loaded Photos, brochures, Printed pictures from google earth and they have the link to this chat so they can read up.

Equipment wise our boats are set up well. VHF, Chart plotters, some radar, Depth, Fish finders and on and on.

Everyone is good with Boater safety courses and 2 have Capt licenses.

Launching.. I am thinking we will launch next to the Inn. Good? Is there a better place?

Is there a car wash close by? When we pull out of Winnie we want to clean the boats as to not cross contaminate? We give them a good wash down and then we go to a shopping area parking lot so the Admirals can assault our credit cards and we can detail clean trailers, breaks, out-drives, hulls ex.. We have spray bottles with vinegar/ water solution to help in killing the hitchhikers if we find any after power washing.

Restaurants with docks?

Is the marine police cool with cooking with gas grills on the boat? They are all marine set ups. 2 years ago we had a visit by a fire fan boat saying they had a report of smoke coming from our boats. It was kind of funny. We didn't want them to feel like it was a waist of there time and resources so we did what every other boater would do.. Yup.. We fed them.

Is there good places on the lake where we can all raft up?

Is there beaches that we can bring the boats close to and enjoy for the day?

Than you again for all your help... Best regards to all. Black Snow Slide

The ramp at Center Harbor is pretty good, though it is a bit steep depending on water level.

There is a car wash right up the road near Dunkin Dinuts with self serve bays.

There are a lot of places to raft up but there are also marked no rafting zones.

Grills should be OK.

[LIforrelaxin]

BSS,

It sounds like you have most everything figured out which is good to hear and all the advice here has been right on target. A couple of things I do want to point out however.

-- you mentioned in one of your posts possible sleeping overnight on your boat. At your hotel dock this would be just fine. However NH doesn't allow overnight mooring on the lake.... its a bummer that most of us don't like but oh well what are you going to do.

-- the ramp at center Harbor should be more then adiquate for your needs however it is tight.... so you will want to make sure not to be in to much of a rush or you might dent a fender.....

After that have a blast.... Braun Bay, Meredeth... Wolfeboro.... all fine destinations.......

and while staying in Center Harbor I recomend Sam and Roise's for Breakfast......

[Janet]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

BSS,

It sounds like you have most everything figured out which is good to hear and all the advice here has been right on target. A couple of things I do want to point out however.

-- you mentioned in one of your posts possible sleeping overnight on your boat. At your hotel dock this would be just fine. However NH doesn't allow overnight mooring on the lake.... its a bummer that most of us don't like but oh well what are you going to do.

-- the ramp at center Harbor should be more then adiquate for your needs however it is tight.... so you will want to make sure not to be in to much of a rush or you might dent a fender.....

After that have a blast.... Braun Bay, Meredeth... Wolfeboro.... all fine destinations.......

and while staying in Center Harbor I recomend Sam and Roise's for Breakfast......

and Red Hill Dairy just up the street for lunch...best clam rolls!

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by BlackSnowSlide

Restaurants with docks?

Is the marine police cool with cooking with gas grills on the boat? They are all marine set ups. 2 years ago we had a visit by a fire fan boat saying they had a report of smoke coming from our boats. It was kind of funny. We didn't want them to feel like it was a waist of there time and resources so we did what every other boater would do.. Yup.. We fed them.

As far as restaurants ...

In Alton right next to the town docks there's Shibleys. Eat lunch out on the deck overhanging the lake. Other food items are less than a 2 min walk including Pops Clamshack, China Jade and the Dockside. Send any kids to play the short minigolf course (Jays) while you eat.

In Wolfeboro Garwoods has 2 slips of it's own but is just a 2 min walk from the town docks. Again you can eat out overlooking the lake. Right at the town docks is Jo Jo Greens and the Upper Deck and the Wolfeboro Dockside Grille. Across the street is el Centeniro (which I've not tried).

For fine dinner dining I'd have recommend 51 Mill St (in Wolfeboro) but they're now closed. I'm not sure what "on the" lakeside establishment equals them for dinner but if you're staying in Center Harbor then check out Canoe (which does have a shuttle to/from the town docks) and the Coe House though they aren't directly on the water. For that matter Mis en Place (make reservations) in Wolfeboro is a bit of a walk from the docks but the food is top notch.

Meredith has numerous places with mins of their town docks. Personally I like Giuseppes across the street.

As far as gas grilles on the boat(s) go ... they're OK and in abundant usage on the lake.