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I live in Laconia and will be using my new to me 1988 Montauk 17 on Winnipesaukee. I am wondering if there are any members here that will also be out on the big lake? I have just recently retired and I have been out of boating for a long time. That being said, I do know the lake very well and I am very anxious to get back out there.

Looking forward to seeing fellow Whaler owners out there.

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Hi Airedale. We have a slightly newer (1989) Montauk 17 that lives on Lake Winnipesaukee in the summer. We're located on one of the larger islands on the northern side of the lake a bit of a distance from Paugus Bay. The southern end of the lake (Paugus Bay, the Weirs, Meredith Bay) tends to be much busier on weekends, you'll be best served getting out early on weekends or do your boating during the week if you like it quiet. That said, we've used our boat extensively over the past 5 years and as long as you watch the weather and slowing down a little when it gets choppy we've never had a problem.

Even though you're familiar with the lake, I highly recommend getting and studying a current navigation chart as New Hampshire has their own system for buoys. You'll also need a safe boating certificate (boating license) to be legal in NH with over 25 HP. Good luck and congratulations on retirement!

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Thanks ursaminor. I do have a Bizer chart and I am studying for the certificate. I do like to get underway early and if there is one thing I know about the big lake, it's that to avoid congestion you need to pick your times and your spots. It's a big lake and there are plenty of spots that see very little boat traffic.

Again, thank you and I am looking forward to perhaps meeting you and seeing your beautiful Montauk out there this summer.

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I am down the other end of the lake. I live in Alton Bay. I use my 13' Sport most days, weather permitting, but don't venture out to your part of the lake in the whaler. I pretty much stay in the bay in my whaler with an occasional trip over to Wolfeboro. The lake is fine on most days but you have to be careful. The broads can really get nasty.

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o

WAM!

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I am in Paugus bay and take my son 13' SS out all the time. On a calm afternoon I went to Pops for fried shrimp. That boat is a ball.

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25 years ago, I trailered my boat there from out of state. At that time, I was required to license my boat in NH... Is that still the case...???

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Good question, that was the case for many years. For at least the last ten years NH has reciprocated on out of state boat registrations in inland lakes for a period of time. It's at least 30 days, I'd have to look it up to be sure of the exact time before they would require you to register in state.

You will need a NASBLA approved safe boating certificate and be aware that NH law is headway speed if within 150 feet of shore, another boat or swimmers. NH inland aids to navigation are different than coastal or other states inland markers, I'd recommend a lake specific chart. Check the NH DPS website (Marine Patrol) for specifics, hope to see you out and about this summer.

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Ursaminor's comments are spot on. If seeking calmer waters on Winni, try launching in Center Harbor, Moultonborough, or Tuftonborough. The southern and western sides of the lake are generally much busier than then north central and northeastern sides of the lake. Keep your chart handy, as the it gets bony wherever the glaciers decided to drop a pile. Have fun and stay safe.