Lake Winnipesaukee - Recommendations

[moosehead]

We are fortunate enough to have our summer vacation at Lake Winni next week and though we will be with a few locals, we would please welcome the board's input, recommendations, and tips. We'll have a ski boat, cruiser, kayaks, small sailboat, and SUP's, for 4 families and a bunch of kids.

Any suggestions for navigation, fishing, swim spots, restaurants, ski coves, and other local beta? Much appreciated.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Lake Winnipesaukee - Recommendations

Take the whole gang out at sunset. it's usually spectacular. Skiing is horrible on Winni. It's so busy most times. But if you go early you can get some smooth water. It doesn't always work though.
There are lots of places to put down the hook and hang, just get away from Meredith, Paugus and Weirs. The islands south of Bear have good shelter, and Ragged Island is a preserve so it's good. Ragged is close to 19 Mile Bay. If you need provisions there is a store at the 19 Mile Bay docks.
Where to go is really dependent on where you are staying. If you are on the northeast or near the center what I said goes. But if you are farther south you can go in the islands below Wolfeboro for some cover. If you are near Wolfeboro and you ski boat isn't too tall it can sneak into the Back Bay by going below the little bridge to the left of the main docks. It's a lot easier to get a dock in there behind town, a handy thing on weekends.
It's smart to have a main anchor and a little lunch hook. The little anchor will keep you bow aiming where you choose and your boat from swinging into other boats. Rafting is disallowed at the many of the best hangouts, that's why the 2 anchor method is needed.
I don't fish, can't help you there.
In Melvin Village the Pinecone Restaurant is basic and good. And in Moultonboro I like the Bobhouse.
If you want to eat a little nicer and bring the boat go to Lago in Meredith.
If you are in Alton go to to the Sandy Point Restaurant. It was bought by folks who had (have?) the Wolfeboro Diner and it's good. I hadn't heard anything about it for a long time since our place is the other side of the lake. But we were invited recently and had good ole New England seafood that was truly perfect just last week. That was the best piece of haddock I can ever remember eating.
A lot of folks like the Naswa in Weirs Channel, it's a beach bar with docks.
There is a full blown grocery across the road from the Center Harbor docks, and a real hardware store next to them. Weirs Beach is arcades and pizza joints.
There is a grocery that's walking distance to the Wolfeboro docks too.
I don't know Alton any more so I can't tell you much about it. And Gilford is unfamiliar to me too.
Enjoy.
If you are around Braun Bay keep an eye out for my red, gray and white old school Baja, it says "Sunsport 196" down the sides and "Port Key" on the transom.

 

[moosehead]

Re: Lake Winnipesaukee - Recommendations

Much appreciate the suggestions NHG, love your backyard. Lake Winni is spectacular. We have been in the West for much of our adult lives, but I was born and raised on the East Coast. I remember magical summers on Northeastern lakes such as Sebago and Long Lake in Maine, the Youghiogheny in PA, plus a summer working in Hampton Beach NH. This is our first time on Winni, and I'm a bit taken back by her vast reach, islands, cool towns and lush green. Water temp of 73F, clean, clear to 10'+ depth.

We have been in Alton Bay and found some skiing glass early AM and in leeward shorelines and coves. The trip down from Wiers was a pucker factor as the runabout got tossed about like a dixie cup. We will do a dinner run in a red 26' Ebbtide up north either Tues or Wed and look for your Baja.

Cheers

 

[agallant80]

Re: Lake Winnipesaukee - Recommendations

Be really safe. People drive like total idiots up there. Every year I read in the union leader of a few accidents up there. I know they have increased patrol and I think they put in a speed limmit but lots of people and lots of booze, lots of showing off and lots of people who only get the boat out a few times a year. God speed my friend.

 

[moosehead]

Re: Lake Winnipesaukee - Recommendations

Best of our trip: Goodhue & Hawkins Marina for best service I have ever seen plus largest Cobalt rental fleet and sales, Gillian Marine for Paddleboard rentals, Wolfetrap for dinner, Bubble for icecream, Shibley's Drive In for icecream, downtown Boston for history and dinner at Mama Maria's in the North End, Marblehead and the Barnacle for dinner.

Very sad to leave Winni. She is spectacular.

 

[moosehead]

Re: Lake Winnipesaukee - Recommendations

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Lake Winnipesaukee - Recommendations

Sorry I missed this thread earlier, but it looks like you had a great time. Nice pics. I boat on Winnipesaukee, Long Lake, Sebago Lake and off Hampton Beach all the time.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Lake Winnipesaukee - Recommendations

Be really safe. People drive like total idiots up there. Every year I read in the union leader of a few accidents up there. I know they have increased patrol and I think they put in a speed limmit but lots of people and lots of booze, lots of showing off and lots of people who only get the boat out a few times a year. God speed my friend.

I have to disagree. I've been boating on Winnipesaukee since I was 10 (in 1976). Very few people operate their boats like idiots on Winnipesaukee. The vast majority operate skillfully and thoughtfully. There's the occasional bonehead, but nothing like I've seen elsewhere.