Lake Winnipesaukee is a boaters paradise. It’s the largest lake in the state and is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and mountains. Enjoy wide open areas for satisfying your need for speed and numerous quiet coves and sheltered areas for exploring and lounging around. For all its splendor, Winnipesaukee is not the only paradise in town; it’s just one of over 200 lakes.

Quick Links

Boat Launches
Boat Rentals
Marinas on the lake
New Hampshire Boaters Handbook

Reciprocity

If your boat is registered in another state or Canadian province, you may operate it here for up to 30 consecutive days without a NH boat registration.

Boat Rentals

For those who will be renting a boat, you must have a NH safe boating certificate or hold a hold a NASBLA approved certificate from another state if renting a boat with a motor in excess of 25 horsepower. If you don’t have a certificate, the place you’re renting from will probably charge a small fee and administer a quick exam on site to obtain a 14-day Temporary Certificate. Boat rental fleets are limited, so you should definitely call ahead to discuss your needs and make sure everything is in order.

List of places offering boat rentals
Study for Boating Exam

First time on Winnipesaukee?

The lake is broken up by hundreds of islands of every size and shape, scattered around at random. If you want to meander around and explore, or lounge in a quiet cove, this is your lake. However, with such a uniquely shaped lake, it’s easy to become quite disoriented. Ensure your boat is equipped with a good chart and marine GPS before heading out. Bizer currently offers what many consider to be the best chart of Lake Winnipesaukee and it will help you steer clear of hidden dangers. Like all lakes, Lake Winnipesaukee has its fair share of shallows and areas with rocks hidden just beneath the surface. It’s important to know the current lake level, which has a seasonal fluctuation of as much as three feet, and your boats draft, when operating nearing these areas.

Cruises and Charters

Letting someone else do the driving lets you get the most out of your time on the water. 

Boat cruises and Charters