GSAs Experience the NH Boat Museum’s Newest 28-foot, Wooden Hacker-Craft, the Miss Lauren

View all the photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/g6k66JV2wdBW3zeb6

The Miss Lauren is one of the New Hampshire Boat Museum’s two 28-foot mahogany, triple cockpit “woodies” and is a replica 1928 Hacker-Craft that is accurate down to the seat colors. Our Granite State Ambassador welcome center volunteers had the magical opportunity to experience the golden age of boating when wooden boats ruled the lakes. While the Millie B is based in the Wolfeboro, the new, ‘old’ boat, the Miss Lauren leaves from Paugus Bay out of North Water Marine by the Weirs Beach bridge. When touring on these spectacular wooden boats, you can see how truly unique Lake Winnipesaukee is with its sheer size and from completely different perspectives from both sides of the lake.

2023 is the Miss Lauren’s inaugural year and it was very exciting to be a part of her maiden voyages. Boat Excursions Operations Manager, Chip Bierweiler invited our group to experience this magnificent boat for ourselves so we could share what an amazing experience taking a cruise is to the guests we engage. Entrusted to Captain Paul French we were taken on the most informative and fun cruise around the southwestern end of Lake Winnipesaukee on the most beautiful sunny day.

The second cruise group was even treated to having Martha Cummings, the New Hampshire Boat Museum’s Executive Director, as their co-pilot. It was evident that Captain Paul truly loves the boat, and the lake, and was honestly a lot of fun. What a fantastic sense of humor as he told stories and pointed out the different islands and landmarks around the lake. He even allowed the group to experience the power of the 350 horsepower, V8 engine for ourselves along with some fun maneuvers!

Exploring one of the most spectacular lakes in New Hampshire on such a beautiful boat full of friends is a surefire way to lift your spirits. During and after the cruises, our hosts took the time to answer a myriad of questions about the boats, cruises, lake, and the New Hampshire Boat Museum. The experience left such a positive impression on our volunteers and they are looking forward to the next guest that mentions they are headed to the Lakes Region!

Additional Comments from GSAs

Paul’s extensive knowledge describing the points of interest as we toured the several islands and history of the Miss Lauren was an education. And his easy delivery coupled with his sense of humor was entertaining. We were in awe of the vastness of just the section of the lake we experienced. And of course, the Miss Lauren was beautiful and a delight to experience
~ Bob

This was my first time on a Hacker Craft. What a beautiful boat. You gave so much information regarding the number of Islands, mail houses and of course the Tiki Bar Boats! Seeing the spectacular houses from the water was an added bonus. The Boat Museum along with one of the boat rides makes for the perfect Lake Winnipesaukee experience.
~ Maureen

We believe having the opportunity to be on Lake Winnipesaukee in a replica 1930s wooden boat is another extraordinary dimension. The feel of that boat’s response to the lake defies words:

It requires poetry; It should have its own song; It’s a bucket list experience. It truly is valuable that NH has such a boat museum to preserve and share the rich history of a special place. It’s a pride-of-place experience. It’s for sharing.
~ Kate & Gary

Captain Paul was knowledgeable about the Miss Lauren and loves the lake, and really best of all, he really made the tour a lot of fun.  His humor and knowledge made the tour so entertaining. It was so obvious that he loves the lake and loves sharing the Miss Lauren with everyone on board.

We saw Becky’s Island, Bear Island, and Governors Island on our tour. We saw a bear (may have been a wood sculpture) and got to experience the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee on a gorgeous summer’s day. Paul, our captain, also wanted us to experience the speed of the boat, which is almost a complete replica with some upgrades including a 350 horsepower V8 engine, and even got to speed (safely) on the lake for a bit of the tour, it was great. 
~ Jeanne & Mark

What a great time!!  The boat was comfy and we were all able to view the beautiful lake and the surrounding islands and land.  Captain Paul’s witty anecdotes really made my day. 
~Suzanne

What a fabulous trip!!! I never tire of the beauty of the lake surrounded by a number of mountain ranges (all identified by Paul) and seeing the views from the Miss Lauren was indeed a totally different perspective!!! Paul is an amazing Captain. I felt totally safe in his care even when we were going at high speeds twisting and turning in the water. It was fun!!!!
~Kathie

** Article was written by compiling information from the NH Boat Museum’s website and GSA tour participants’ feedback. Photos by GSAs.