Meet Captain Chris
Your Private Guide to Lake Winnipesaukee
Experience the Lake, Not the Stress.
I’m Captain Chris, the owner and operator of Cardinal Charters. On Lake Winnipesaukee, there’s a massive difference between renting a boat and booking a professional charter. I built this business to bridge that gap.
Lake Winnipesaukee isn’t just where I work, it’s my backyard. While rental boats often struggle with navigation and crowds, I provide a "local-first" experience. From safely threading the needle through The Witches to anchoring in the crystal-clear, quiet coves that most tourists never find, I ensure your day is seamless.
Why Book with a Licensed Captain? A great day on the water is built on two pillars: Uncompromising Safety and an Effortless Vibe.
As a licensed captain, I handle the logistics, the navigation, and the docking. Whether we’re hitting the social scene at Braun Bay or cruising past the luxury estates of Governor’s Island, you are free to be a guest on your own trip. You don't have to worry about the "Winnipesaukee chop" or finding a spot at the sandbar, I’ve already got it covered.
A Luxury Standard Cardinal Charters was built to offer a premium alternative to the standard rental fleet. Our 2026 Viaggio luxury tritoon provides a private, upscale space for up to 14 guests. It’s high-performance, ultra-stable, and equipped with the best tech on the water.
Your Day, Your Way. Your playlist. Your pace. Your favorite people. I take care of the rest. We’ll meet at Weirs Beach, and from that moment on, the lake is yours.
See you on the water, Captain Chris
⚓ About the Boat
Your private charter and tour experience takes place aboard a 24-foot Viaggio Lago Z24S luxury tritoon powered by a 300-horsepower Suzuki engine, delivering smooth performance and a stable, confident ride across Lake Winnipesaukee.
Designed with group energy in mind, the spacious open layout comfortably accommodates up to 14 guests, making it the perfect setting for families, birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, anniversaries, sunset cruises and milestone gatherings. There’s plenty of room to spread out, mingle, toast and soak in the views.
A premium Bluetooth sound system keeps your playlist setting the tone, while the Bimini top provides shaded comfort when you want to cool off between celebrations. Whether you're cruising the shoreline, anchoring for a swim stop, or catching golden hour on the water, the atmosphere is entirely yours to create.
Spacious, powerful, and celebration-ready, this is your private stage on Lake Winnipesaukee.
All charters are captained by a licensed professional who knows Lake Winnipesaukee and its unique conditions.
The Story Behind the Name: Cardinal Charters
Southern Heart, Lake Spirit
Cardinal Charters wasn't born in a marketing meeting; it was built on a lifelong obsession with the water and a nod to a personal legacy.
The name is a tribute to my roots in Louisville, Kentucky. As a lifelong fan of the Louisville Cardinals, I chose the name, and the bold Cardinal Red and Black palette of our 2026 Viaggio, to represent the energy, precision, and drive found in elite athletics. On Lake Winnipesaukee, that translates to a charter service that never cuts corners.
Southern Hospitality Meets the Big Lake
While I’ve traded the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State for the granite shores of the Lakes Region, I brought a piece of home with me. In the South, hospitality isn't just a politeness, it’s a standard. I built this business to bring that genuine Southern Charm to the New Hampshire water.
When you step aboard, you aren’t just a customer; you’re a guest of the Captain. That means we offer the option to have your cooler pre-chilled and iced down before you even arrive, while I handle the "Winnipesaukee chop" with professional ease, ensuring every detail meets the "Cardinal Standard" of excellence.
Why the Cardinal Standard Matters:
The Elite Fleet: We don't do "rental-grade." We operate a custom 2026 Viaggio luxury tritoon; performance-built with a 300HP Suzuki and meticulously maintained to be the finest vessel on the lake.
Professional Expertise: I am a fully USCG Licensed Master Captain. While others struggle with "The Witches" or finding an anchor spot at Braun Bay, I handle the navigation and safety so you can focus on the memories.
A Tailored Vibe: We don’t run "cookie-cutter" tours. From high-energy sandbar socials to quiet, elite sunset cruises past Governor’s Island, we tailor the pace to your group.
By combining local New Hampshire expertise with high-touch Southern service, I’ve created a charter experience that is as welcoming as it is professional.
Your playlist. Your pace. Our passion.
See you at Weirs Beach.
Booking & Date Inquiries
We want to make sure your day on the water is exactly what you envisioned. If your preferred Charter date appears unavailable on the calendar, or if you are planning for a specific holiday like the 4th of July or Labor Day, please don't hesitate to reach out. When inquiring, please let us know if you have any alternate dates or times that work for your group. Being flexible with your schedule often allows us to find a 'hidden' opening or a perfect weather window to get you out on the lake!
