RE: Central NEW YORK boaters
here's some info about ICE
4 inches will hold about 200 pounds making it safe to walk on
5 inches will hold about 800 pounds making it safe for an atv or snowmobile
8-12 inches will hold 1500 - 2000 pounds suitable for small car group of people
12-15 inches suitable for vans and light trucks
I'd give it a good foot nd a half 2 feet before larger trucks and deisels
remember
3 inches or less keep off
ice dose not always freeze evenly it coul be 4 inches in one place and 2-3 inches just feet away be carefully on fresh ice!
The quality of the ice is just as important as the thickness.
Black (clear) Ice is the safest. There's no air bubbles within the ice making the water molecules bond to each other with more strength then ice with air bubbles.
White (bubbly) Ice holds alot of air pockets. Making it weaker then Clear Ice.
Be Safe Guys and Have fun.
Regards
Luc W.