[LIforrelaxin]

Wendy,

As so many have already said before me welcome to the lake. It sounded as though you grew up boating, so hopefully it will not take long to get thos sea legs back under you.

The biggest task I believe anyone has with a new boat is learn to dock and maneuver the new boat. My recommendation is the following, as you mentioned you where picking up the boat on Thursday, ask the salesman to spend some time with you after he gives you an initial run down on the boat. During the initial in the water run down he should go over all the bells and whistles and basic operation. But explain to him that you are getting back into boating and would like to take the opportunity to get some pointers on docking as well. If he is a good salesman he will not back down from this. 15 or 20 mins getting some pointers at the beginning will make a big difference the first time you pull up to a dock on your own. after taking possession of the boat however I would then recommend heading out on the lake for a while. especially if it is a nice day. There shouldn't be much traffic and as others have mentioned if you have a chart, just make a few small trips out away from your home port. Some suggestions:

1. out and around Jolly

2. Out and around Sandy

3. Over and around Diamond and maybe even further around Rattlesnake

These trips require use of the map, and an understanding of the markers but for the most part are not intensely hard to navigate.

Now with a few Ideas for trips behind us, one las thought for me to put out there, is to go back to docking. Assuming you will be around the lake both Thurs. and Friday. Both these days will be fairly light traffic days. This is a good opportunity to spend some time practicing dock techniques especially if it is calm. Pulling in and out of your slip, as well as going over to the gas dock at Mountain View. And if your adventurous, may journey to the Weirs or Meredith, and pull in and out of the public docks. Practice makes perfect. Just take it slow and easy. Now another tip I have is I through a bumper over board out in the middle of the lake, and the using reverse only make myself bring it right up to the swim platform.... It helps me remember how the boat reacts to various amounts or steering input.

anyways have a chart, get that boating cert. be safe, don't be afraid to ask question or for help, and enjoy what we all hope to be a splendid summer