Your off to a great start.
Imo,
#1. What has helped us get started is the advice from the local experts.
#2. I hope you get as surprised as we did at how kind and helpful other boaters have been in our time of need. Mostly during slow times of the day, but regardless, I had trouble getting it just right during docking, and without asking, a gentleman and his son came over from a few slips away to have us toss them a rope. Such a small gesture was a thankful help.
If it's Winni your starting on, it can be a little nerve racking at times. The lake may not be the best beginner lake, but the local boaters compensate for that.
During busy docking times, make a mental note as to who arrived ahead of you and wait your turn to dock. The same for boat launching if you will be trailering. Be prepared ahead of time before getting to the boat launch. It never hurts to watch other's techniques while loading and unlading their boat.
#3. A laminated lake chart is must have.
#4. A GPS is very helpful but can fail for what ever reason.
#5. Keep tools and a spare prop on board. I damaged one after unloading the boat. We had everyone aboard, pushed off and lowered the out drive only to feel the boat bump something. We hadn't even put the boat in gear yet. We looked over the back and sure enough there was rock hiding out just waiting for us. We pulled the boat parallel to shore and standing in knee deep water swapped the prop in five minutes and off we went.
Figure about $100 to repair an aluminum prop.
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