Any suggestions for a lake newbie?

[TheDocIsIn]

Originally Posted by Phantom

Welcome -

There are MANY many threads relating to first time boating here in the Forum ….. I would suggest starting there.

If you have absolutely no boating experience then I would HIGHLY suggest that you start by enlisting a friend (that boats) to join you for your first few trips whether that be Winnisquam or the Big Lake.

Not to be mean, but having a boating certificate does not mean your ready to handle the helm of a boat …………….. one of the unfortunate parts of the boating certificate process is that unlike a vehicle license - there is "no road" training.

Ha, I agree with you on that last part which is why I'm hesitant and looking for advice. I don't really know anyone here - has anyone had good experiences with the local marinas that will let you rent a "captain" for an hour or two? I figure that might be a good way to learn.

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by TheDocIsIn

Ha, I agree with you on that last part which is why I'm hesitant and looking for advice. I don't really know anyone here - has anyone had good experiences with the local marinas that will let you rent a "captain" for an hour or two?

Our friends at Anchor Marine provide that service:

https://www.anchormarine.net/drivers.htm

[8gv]

You have the right attitude toward this.

There is plenty to learn and time spent with an experienced captain will help.

Once on your own, beware of distractions from inside and outside your vessel.

We don't have double yellow lines to keep us in the correct place.

One thing to remember as you are learning is this:

Unless there is certainty that there is no possibility of collision, the operator must assume the possibility exists and take any and all action to avoid it.

In other words...don't rely on others to operate their boat correctly!

Have fun and pm me if you want to get some experience piloting around Winni at the helm of my Sea Ray 240.

Week days are best form me.

[iw8surf]

My only issue with starting on Winnisquam is even me after living on Winnisquam for years I am not prepared properly for Winnipesaukee. It is very hard to screw up on Winnisquam in comparison to Winnipesaukee. Winnipesaukee it pays to know the lake. There is virtually nowhere to go, explore or rocks to hit on Winnisquam so if you do go out just stay 150' away from everything and you'd be fine.

[Phantom]

TheDoc -- let's start with where are you on the Lake ?

If you are anywhere around me, I would be more than happy to "joy ride" with you for a few hours ….. my wife would love it too as it would give her a break

[znh]

Don't rely solely on GPS once on the lake, learn how to read the chart/map (Bizer specifically) as well.

Go slow

Don't follow other boats as a method of navigating

Find someone to go out with you or to go out with on their boat to show you the lake

Go slow

Find some time to go out during the weekday. With virtually no boat traffic you can go at your own pace around areas that need more attention to learn those areas. You can also practice docking at certain town docks during the week with little traffic around to make you nervous.

While being on Winnisquam would be a great way to get used to a boat and how to operate it, it will not properly prepare you for navigation around Winni. But it is a great place to start in regards to getting used to the boat and controls.

Go slow

Have fun.

Be safe.

[thinkxingu]

Best advice I ever got on this forum: don't approach anything faster than you'd want to hit it.

I'm a learner-through-doing type-a guy, so we picked up our new (to us) boat on a Friday afternoon and, with all hands on deck and a GPS, took her out to play. I stayed far from people as I went and practiced at the Center Harbor docks. The GPS and Bizer map made navigating the easy part--controlling the boat, especially in wind/chop, is what takes practice.

Good luck, and, like Phantom asked, let us know where you is so maybe one of us can hang out for a bit.

[Biggd]

When you finally buy a boat, buy an extra prop and learn how to change it. When you hear that thumping noise coming from the back, trim up and shut down!

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Phantom

TheDoc -- let's start with where are you on the Lake ?

If you are anywhere around me, I would be more than happy to "joy ride" with you for a few hours ….. my wife would love it too as it would give her a break

Now this is what boating is about!!!!!!!!!!!
I have ridden with people many times to help them out and get them comfortable. Generally this take place after I have taken them out for a ride, so that they are already comfortable with my abilities.

[robmac]

Start with your Bizer chart and I highly recommend WEEKDAYS to get used you your boat and how it's affected by the wind.When docking try and find a public dock near you early in the morning determine where the wind direction is coming from and practice. BTW no heros trying to jump onto the dock to assist that just brings injuries. Get right up so you can loop a line and then have someone help tie you off. You'll be amazed at how many boaters at the docks will help you get secured.

[jazzman]

I'd start in wolfeboro on a weekday morning on a day with no wind. The yacht club has pontoon boats for rent at a very reasonable rate. Docking is easy there (not so at goodhue and Hawkins) and you can explore a lot of territory with very few hazards to get the hang of those damn buoys.