1st boating season in the books

Rattletrap · 10-18-2016, 07:31 PM

First and foremost, I like to thank all of the forum members for all their help leading up to this season. I was about as prepared as I could be. Your input made a HUGE difference in my season I'm truly grateful.

I like to extend a special thanks to a certain forum member who shall remain nameless (to protect the innocent) for being an amazing mentor to me. They gave me sound advise and guidance all season, and even though I thought I new better sometimes they let me make my own (none life threating) mistakes anyway. Because they knew of course it was the only way I would learn. I will value your friendship and guidance always.

Ok enough with that.

I put a little over 70 hrs on the pontoon this season. I covered literally every corner of the lake. One of my missions this year was to see it all from Alton Bay to Greens Basin, and from Paugus Bay to Center Harbor and everywhere in between. I told myself just go see it all and then nothing will be a surprise. Here are a few things that I can pay forward to new boaters.

This is an amazing place to boat and spend summers.
Mostly everyone on the lake is friendly and helpful.
Navigation is tricky but not impossible. Be confident not cocky, trust what you've learned. Second guessing yourself can lead to mistakes.
Don't assume other boaters know where their going.
Be able to identify the large islands and always have your map at the ready.
Listen to those who have experience on the lake. It can get real scary real quick when a storm rolls in and they roll in fast!
Look to the sky for weather not the radar the radar lies.
Some days a 50' boat isn't enough to tame the "Broads" or just outside the Weirs Channel.
The complexity of night boating can't be fully explained and should be left to the most experienced boaters.
Be prepared for anything.
If it looks like someone may be in trouble they probably are, go ask them if they need help next time it might be you.
Dragging your skeg across some rocks on the west side of Pitchwood sounds a lot like you just ripped the motor and a pontoon off your boat but is a right of passage.
Don't be a hurry.
You can't see everything make sure you have a good first mate.

I'm sure there're a ton things I missed but in the interest of "I should be working not posting" I'll leave it at that. Thanks again everyone looking forward to next season

Tom

10-18-2016, 07:31 PM	#1
Rattletrap Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Sandown/Gilford Posts: 189 Thanks: 80 Thanked 67 Times in 26 Posts	1st boating season in the books First and foremost, I like to thank all of the forum members for all their help leading up to this season. I was about as prepared as I could be. Your input made a HUGE difference in my season I'm truly grateful. I like to extend a special thanks to a certain forum member who shall remain nameless (to protect the innocent) for being an amazing mentor to me. They gave me sound advise and guidance all season, and even though I thought I new better sometimes they let me make my own (none life threating) mistakes anyway. Because they knew of course it was the only way I would learn. I will value your friendship and guidance always. Ok enough with that. I put a little over 70 hrs on the pontoon this season. I covered literally every corner of the lake. One of my missions this year was to see it all from Alton Bay to Greens Basin, and from Paugus Bay to Center Harbor and everywhere in between. I told myself just go see it all and then nothing will be a surprise. Here are a few things that I can pay forward to new boaters. This is an amazing place to boat and spend summers. Mostly everyone on the lake is friendly and helpful. Navigation is tricky but not impossible. Be confident not cocky, trust what you've learned. Second guessing yourself can lead to mistakes. Don't assume other boaters know where their going. Be able to identify the large islands and always have your map at the ready. Listen to those who have experience on the lake. It can get real scary real quick when a storm rolls in and they roll in fast! Look to the sky for weather not the radar the radar lies. Some days a 50' boat isn't enough to tame the "Broads" or just outside the Weirs Channel. The complexity of night boating can't be fully explained and should be left to the most experienced boaters. Be prepared for anything. If it looks like someone may be in trouble they probably are, go ask them if they need help next time it might be you. Dragging your skeg across some rocks on the west side of Pitchwood sounds a lot like you just ripped the motor and a pontoon off your boat but is a right of passage. Don't be a hurry. You can't see everything make sure you have a good first mate. I'm sure there're a ton things I missed but in the interest of "I should be working not posting" I'll leave it at that. Thanks again everyone looking forward to next season Tom __________________ Captain of the "Day Tripper II" .......There are a lot better people a lot worse off!! Last edited by Rattletrap; 10-19-2016 at 07:02 AM.

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