The thing is, the markers aren't really that bad. . . This isn't an ocean after all!
People without a map anywhere are basically messed. With a map, however, you are much better off. Usually, the markers (buoys whatever!
) are in sight by the time you
NEED to see them. There are some tough places to navigate, but with a map you should be all set.
As for the lighted number markers, I think that they are more useful when you know for sure WHAT NUMBER they are, and THEN you look on your map to see where you are. (Unless of course, you are extremely experienced at the lake and know every number). A major plus---THEY LIGHT UP! Extremely helpful at night. How many newbies (excuse the word) that use the lake rarely go out at night. For those of us who have been out at night, you need to basically know where you are. The lights basically show you where to go. When traveling at night, you just need the relative location of where you are!
To finalize--the markers aren't really that bad!