New to Winni and have boating ?'s

[LIforrelaxin]

Alright I will respond here with the biggest question of them all when it comes to looking for a boat. How much experience have you had with Boating. That is the overwhelming factor everyone seems to forget to mention. Additionally have you bought directly on the water, or are you off the water and going to need Valet service or a marina slip for you boat?

While I will agree if you want to wander around the lake, with 5 or 6 people on board and you don't really care about waterskiing, then going after a 22' to 24' boat isn't a bad idea. However if you don't have much experience with a boat this probably isn't such a good idea. The bigger a boat the more of a challenge it is when you get into tight quarters around docks etc. To where a smaller 18' or 19' boat well be a little easier to learn how to dock and manauver around. As you will not feel like you are having to fit into tight spots.

With that said, don't look at purchasing a boat is you have to get it right decision. If you are new to boating, and the lake, as other have said figure what you budget will dictate. My recomendation is to start first with a used boat. 19' to 21'. Get out there and enjoy the lake, for a couple of summers. and then make up your mind as to what you really want.

As for Marinas the only thing I will say is stay away from Trexlers Marina.

Now before everyone jumps on me for recomending a smaller boat. I boat every weekend and go all over the lake in my 19' FourWinns. Yes there are time where my years of experience help out, and keep everyone safe and dry. But I have never felt as though I needed anything bigger to handle the lake. My only reason for going bigger is to handle more people. Add that to the fact that if you own on the water, and have the boat tied to the dock, you can pick and chose when you do or don't want to go out, with out hassle.