[camp guy]

I would suggest renting from a marina. There are marinas all over the Lake, so, probably you want to find one near where you are. I would ask the people at that marina some of the same questions. Local knowledge is always helpful.

I would probably forego having a lake-side lunch simply because it will take up more time than you want to spend away from touring the Lake.

If you have any idea of where you might like to live, concentrate on that area of the Lake. Also, remember, the Lake changes depth during trhe season. Some passages are a little less passable in the late summer and fall, and, strangely, high water in the early spring can cause problems.

Think about power, telephone, internet, emergency services, routine maintenance services (septic, etc).

Remember, when you are on an island, you can't just run to the store, everything you need is on shore, so this may be a factor in where you live.

I hope you get a lot of answers to your questions.