First time ever boating.

[kawishiwi]

Study this. Really, STUDY this. https://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire...uide/10103101/
Get a compass.
Get the folks renting the boat to you to spend as much time with you as you can possibly persuade them to going over operation, docking, checklist for what to do if the boat doesnt start, how to anchor.
If in doubt go slower...when the sh!t hits the fan its less messy at slower speeds.
If you dont know where you are...STOP...out of the way of boat traffic, and figure out where you are using map & compass and GPS.
Make sure your phone is fully charged.
Everyone on board wears PFDs, (lifejackets) ALL the time!
Be off the water well before dark.
Between Wolfeboro and Rattlesnake can be the roughest water on the lake if there is any real wind. A calm day can turn windy and wavy during a long lunch.
Kidnap an experienced Winni boater to help you out? Or bribe one. Seriously.

[Hivolt]

Originally Posted by kawishiwi

Study this. Really, STUDY this. https://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire...uide/10103101/
Get a compass.
Get the folks renting the boat to you to spend as much time with you as you can possibly persuade them to going over operation, docking, checklist for what to do if the boat doesnt start, how to anchor.
If in doubt go slower...when the sh!t hits the fan its less messy at slower speeds.
If you dont know where you are...STOP...out of the way of boat traffic, and figure out where you are using map & compass and GPS.
Make sure your phone is fully charged.
Everyone on board wears PFDs, (lifejackets) ALL the time!
Be off the water well before dark.
Between Wolfeboro and Rattlesnake can be the roughest water on the lake if there is any real wind. A calm day can turn windy and wavy during a long lunch.
Kidnap an experienced Winni boater to help you out? Or bribe one. Seriously.

Thanks kawishiwi, I took my online nh exam through that site as I didn't have a certificate from any state yet and I think it was a huge benefit learning the state related content. Great advice about the rental outfit too I will definitely be requesting that.

[Rich]

Pay a LOT of attention to the navigation markers. With the lake level being what it is, there is NO room for error.

I have a friend on Rattlesnake now, so I tend to stop by there from time to time. Luckily the water is fairly deep around that island, but you should be wary of other areas.

[8gv]

Give very specific direction to your crew. With a few new at this they can be a big distraction.

Tell them to sit down and shut up and to stay that way until otherwise ordered.

Don't let them jump up and grab for the dock.

Don't let them stand up and block your view.

Pick one to place (not throw) a dock line over the dock post on your command.

Everyone else? SD and SU!

[Hivolt]

Originally Posted by 8gv

Give very specific direction to your crew. With a few new at this they can be a big distraction.

Tell them to sit down and shut up and to stay that way until otherwise ordered.

Don't let them jump up and grab for the dock.

Don't let them stand up and block your view.

Pick one to place (not throw) a dock line over the dock post on your command.

Everyone else? SD and SU!

Is it common practice to just tie a bowline and throw it around the dock post? It's just me and the wife and the two mutts and shes a good listener.

[8gv]

Originally Posted by Hivolt

Is it common practice to just tie a bowline and throw it around the dock post? It's just me and the wife and the two mutts and shes a good listener.

Can she do this without losing her balance and falling overboard?

Will the dockline hit its mark without falling into the water and maybe becoming dinner for the propellor?

Now that you have clarified that your wife is the other soul aboard I must amend my "SD and SU" advice. Say please before uttering those words.

Will the pups stay on the boat when approaching the dock or might they wish to start shore leave early? It may be a good idea to restrain them.

What time will you be taking delivery of the rental boat? Does this plan allow you to practice docking in a place that's easy?

You have gotten some good advice above. I'd like to add and or emphasize:

Don't approach the dock any faster than you are willing to hit it!

When getting close to the dock, stop the boat several boat lengths out to gauge what the wind will do to you. Position the boat upwind enough so that you don't have to use much throttle to finish docking.

Once in gear, the boat can build momentum quickly. Plan on putting it in gear just long enough to get the desired response and then back to neutral. Use reverse to stop or slow the boat, not lines or hands.

Remember this:

We are all counting on you!