Thanks for all the tips, especially where best to avoid. I think I led most to conclude I have no experience in a boat. While admittedly I am no expert, I am actually pretty comfortable in a boat, just not in these waters. I have read so much mention of the dangers of these lakes when at winter pool I wanted to make sure there are certain spots that needed to be avoided where there might be rocks just below the surface, or a lot of submerged logs or maybe something I wasn't even considering. Whenever I go I will have a map with me as well as a depth finder, pick a nice day and I will be going very slow. I didn't buy a fast boat anyways, just something for us to fish in and have fun being outdoors.

Thanks for all the advice on launching, that is something I don't have any experience with, having never owned a boat before. I have a large truck with a full cap on the back and the boat is real hard to see when backing. I found that out backing into the driveway. I might try and get some towing mirrors to see if that helps. I think launching and loading are going to be me biggest issues. I'll try the parking lot idea someone mentioned and then at some point I'll have to get me feet wet (no pun intended) and try to learn by doing. I am going to write down all the tips from this thread and take them with me.

Thanks for the link, it probably couldn't hurt if I look at that safety course as well, but I am generally comfortable with general boating safety which is what it looks like it mostly covers. I am in my early fifties, and throughout the years have fished out of boats since about fifteen years old with friends and on vacations. Of course they were either in a slip already if bigger or if smaller just a canoe or Jon boat that two of us could carry and launch by hand. My new boat should actually be the safest boat I have ever fished out of.

Thanks again for the help, maybe when I get the boat registered and ready to go I'll be able to meet some of you sometime.