Beginning Boater Advice

[Haris122]

Was wondering if you guys had any advice on how one would go about not damaging a boat if they were to rent it out at a Marina at one of the lakes. I've completed the Boater Safety Class and got that certificate taken care of, and I have some experience fishing out of a kayak, and out of the little jon boats at Busch with a trolling motor, but I still run into or over the top of stumps and such on occasion while operating these two, and needless to say if I were to do that with rented boat with a regular motor, that would get pretty pricey. So, what kind of suggestions would you guys have for someone that considers renting out a regular motor-powered boat for the first time.

[WeekendWarrior]

Without knowing the lake only advice I can give is to keep Big motor away from the bank, if you get a lure hung up nose the trolling motor in to free a snag and keep Big motor out from bank. Don't go in a river area you don't know where channel is or you are unfamiliar with. Wear life jackets and a kill switch. 

[Haris122]

As far as the specific lake, it would potentially wind up being Taneycomo. I'm hoping to head down there in a couple weeks, and just in case the water is still too high to wade, I figure maybe rent a boat if it gets to that. Any lakes you suggest Not being the first trip on because they're tricky? If it doesn't wind up being Taneycomo, then there's some chance that it will be Mark Twain sometime later.

[Greasy B]

Tanycomo has a few areas where you need to be careful but it's a fine place start you boating career.  

When I read your post I cracked up recalling the first time I rented boat with a motor. I made it a couple of hundred yards and smacked a rock. I limped back to the dock with a mangled prop. These days I feel much safer in my boat than I do driving or doing most anything.  

My advice would be to just do and don't worry too much. 

[fishinwrench]

Travel slowly until you are familiar with the area.  People that blast off wide open across unknown water are just helping to put my kids through college.  Nothing wrong with that, we all smack a log from time to time, it's just part of boating.  

Outboard parts are being made while you sleep, so don't worry about it.  👍😋

[ramman123]

Well for Starters if Taney is the Choice Lake i would Suggest talking with Duane Doty or Phil Lilley or their Dock Attendant Ryan at Lilley's Landing and Resort

[grizwilson]

approach docks slowly, use reverse for brakes...if necessary..... go slow save dough

[Krazo]

Use a depth finder, stay on the main lake & avoid river arms of lakes, ask the place you rent from about the area, go slow, idle & neutral are your friends. 

[Haris122]

On 6/7/2017 at 8:20 AM, ramman123 said:

Well for Starters if Taney is the Choice Lake i would Suggest talking with Duane Doty or Phil Lilley or their Dock Attendant Ryan at Lilley's Landing and Resort

Yeah, if the water is too high for reasonable wading still by the time I go down there I imagine I will ask them down there about it. I have looked at the map of the Taneycomo that they have for boating too. To familiarize myself with it. If I end up renting a boat, I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

I was/am in the same situation as far as boat experience.   I rented a pontoon at Lilley' s and they gave me a map and cautioned me where not to go, what not to do etc.  Also, another tip, don't worry to much about fuel usage.  My first day I was very scared to use the big motor because I was afraid to have a 75-100 fuel charge.   Wasn't anywhere close.  The next year we went tubing in Table Rock wide open a lot.  Still no where near $50.  Just my thoughts