Navigation is the most important element of any boat owner because no matter how experienced you think you are, if the same route is used regularly, the water level could be higher or a lot choppier, each day will have different conditions.
If you have just purchased a boat then you will be keen to get going but always make sure the rules of the water are learnt to prevent any problems occurring. Strongly consider enrolling on a navigation course because it will teach you how everything works and helping your trip go as smoothly as possible.
Have fun and stick to the safety rules then once you become experienced on map reading and working all the equipment, it will be very enjoyable and even whilst learning can prove to be one huge adventure.