I'm thinking about buying a powerboat in 1 to 2 years. In the meantime I want to learn all I can about what to look for in a boat as well as the terminology involved. I know a thing or two about boating basics but still consider myself a newbie to it.
I'm interested in "big water" boating much more than speed boating and sailboating isn't really my thing either.
2007-01-19 12:51:35 · 7 answers · asked by rather n 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
Go to Boatus.com, they have a free training course you can take. Check with your local USCG Auxilliary and the US Power Squadrons for info on what they have available. Look up www.Chapmans.org. Great for terminology etc. When you do buy a boat ask the dealer to throw in some lessons or find a local instructor to give you some.
2007-01-19 13:02:38 · answer #1 · answered by mark t 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for only $50, The U.S. Coast Guard Aux. has a course called "ABC" (America's Boating Course), it teaches the basics, and should be the first step in learning from the BEST, it is easy, and you will learn a lot about basic boating, nothing too heavy (they have that too if you are interested), it's FUN, and you will get a certificate to present to your insurance co. for up to 20% off of boat insurance, most states are tired of the unsafe mariners out there and have "MANDATED" the course (NJ and CT). It is only an 8 hr course with breaks, you'll get a CD too, I have an extra one if you want to learn the basics, just e-mail me.
When you get the boat, get a FREE vessel safety inspection, they go over your boat and make sure that it it in good shape, and that you have all of the safety equipt. req. by law, if it passes you will get a sticker on the boat saying that you had a voluntary inspection, now this is NO gaurantee that "Law enforcement" won't stop you on the water but, if they see the sticker, they MAY not bother, as they know that the boat was already "Voluntaraly" certified for safety inspection, AND "PASSED". The Vessel safety inspection is not designed to give you tickets for violations (no report or information is given to ANY law enforcement agency) but, to make sure that YOU are safe out on the water, and have the minimum safety equipt.. If there is a violation (like flares are expired) the inspector points out whats wrong to you, you go and get the stuff (Flares) he comes back again, and puts the sticker on your boat (THEY WANT YOU TO PASS). AND IT"S ALL FREE !
2007-01-19 22:54:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think a website isn't going to be very good for you, because most are pretty shallow. Get a copy of Chapman Piloting: Seamanship & Boat Handling, a standard reference in the boating biz.
I studied a copy of this text and used the knowledge to take a 53-foot power yacht down the whole length of the ICW to Florida. I can't imagine a better preparation for a new boater. It gives you rules of the road, boathandling, navigation, and lots of common sense.
2007-01-19 13:02:06 · answer #3 · answered by Joseph J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try going on line and find US Power Squadron They offer classes with testing that covers anything you could ever imagine. It's informative and you will learn to chart maps, cruse lakes, how to read warning lites as you navigate in and out of channels, recognition of lights on a boat, safety, and all responsibilities of owning licensing, operating, trailering and many other valuable things. It teaches you to be a great boater.
2007-01-19 13:04:34 · answer #4 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to google and type in RYA and they will give you information on the courses you need to go on
2007-01-21 03:50:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are in the UK (you don't say where you are based) the the RYA do some very comprehensive courses.
2007-01-20 08:59:41 · answer #6 · answered by F650 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to powerboating.com under google go thru the listings// find the ones u like bookmark them
2007-01-19 12:54:38 · answer #7 · answered by toadyboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋