You will find that operating a boat smoothly can take quite a bit of practice – after 5 to 10 trips, you should be feeling fairly comfortable.
Table of Contents
- Basic Knowledge
- Do You Really Want To Buy A Boat?
- Participate Co-Captaining and Observe
- Boating Safety Courses
Basic Knowledge
Learn the rules on flotation devices, fire extinguishers, and who has the right of way when passing or crossing the path of another vessel—get a feel for the open water. You will find that operating a boat smoothly can take quite a bit of practice—after 5 to 10 trips, you should be feeling fairly comfortable. For detailed safety equipment, check out boat safety equipment.
Do You Really Want To Buy A Boat?
Don't buy a boat until you've learned more about operating one. Make friends with boat owners and get hands-on experience before making the investment. Consider browsing boat buying guides to help you make an informed decision.
Participate Co-Captaining and Observe
One of the best ways to learn is by going out with someone experienced. When someone takes you out on the water for a day, offer to pay for refueling (you may be surprised by how much it costs). You can also find helpful tips on co-captaining in boating handbooks.
Boating Safety Courses
Taking a boating course on safety and general knowledge is an excellent foundation. The information you gain from even the most basic courses will prove useful more often than you might expect. Look for boating safety courses to help you get started.
