new boater

[novicenavey]

I do not have any experience with boats, but would like to get into motor boating so to take the family to the lake for water skiing and tubing. how do I get started, learn the basics, learn safety, without spending a lot of money, and not doing anything stupid. live in the st. louis are***

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: new boater

you can log on to ebay motors and browse through<br />a ton of boats for sale to get an idea of what<br />style boat will best suit your needs.<br />spend some time at the local boat ramp and talk<br />with some owners of boats you like. people are<br />eager to tell you about their boat good or bad.<br />if you find something you like in your price range<br />you can always post back here for feedback.<br />take a coast guard boating course in your area.<br />good luck and safe boating!<br />M.Y.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: new boater

Absolute first. Take an approved Boating Safety Course. It may sound confusing but it will give you an edge on safety.<br /><br />Hang out on this "iboats" and you will learn a great deal about boats, trailers, maintenance and get advice from probably the most experianced boating community you will ever encounter.<br /><br />Boating is great fun just do not try to track the dollars involved, only the fun!<br /><br />Bob

 

[KCook]

Re: new boater

"how do I get started, learn the basics, learn safety, without spending a lot of money" For starters, forget buying a boat. Instead rent for a while. Most boat rental operations can hook you up with some instruction.<br /><br />Worked for me,<br />Kelly Cook

 

[martinwinte]

Re: new boater

By all means take a boating course and make friends with a boat owner. Hang around boat ramps and watch people launch their boats to learn alot of what to and not to do.<br /><br /> For some good web page.<br /><br /> boat tips http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/safetips.htm

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: new boater

Typically, new boaters do stupid things and that is how they "learn the basics, and learn safety." <br /><br />It has been said that you can boat without spending a lot of money, but I have no experience with that and everyone that I know that boats...spends a lot of money.<br /><br />Doing stupid stuff and spending money is what boating is all about....well having fun while moving about and staying on top of the water are a couple of others.<br /><br />To prove my point, read any of the forums. <br /><br />The replys you have gotten so far are excellent advice. <br /><br />Welcome and enjoy!

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: new boater

I would also suggest buying some boat magazines, read and learn about the different kinds and make a better buying decision. Not the ones like "Yachting" or others about million dollar boats, but practical ones like "Trailer Boats" magazine. Boat/US also puts out a lot of information about boating and you may want to join. Both have websites. The more you learn, the more fun you'll have and the safer your family will be. This is true: a friend of mine who lived just outside NYC had a boat for almost 6 months before he realized the outboard motor had spark plugs in it.