new to this boating game

[rflacs]

We just purchased our first boat, a 1982 Sea Ray with a Chevy 350 260hp and a mercruiser outdrive. We know very little about boats or boating, any good books/manuals you could recommend or friendly advice? Don't want to look too stupid out there. Thanks.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: new to this boating game

Hi, welcome to the boating community! First thing I did when I got my first boat was take a boating class through my local coast guard station. It's cheap and teaches you all the basics. A lot of insurance companys will give you a discount for taking one of these classes too! I believe there's an online boating course also. Other than that, you can learn everything else at this forum by doing searches or posting. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[JB]

Re: new to this boating game

Phil gives real good advice, Flacs.<br /><br />The U.S. Power Squadron also offers excellent courses.<br /><br />Welcome, and good luck.

 

[mikemondo]

Re: new to this boating game

Welcome boat friend<br /><br /> I hope you have a large checking account cause you'll need it in the boating world. But yes definitely take the safe boating course.<br /> mikemondo

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: new to this boating game

I'd recommend the book "Getting started in powerboating" a very helpful book.<br /><br />You can also take a boating coarse on-line at http://www.boatsafe.com <br /><br />Read everything you can get your hands on <br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Snailman]

Re: new to this boating game

Welcome to boating! Glad to have you aboard! Expect others to lend a hand and be ready and willing to lend a hand when needed.<br /><br />I don't know where you're going to be boating but one of the BEST book that I've ever seen on the subject (EVERY subject concerning boating) is Chapman Piloting Seamanship & Boat Handling (I think it's in its 64th printing now.) Go to the library for it before deciding to buy a copy. (ISBN: 0-688-16890-6)

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: new to this boating game

flacs1 - you should also go to amazon and read the preview of "Small-block chevy marine performance" the first chapter talks about the basic differences between car engines and marine engines ine asy to understand terms - you'll then have a good sense of the mechanics of what is happeneing.<br /><br />Snailman, Thanks for the tip. I'm going to pick up a copy myself - any book in 64th printing is worth a read by all

 

[magster65]

Re: new to this boating game

Welcome. One of the best things a fella can do is go out with another experienced boater the first few times. Learn from all his/her mistakes. That's a nice first boat ya' got there... how big?

 

[ajp]

Re: new to this boating game

I recommend selling the boat and running away.<br />Or you will become like me and own 3 boats. Oh the tragedy of it all. It is a disease.

 

[Link]

Re: new to this boating game

flacs1<br />Welcome to the wonderful world of boating.<br />And you picked the right forum to join.<br />Eveyone else has pretty much covered it.<br />The one thing I like about taking the boating<br />course by US Power Squadron is that other people<br />will ask questions you might have not thought of.<br /><br />Link

 

[KCook]

Re: new to this boating game

^