Boat Owner Basic Training
Ok, so I read the threads on boat ramp idiots as well as those who act like fools on the water. I bought my first boat last year because I always wanted one and to finally be on the water. I have since sold it and am (extremely anxiously) waiting to pick up my '03 Mobius LS. (They are repairing all imperfections in the gelcoat and buffing everything, putting a new swim pad on, etc.)
My question is, where should new boat owners who CARE about not being one of the idiots at a busy launch or out on the water go to learn the basic etiquette and technique. I feel like I have been pretty responsible and read a lot, watched things on youtube and had a longtime boater friend take me out one day to show me basics. But it seems these types of resources are kind of limited. I mean some things seem simple enough, but since noone is required to be taught proper technique, if you don't care enough yourself to not feel/look like a novice and seek out info, you can potentially be a pain to others around you. I want to avoid those for myself and for those I'm sharing the water with so I am always looking to make sure I'm doing things correctly. Things such as how to properly raft up with another boater (and etiquette involved), tying up to a dock when there are limited cleats, launching alone (again, and etiquette involved if you are alone), maneuvering in a crowded area, etc. I read on one thread where one guy here pulled in to pick his wife up on a crowded dock, reversed it, spun around on its axis basically and pulled away. Now, how the hell would I learn advanced stuff like that?!?! :eek:
I have done all of these things, but without swallowing a little pride and admitting to people that I had never done some of these things, I never would have learned. And for all I know, someone may have told me the wrong way to do something and I've ignorantly continued to do so.
So, long story short, where can one learn or brush up the basics of boating - operating, maintenance, etiquette?
Thanks and am very anxious to be another Moomba owner!!