guides to learning about boating

When I was a youngster, my uncle took me boating and skiing on the Mississippi and other rivers and resevoirs often. He taught me about how to read a channel, the bouy markers, and how to ski and have the best time of my life. That was over 30 years ago. For many reasons, I was not able to expand on and enjoy this great recreational activity since, until now.

I am buying a small, [just like he had], 16' runabout with an older 85 horse two stroke motor, but affordable for me, and I'm thinking a good place to start. It's reasonably priced but I'm a little uncertain about the motor due to its age. I figure I can replace or repair it without too much expense. What encourages me about the boat is that the man who owns it invested over a $1,000 in a nice full canvas top that is high enough to stand up in, and a new, very nice trailer that he said was more than $1,500. He wants $3,500 for the entire package.

We're taking it out this afternoon. If I do buy this boat, I'll be using it on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Oregon. I want to educate myself on what my uncle began. How can I best do that?

Thanks for reading!

Even though you *could* get Chapman's from Amazon, you might consider patronizing a local, independent seller of nautical books or chandlery instead. My personal practice is to support the local boating infrastructure when at all possible, and order from some soulless, non-boating, mega marketeer very reluctantly.

You don't need a "license" to drive a boat in Oregon, but you will be required to get a passing grade in a boating education course. You will be required to carry a card when you boat confirming that you have done so, and if a law enforcement officer stops you for any reason he or she can demand to see it. Most of the qualifying courses are very low cost, or even free. (Some use Chapman's as the textbook, but in those cases you are required to own or purchase the book even if the instruction itself is free of charge).

Thanks!

Consider taking a "refresher" course from one of the local power squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary groups. You'll not only clarify a lot of the things your uncle taught you 30 years ago, but you might meet some new friends with which to go boating. You're going to need to pass a "mimimal boating education" requirement in Oregon, anyway, and after taking one of these courses you are virtually always certified.

Have fun!