"Reggie Smithers" wrote in message

Paul,
I would take one of the beginning Powerboat courses approved by the RYA.

http://www.rya.org.uk/Training/Power...es/default.asp

Paul, I strongly second Reggie's suggestion, and heartily urge you not to
ignore it. The single most dangerous thing aboard a boat of any kind is
ignorance. It will raise the probability of disaster to odds you would
laugh at were you in a casino or a racetrack, except now you're wagering
your life.

Take the course. Before you launch in the boat. Please.