We started w-a-a-a-a-a-y-y-y-y late and our one and only is a son aged
almost 22. He's a great boater and quite a competent captain. I
trusted him to act in a mature manner and put him at the helm when he
was about 4 years old. He has acted as was expected of him

Sounds like a great little goose stepper. I let my kids be kids.