AB wrote in message . ..
Hey folks,

My wife and I are looking to start out with a small 17 foot boat (100
horse or better) and work up to a 50+ foot motor yacht, but we have
little experience on the water so far. We have rented a 17 foot (75
horse) boat several times on the local lake here in AZ, and things
were fine, but we want more knowledge about controlling the craft in
various conditions, safety and so on. We feel a natural understanding
of working the boat, but we know that's not enough. Neither of us
were brought up with sailing or any kind of boating, so we need to
compensate with training and study.

Can anyone suggest books, courses or anything else?

Thanks much!

Wow, You're starting small and seeking to learn how to handle a boat
safely? That certainly puts you in the minority - albeit a very smart
minority. Starting with a single engine outborad powered boat in the
sub 20 ft range is smart - They are the easiest to handle. Take a safe
boating course given by the Coast Guard Auxillary or US Power
Squdrons. This will provide you with the basics of rules of the road,
weather, emergency procedures, safety, etc.

As far as gaining proficiency, I have two suggestions: 1) Some
Professional Captains offer as a service to show you how to handle
your boat This is usually for people who move up to larger more
complex craft, but I'm sure a local captain that charters/guides
smaller craft would help you. Look in local boting or fishing
magazines/papers. Its the only way you can get hands-on instruction
(other the maybe the 20 minutes a dealer will give you if you buy a
new boat).

2) Go boating! Often!! There's nothing like time at the helm. Start
w/ short outings on great weather days and expand your envelope to
include longer outings, and more diverse wether conditions - but
please don't take a 20 footer out in Small Craft Warning weather.

Good luck and let us know how you make out!!

FishFan