Cornpone wrote:
Hello,

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!


Get a copy of Chapman's. Some of it will be overkill for river boating,
but much of it would be applicable. Just ask for "Chapman's" at the
marine supply store, they'll know exactly what you need.

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!