Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

My wife, son and I, just completed the boater saftey course and passed our test. It was really informative and as much as it ruined my day, it was worth it. Nh requires a certificate to be a legal boat operator. Do your states. I believe he said 48 out of 50 states require the certificate. The test was not that difficult, but it wasn't a breeze either. I can't wait to get my boat. It is due in the 2nd week of June. This is my 1st boat and I have only driven boats a few times before. Any pointers? I ride atv's, sleds, and a Harley. But a boat is new to me.

go slow

yup, go slow. if you can find a quiet dock or empty slips go practice there after tinkering a little open water.. practicing in and around docks and slips if the only real way you'll lean how the boat handles. We're on our first boat and while I did some practicing in some open water areas, you don't have the perspective of the docks, etc to really see just how the boat handles.

Driving a boat is a very different game compared to cars and motorcycles. sure, you turn the wheel left and the boat turns left, but the way it turns is different.

to reiterate, go slow, take your time, don't let others rush you.

dont forget there's no brakes

In Missouri, if you were born after Jan 1, 1984, ya must have a "boating safety identification card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol and a photo I.D. or a Missouri driver’s license, or a non-driver’s license with a boating safety endorsement."

To practice driving a boat, go to the grocery store and push a shopping cart from the front. It'll give you some steering practice until your boat arrives. And others have said, once ya put her in neutral, it doesn't slow down like a car, ATV, or bike. Reverse gear is the closest thing ya got to a brake.

In MD, everyone born after 1972 needs an operator's license.

No boaters safety course required in Kansas. You do have to have one if you are between the ages of 12-17, and you want to operate a boat by yourself, un-supervised by a 21yr. or older adult, or a 17yr. or older adult with boaters safety license. Sounds like a bunch of loopholes to me, but again, if you're 12 years old, and you are accompanied by an adult over 21, ( who doesn't need a license) then you can drive a boat.

No cert required out here in Colorado.
But then, we're out here in the Wild West!
Some people still quick draw their 6 shooters and fire at each other's toons!



....ok..not really.... but we dont have certs..