buying my 1st boat where and how do i learn...

[zinco]

How to safely operate it. I live in Bend Oregon. Any suggestions would be appreciated. (I am not thinking about the c dory but more..rules of the road, navigation etc ..that sort of thing) thank you!

[colobear]

take a USCG Auxiliary or Power Squadron boating class. One should be offered in your area.

[Will-C]

See if a local to you C-Brat would be willing to show you how to launch retrieve, and care for your boat. Classes are great, but real time experiences on your own equipment are better.
D.D.

[thataway]

As Above, plus there are a number of books. Chapman "Piloting and Seamanship". Earl Heinz's book Anchors, Nigel Calder Book on Boatowners Mechanical and electrical manual.
An old book, but good information: Royce's Powerboating.
Buy or download the Coast Guard rules of Navigation, I keep one on the boat.

There are also advanced courses by the Power Squadron. One of the advantages of both CG Aux, and Power Squadron, is that often you can go out on some other boats as you make friendships.

Most likely there will be C Brats in your area who may need crew for a day, and you get some experience there.

After you buy a boat, it would be advisable to engage a professional skipper for a day to show you the fine points of boat handling.

[journey on]

I certainly agree with Colobear. The US Goast Guard Axillary and/or Power Squadron is prepared to teach about the rules of the road, basic charting and all other subjects boaters need to know.

A C-Brat by definition is certainly knowledgeable but is not necessarily a teacher. Others like myself have taken that course, used some of the info for years and forgotten a lot. The problem with reading Chapman is that it's a little like reading the Bible, overwhelming. I gave my copy away to save space. Sorry, but I did.

By all means get a fellow C-Brat to show you how to launch, operate and retrieve the boat. That'll save a lot of do-it-youself learning.

Once one has taken the course and received your certificate, show it to your insurance company. Most give a discount for completion.

Here's the link to the US Power Squadron: http://www.usps.org/ And here's the one to the Coast Guard Auxillary in Oregon: http://www.kcby.com/features/calendar/256967771.html

Boris

[starcrafttom]

On the WATER.. No really. I agree with all the above but nothing teach's like doing. Take the boat to a local lake on a weekday and just go learn. Learn how to dock, learn how to anchor , learn how to drive. One of the best exercises to learn how to handle your boat is to find a buoy or float somewhere and use it as a point. Then drive your boat around it. Then drive it up to it. Then drive around it but keep your bow pointed at it the whole time. then you stern. Make the boat stop where you want to stop. You get the idea. If you can make your boat do all that you will not have a problem around a dock or ramp.

[dotnmarty]

First things first..When backing up the trailer at the ramp put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. With that hand, turn the wheel the direction you want the trailer to go.

[Will-C]

Put the plug in the boat before you even start backing up.
D.D.

[Sea Angel]

More of a side question, but is there a requirement for a boater license in OR? If so, what and how does it impact on the situation?

YES, do take a Boating Safety Course as suggested. Some avenues are available via on-line state sponsored self help which will give you the vocabulary and rule-of-road insight.

Art

[rogerbum]

[Half Share]

I am going through the same learning curve. I never owned or have been around boats but always wanted one. Currently spending a lot of time practicing around a buoy. Then at home I read the books and forums to see what I did wrong or how to improve. Weekdays are better than weekends as there is less traffic. The wind has been the hardest part and is casing me the most problems

The boater safety course was helpful and you get a discount on insurance.