Wifey B: I applaud those who recognize they need to learn and while doing so take the safest routes. The ones that I have a problem with are those new who think it's easy and they can just pick it right up. On the lake I learned from my hubby who had years of experience. On the coast and in the ocean, we had the most amazing couple training us. We told them to be tough too. I see where one person posted about 50 to 100 hours of training. I say to get all you can. Every time out with a good, aggressive trainer, you'll learn. Even though we employed our trainers, when it came to our training, they were totally in charge and they took our request to be tough very seriously. I'm so grateful to them. Docking was easy. Learning to properly apply all the rules of the water was a bit more. However, a few hours in the gulf in 6' seas that became 8' seas and going in different directions to get them from all sides, that was the day I learned so much about the boat and about myself. I knew that it wasn't the way I'd normally choose to boat, but if caught in it, the boat could handle it and I could handle it. Omg, I was so exhausted and shocked how sore I was, but I couldn't stop smiling. That day I felt like if I keep working at it, I'm going to get pretty good at this.
For those of you needing help with docking, don't be embarrassed. We all had to learn. However, when you get someone to train you, let them start in calm but then let them push you to dock with wind and current. Let them push you to do so with one engine, if you have twins, or without thrusters or any combination of things that will happen if you boat long enough. Hands on experience is so valuable.
And to all those who have the experience, don't make fun of newbies or laugh at them. If any of us want to continue to enjoy boating and have facilities serving us, then new people jumping in is essential. We sure don't want the activity dying off. Encourage them to learn, tell them about resources, don't encourage them to get over their head boating wise or financially, but be glad they're joining in the world of boating. And be glad regardless of the kind of boat.
For those of you needing help with docking, don't be embarrassed. We all had to learn. However, when you get someone to train you, let them start in calm but then let them push you to dock with wind and current. Let them push you to do so with one engine, if you have twins, or without thrusters or any combination of things that will happen if you boat long enough. Hands on experience is so valuable.
And to all those who have the experience, don't make fun of newbies or laugh at them. If any of us want to continue to enjoy boating and have facilities serving us, then new people jumping in is essential. We sure don't want the activity dying off. Encourage them to learn, tell them about resources, don't encourage them to get over their head boating wise or financially, but be glad they're joining in the world of boating. And be glad regardless of the kind of boat.