Power Boating For Dummies

The simple guide to getting on the water and motoring around

Power Boating For Dummies, Second Edition teaches you everything you need to know about buying, choosing, operating, maintaining, and enjoying a power boat, and provides expert guidance for new boaters. This is also a fantastic book for experienced boaters, because it’s full of tips and ideas on improving boating skills and getting the most out of water-time with the latest tech. With this guide, you can ace your boating pilot’s exam and master the techniques you’ll need to stay safe and have fun out there. You’ll also find recommendations on great destinations for boating trips, plus coverage of all that’s new in the world of boating—touch-screen navigation, automatic docking, smart boats, and even running routes right from your iPhone. Get on board!

• Choose the right boat for your needs and learn the safety rules
• Get good at piloting your boat in all kinds of conditions
• Outfit your boat with the right gear and supplies
• Discover new tech gadgets to make boating even more fun

For complete beginners who are new to power boating, as well as more experienced boaters looking for a complete reference, Power Boating For Dummies, Second Edition, is a must.

Randy Vance is editor at large for Boating Magazine, the world’s leading powerboat magazine, the premier source for the most credible, authoritative test-based boating gear and content in the marine industry. He is a lifelong boater and has made a career of writing and video presentations on boating and other outdoor sports topics.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting On the Right Boating Track 7

Chapter 1: Powering Up to Be a Boater 9

Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Boat Type and Engine for Your Boating Needs 21

Chapter 3: Finding and Buying the Right Boat for You 41

Chapter 4: Accessorizing Your Boat for Safety and Fun 67

Part 2: Safely Operating Your Boat 83

Chapter 5: Towing Your Boat and Maintaining Your Trailer 85

Chapter 6: Launching and Loading Your Trailered Boat 101

Chapter 7: Hitting the Open Water: Driving Your Boat 129

Chapter 8: Docking, Rafting Up, and Anchoring 147

Chapter 9: Finding a Safe Harbor for Your Boat 167

Part 3: With Much Boating Fun Comes Much Responsibility 189

Chapter 10: Rules Do Apply: Navigating to Avoid Collisions and Confusion 191

Chapter 11: Finding Your Way on the Water 207

Chapter 12: Navigating Bad Weather 229

Chapter 13: Preparing for and Handling Boating Emergencies 247

Part 4: Keeping Your Boat Shipshape 267

Chapter 14: Keeping Up with Routine Boat Maintenance 269

Chapter 15: Getting Your Boat Ready for Winter and Spring 295

Chapter 16: Repairing Leaks and Other Damage to Your Boat 303

Part 5: The Part of Tens 325

Chapter 17: Ten Tactics That Separate Pros from Amateurs 327

Chapter 18: Ten Important Items to Keep Onboard 335

Chapter 19: Ten (Plus Two) Mechanical Checks for Buying a Pre-Owned Boat 341

Index 349

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.