Boating on Rivers, Locks and Lakes

An overview of nearly everything you need to know for a weekend or even months on the water. Planning a trip, navigating, weather, going outside the US, emergencies, and more.

Choosing types of line for your boat, tying the boat to a dock, knowing which lines and knots to use in various situations, plus choosing and tying the ten most useful knots.

Choosing a trailer, tow vehicle, and other gear, how to haul the trailer, launch and retrieve your boat, boat ramp etiquette, trailer maintenance, insurance, and registration.

Learn chart symbols, how to read latitude and longitude, use paper as well as electronic charts, what charts show both above and below the water, and how to plan a safe course.

A beginner’s guide to fun, confident, safe operation of jet skis. Learn how to get away from and back to a dock, make a pivot turn, recover from a spill, make an emergency stop.