The suggestions about taking a boating/safety class are good ones.
While living in Lehigh Acres, I got my 19' Mako, and the first thing I did was take the class offered by the local
(Ft Myers) CG Auxillary:
Fort Myers Boat America Safety Class Pine Ridge Community Center (next to the fire station) 15660 Pine Ridge Road, Ft Myers, FL 33908
General information about boats and maintenance
Information on preparing for safe and enjoyable outings
Navigation rules and aids to navigation
Guidelines for operating your boat or PWC safely
What to do in case of boating emergencies
State-specific laws and regulations you must follow
The cost: $45 per person
Payment is by check or money order to: USCGAUX Flotilla 91
Advance registration required. Complete the form below or call 239-690-6780 to register.
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In the meantime, what you are doing - practical training/education is the ideal. But it never hurts to balance lab with classroom - when studying any discipline.