[Normy]

DUDE-

"The most important safety device in any aircraft is a well-trained pilot". That is the motto of FlightSafety International, a flight training group. And it is correct.

-You go and do what you want, but I've spent the past 22 years operating airplanes for a living. I can tell you COMPLETELY that experience is everything!!! If you try to operate that boat without a paid captain...you are likely to run aground or have some other serious and expensive problem between Tampa and Daytona!

Why would you even consider this? If you decide to track your Porsche, are you not going to get some instruction first? If you decide to buy a Piper Warrior airplane....are you just going to go out and attempt to fly it without any instruction? Both vehicles are the same value as your new boat, low six-figures. What makes you think the boat doesn't require any training?

-You're going to have a thin wallet if you do what you are talking about. I don't race my 928S2 because I have NEVER had a single lesson on high-performance driving. But I've had hundreds of hours of "dual", or instruction given in airplanes. That's why I felt comfortable flying 747's around the world as captain.

Listen: Hire that captain. Swallow the cost, allow "Captain Ron" to live with you and your family for a week or so. HAVE HIM TEACH YOU BOAT HANDLING. You'll be far better for the experience, as will your family...and your boat!

Good luck! I'm sorry if I'm being negative, but I have your [and your family's...] best interest at heart.

N!

[Current captain of the "Happy Pelican", my 16 foot Larson boat]