Welcome!

Here are a collection of basic guides to assist the new and novice boater.  They are not meant to be exhaustive and overly detailed discussions of the subject matter (there are many books for that!).  These are meant to outline some of the basics of the topics they cover, give the reader a hint at what is in store for them, provide some food for thought when approaching these efforts, and remove a little of the "unknown" factor.  I hope that after reading these guides, the new boater will be a bit more comfortable and a little less stressed out when taking things on for the first time.  Remember, no guide can adequately cover all possible eventualities and nothing can educate like experience and hands on guidance.  Seek out the old salts in your area and discuss your questions with them.  Before you know it, the worrying will subside and the learning will begin!