Boat capsizes on Lake Winnisquam following crash

[Phantom]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

I believe that my children (now all in their 20's) are much better, and aware, boat drivers due to this rule. All of them had the opportunity to drive our boat throughout their early teen years. But always with me standing right beside them, ready to grab the steering wheel or throttle if necessary. In that position, I could also point out approaching boats, buoys, etc and teach them the "rules of the road". As a result, by the time they received their boating certificates, they knew the rules, the etiquettes, and the best practices while driving a boat.

As always, the issue isn't necessarily a bad rule but bad implementation by the few.

TOTALLY AGREE !!

Best way to learn and learn correctly -- not just "book rules" which is the fatal flaw of the Boating Certificate Program Nationally-- there's no real life, behind the wheel, experience!

I have had my granddaughter driving our 24' & 26' Bowriders since age 8-9 .... started with the classic "lap driving" simply steering, progressed age 11 to controlling the throttle and Grampa standing directly behind to over ride when necessary (and it was necessary) to her being 13 now and I can comfortably (relatively) sit in the forward passenger seat watch and verbally correct mistaken headings or decisions -- yet always ready to JUMP to the controls if necessary.

At this point, I am proud to say she has a tremendous grasp of the markers - utilizing the compass as her primary tool, yet also completely comfortable confirming against the GPS ..............Boat spacing, passing others with enough steerage, and maneuvering in relatively high traffic areas (which always keeps me on my toes - but I want to have her experience it and learn).......... it is amazing how kids want to learn & learn correctly !

Now if she could just dock the boat within the first 20 tries, we'd be golden ---- guess what the balance of the Season will be focused on!! Beware if you see a bowrider making 32 attempts to dock midweek at Weirs or Center Harbor Town docks


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