Am thinking about buying a boat for saltwater fishing and personal enjoyment??
Go to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Take their Power Squadron course, and any courses that they recommend you take. Then when you buy your boat ask them to come inspect your boat. They will give you a list of safety items, that are required by the Coast Guard, that you are lacking. Also they can’t ticket you, but if they actual Coast Guard boards you, and you are lacking in the required features, you will face heavy fines. But defiantly take the Power Squadron course. I and I thank you for your interest in safe boating. I live on a sailboat and am very active on the water and it always amazes me how many people don’t know anything about boats, yet they can still buy a boat and a case of beer and go out on the bay. So I and all experienced boaters thank you for your interest in safe boating.
