New Boater Training

New to Boating?

More and more people are buying boats and getting on the water. That's great! However, many of these same people have never owned or operated a boat, especially in a coastal area. What could be worse than spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on a boat and then messing it up because you didn't know what you were doing? Or worse, what if you, your family, or others are injured or killed due to your lack of knowledge?

If you were born before 1988, the State of North Carolina does not require you to obtain a boater's license. However, it's a GOOD IDEA to know what you are doing when you are out there, for safety of others and safety of your vessel. In addition, on the coast, nothing looks better on you than acting like you know what you are doing on a boat!

Your Instructor

Austin Adams
-USCG certified captain (OUPV)
-Owner of Cape Fear Adventure Company
-Boat owner for over 30 years
-Lifelong coastal NC resident (20+ years in the Wilmington area), with a vast knowledge of coastal waters

Our 3 hour course on your boat will cover at least the following topics:

-What to have before you leave
-Slow speed maneuvering
-Shifting into and out of gear
-Turning
-Docking/departing dock/tying up
-Trimming your motor for various conditions/speeds
-S.C.A.N while underway
-Crossing waves/wakes

-Maneuvering and sharp turns on plane
-Inland navigation
-Unmarked channels in the area
-Anchoring
-On water/island/boat ramp etiquette

Other topics could include trailering, boat care/cleaning, maintenance, etc.