I am about to purchase a boat, havent realy decided on one yet.
Ive never owned a boat or driven a boat. Ive been on a boat only a hand full of times. What safty tips can u guys give me or pointers about owning a boat.
Thanks

http://www.boat-ed.com/tx/course/index.htm
Try this

#1 tip is dont buy a used boat unless you have someone check it out first...Comp,floor,transom,thru hull fittings,lower unit,etc...It could save you alot of headaches...Thanns spanky's

It's like driving anything else. You leave everybody and all the fishing stuff at home, take your safety gear, a lunch, go to the lake and learn to "drive". Start out slow, and progress as you feel comfortable with the unit. Learn to operate the boat and learn to drive out of different situtions. Like crossing waves from another boat, navigation thru conjested area like around boat ramps, Learn to drive in Whitecaps. In other words, learn what the boat is capable of doing and most importantly, learn your limits. Speed only comes with knowledge. As an old man once told me," In order to become old and wise, 1st you are young and stupid."
I dragged raced outboards in my younger days and will tell you right off, that when someone tells me their boat rocks side to side on a high speed run, That person does'nt know how to "drive" a boat and is a danger to himself and anyone else on the lake.....................

develop a routine for launching and don't vary from it, ever. I have a rule that once I have a transom tiedown in my hand, I can't put it down for ANY reason until the drain plug is in.

if you're new to trailering, get some practice on the ramp when it's not crowded. cross your safety chains & check your taillights.

don't forget the drain plug.

Recruit someone with their clue ticket punched to teach you the entire process. Save yourself months of aggravation.

Dont forget the drain plug....

...and dont forget to trim up your motor before pulling your truck up the ramp when loading! ( i did that my first time out)

And Always ALWAYS ALWAYS..

Wear your KILL SWITCH!!!!!

I have heard some nasty stories about not doing this. I can save your life.

Couldn't agree more!

Don't allow your over-zealous partner to help you set-up your boat prior to launching.

Seems every time someone wants to 'help' me, it throws me out of my routine and I forget something.

Plug, straps, motor-toter, keys. Plug, straps, motor-toter, keys. Plug, straps, motor-toter, keys.... Keep repeating till it's burned into your brain!

Make sure your drain plug is inserted in the correct fitting.