I know I don't know anything yet because I don't even know what I don't know.

I'm buying a used bass boat and will spend the day on lake with the experienced seller. I know that isn't enough though.

I will take the Texas Online Boater Safety course. Are there any other online courses I should do in addition? Do you recommend an actual course?

I grew up with a boat, my dad had a 18' Deep-V back in Kansas. I was driving it at a very young age parking in our slip etc. when I was 11-13 he would even let me take it out solo a little. I think he got smart and sold it when I was in High School and wanting to take friends and girls out.

Besides all the safety and water regulations stuff, what is the best way to ramp your boat solo? Nightmares of a single lane busy ramp.

unloading long rope to pull over to shore and loading do the truck bumper leap after securing?

Put truck bed down, leave boat hooked up at front and back her in the water far enough to float. Jump in bed of truck, Climb in boat, unhook strap on front. Fire up big motor and back boat off trailer. Pull to other side of dock and tie up out of way so next guy launching can get his boat in. Park truck, head back to your boat and go fishin!

THIS

Not long after I got my first bass boat, Fork guide Roy Greer went out with me on my boat (that's his usual guiding routine). Not only did he teach me the basics of using the electronics on my boat, but he made some really helpful suggestions about taking care of my boat, motor maintenance, etc. If Roy is still guiding, it would be worth a half day with him because it'll be a twofer as far as information goes.

error on the side of caution when it comes to weather/wind direction until you know what your boat can handle and more importantly can not handle. take your time at the ramp as long as your doing the best you can don't let onlookers make you feel pressure to rush, as that's when mistakes happen, ie no plug and don't ask how i know. if people are in that big of a hurry they should have gotten their lazy butt out of bed earlier. i'm sure you're a smart guy and you'll develop a routine in no time. then you'll be looking at others and you'll understand and i bet they won't frustrate you a bit.

When around the ramp or dock go a little slower than you think you need to. Boats don't have brakes.

Rob, you will do fine brother... After 3 or 4 hrs on the water youll be amazed thats its almost like a car and alot of it is just common sense..... Youll be fine...

Biggest thing is never panic. Think through what you're doing and take your time. Anyone who gives you a hard time for taking your time is a jerk anyway -- EVERYONE at some time was in your situation.

You forgot the most important part

DONT FORGET TO CHECK THE DRAIN PLUG!!!!!

Yep, don't forget the plug.

One of the most important aspects of boat ownership that will help prevent a lot of on the water and on the road problems is proper maintenance. Just a few things to keep in mind...

- Wheel bearings on the trailer. Depending on what type of bearings your boat trailer uses, (Oil Bath, Bearing buddies, etc) learn to service them and look for signs of problems like leaks and overheating.

-Batteries. One day the cranking battery will go dead while on the water, some jumper cables (don't have to have the big bulky kind)will be great to have in the boat.

Simple things like this can help prevent expensive and time consuming headaches.

Always help someone in need! You never know when you will be dealt that card!

NO THAT WOULD BE THE PARKING BREAK ON THE TRUCK, DOH

Lol....for the record....you said it!!

Yea I make fun of it to, lol