Introduction 1 Part 1: Getting On the Right Boating Track 7 Chapter 1: Powering Up to Be a Boater 9 Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Boat Type and Engine for Your Boating Needs 21 Chapter 3: Finding and Buying the Right Boat for You 41 Chapter 4: Accessorizing Your Boat for Safety and Fun 67 Part 2: Safely Operating Your Boat 83 Chapter 5: Towing Your Boat and Maintaining Your Trailer 85 Chapter 6: Launching and Loading Your Trailered Boat 101 Chapter 7: Hitting the Open Water: Driving Your Boat 129 Chapter 8: Docking, Rafting Up, and Anchoring 147 Chapter 9: Finding a Safe Harbor for Your Boat 167 Part 3: With Much Boating Fun Comes Much Responsibility 189 Chapter 10: Rules Do Apply: Navigating to Avoid Collisions and Confusion 191 Chapter 11: Finding Your Way on the Water 207 Chapter 12: Navigating Bad Weather 229 Chapter 13: Preparing for and Handling Boating Emergencies 247 Part 4: Keeping Your Boat Shipshape 267 Chapter 14: Keeping Up with Routine Boat Maintenance 269 Chapter 15: Getting Your Boat Ready for Winter and Spring 295 Chapter 16: Repairing Leaks and Other Damage to Your Boat 303 Part 5: The Part of Tens 325 Chapter 17: Ten Tactics That Separate Pros from Amateurs 327 Chapter 18: Ten Important Items to Keep Onboard 335 Chapter 19: Ten (Plus Two) Mechanical Checks for Buying a Pre-Owned Boat 341 Index 349.