Anyone have any ideas? I am a boating novice and some sort of class is in order.....thoughts?

You should start by picking up a copy of Chapman Piloting. It is the Holy Bible for boating and seamanship. Then there are some basic online courses, but I wouldn't use them as my only or main source of training. Good luck - there are a lot of careless, reckless and stupid boaters out there.

http://boatus.org/onlinecourse/default.htm

I think you should sign up for the Coast Guard Auxillary or Power Squadrons Boating safety Course. I think you retain much more info in a classroom setting than you do with a basic online course. And you get the Certificate of completion with is becoming more and more mandatory in most states as a somewhat defacto boaters license. It's well worth it. The courses are free. You just pay for materials.
Here are some links for you;

http://www.boatma.com/learntoboatsafely.html

thanks guys. i do not want to fall in the stupid/careless class of boater.

We were all there once Johnny. Take that recommended CG class and you will be a step ahead of some of those boaters already out there. Just by asking it shows you care about being a responsible boater. Nice job.

Boat Wise has some good classes.

Ask your local fire or police dept. I know pembroke and marshfield are hosting some, see the links below.


http://www.wickedlocal.com/pembroke/archive/x902778727

http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x697741473



oops I just read online ....