WHat can I do to prepare.....

[RIJIMMY]

So, what can I do now to prepare…
I am a diehard surf guy, but would be looking to get a boat in 3-6 years. My kids will be old enough then so I can have them with me on the boat and I should have enough $ to afford one. I believe a boat will let me share my fishing with my family and spend some fun days chasing fish instead of long nights in the surf.
Here’s a little of my boating background..
My Dad and I had a saltwater center console when I was @ 9 yrs old. We fished LI sound. We also had a freshwater bass boat we fished in lakes for years. In college, I worked at a boat yard, mainly maintenance and dock work.

I am looking to get a 22-24 ft center console, with the goal of fishing around RI shore, maybe BI, maybe Eliz Islands. No trolling, just plugging and eels for bass and blues.
I have NO navigational experience, no open ocean experience.
How can I prepare now to learn the ropes for boating and fishing the areas I mentioned? Should I get a smaller boat, maybe 16-18ft and fish the bay and salt ponds first? WOuld I be nuts to get a 22-24 and expect to fish arouond Newport/BI/Soco?
Any help is appreciated, thanks - Jim