Captain's corner

By ROD BRANDENBURG

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 12, 2000

Not long ago, if you needed assistance on the water, the Coast Guard was the only entity you could count on. It did most of the towing.

In the 1980s, the market for affordable boats boomed, it seemed like everybody who wanted a boat got one, and the Coast Guard had its hands full.

What about first-time buyers who have little or no experience? A storm blows, the motor won't start, the water is getting choppy, and all of a sudden boating is not so fun. Those of you who bought into the dream without checking out the reality of owning know what I mean.

Boat and dive clubs are a good way to meet people with whom you can share experiences or find someone with a boat who needs a crew. Florida law does not require an adult to have an operator's license to drive a boat.

I've had boat fever all my life. As long as you learn, you'll have fun.

- Rod Brandenburg captains The Plunger out of Clearwater. Call (727) 443-6731.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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