We also are beginning our boating courses.  I have taken the Mississippi Safe Boating course and Bob is taking the ABC course offered by the United States Power Squadron.  We will both take several courses offered by the USPS (Coast Guard approved). http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/public_ed.htm  Bob has several Pilots in the family and we will pick their brains when the time comes.

Boat shopping will come later.  We have to disconnect from the land first.  That part is a little traumatic for me.
Terry