how does one learn to operate a motorboat?

many states require that you take a class to get a certificate of personal watercraft operation. The class is pretty basic, for me it was about 8 classes about 2 hours each. Once you have that you should have someone that knows boats bring you out on yours or theres and show you around. It takes a little time to get the hang of things, but with the right person showing you around you'll be off in no time

U.S.C.G Aux. "America's Boating Course" is an 8 hr course that teaches "Boating Basic's", It's not a hard course, it's basic information but, the important part is that they teach you what to do in an emergency, "Finding yourself in the water all of a sudden", "What to do if the boat capsizes", "How to radio/signal for help" etc. and you'll learn from the best, it includes a CD, I.D. card, test, and certificate, and a Sharp sailor when you are done, you will pass the test, they do it to make sure you understand what was taught to you, if you don't know the answer to any questions, they will come over to you and help you get the right answer, remember, it is NOT the idea of the USCG aux. to fail you, they WANT you to know the answer, it's NOT hard at all, and it HAS saved lives. The class is only $50, you can also get a free vessel safety check by the USCG aux., whether you take the class or not, just contact any USCG office near you, they inspect the boat for safety, NO VIOLATIONS, or any information about your boat is given to ANY law enforcement agency. If the boat does NOT pass, they give you a list as to "why" it did'nt pass, you get the stuff you need, they come back to inspect, you pass, you get the sticker on the boat that says "PASSED" VOLUNTARY SAFETY INSPECTION, now this in NO guarantee you won't get pulled over by law enforcement but, most people get pulled over for a "saftey check", your boat clearly display's that it passed a voluntary inspection by the U.S.C.G (aux.), It's free, the people are nice "They are looking out for "YOUR" safety", take advantage of your tax dollars at work ! IT's "FREE" !

Google - United States Power Squadron It's the most complete and informative boating course available. See if it's offered in your area.

License requirements vary from state to state, the best way to go is to contact your local power squadron, wonderful people, they will help you out. Power squadrons offer classes in rules of the road, vessel handling etc.

^ As a USPS member, I second that. We offer courses that teach you just about everything you'd want to know about boating. And most squadrons have older and experienced members who'd be glad to "show you the ropes," as it were.

Please take a boater safety course before you head out on the lake. The rest is just practice after you know the rules of right away. Then other safety infomation, you will be a better captain for it.

Trial and error.