I've got enough experience in small boats to bluff my way.... i can maneuver twin outbaords round marinas and run around wot in calm seas, i know what the tabs and trims do and the theory, but have never really used them. I've never owned my own boat or driven anything over 30'. So now i really have to have a 35 lightning... reading through the rest of this site and watching all the videos, its blindingly obvious I need some kind of instruction to go fast, especialy at sea. I live outside the us but am currently working in NY for a while... are there any courses i can/should do or do you guys just get on with it and teach yourselves?

cheers

francis

check out the vidio section at the forms.fountain has a driving vidio there that is pretty good.it should answer your question.

yeah i watched that already and have an understanding of the physics, if only the theory. i watched the race vids too and the throttleman is doing a hell of a lot more than just setting the trim and tabs for 'rough water' he seems to be on and off the throttles too... whats that about? so i guess im just being a bit of a girl, get out there and see what works?...

If you have time, this is the place to go.
http://www.tresmartinperformance.com/
They will teach you the right way to drive a performance boat.

yes i looked tres martin too but you don't get any hands on time - i wondered how much use that was - has anyone here done it?

I have not taken the course, but will take it when and if they come to our area. According to their website there is classroom and hands - on. Most boat manufacturers recommend their course or include it with the purchase of their boat especially anything that runs over 100mph.

from their FAQ

Do I get to drive the boat?
Answer: No, our liability insurance do not allow for student to drive at any time.

There is another performance boat school out of Canada, run by Brian and Wilma Ross. I talked to them in Key West and it sounds like more of a hands on experience. They raced at Key West with Wilma driving and Brian on throttles and looked great.

www.rossoffshoreracing.com

It can be done"hands on" on your boat as that has been the case all year . If we use our boat, no one else can drive, thats the way named insured is stated. Ask anyone that has done a ride along , they will tell you that it was well worth the experience.

http://www.international-performance.com/