Online is the best way to start your boat search. Read as much about the boats you are interested in. However, do not rely on the information provided by the boat companies. Theses companies want you to make a purchase and are not completely neutral. Visit online boat owner forums to get honest opinions about boats. Current boat owners will not be biased and can give you the pros and cons of a particular boat. Online boat shopping allows you to compare prices, models, and take virtual tours. Boat shows offer a unique opportunity to meet with many boat dealers, get information about boat accessories, access to special deals, and attend special seminars. Visit the boat show website before the show to find the vendors and organizations that will be there. Take pictures and notes for each boat that you look at and ask a lot of questions. Grab brochures and business cards so you can follow up with the contacts that you make. Once you have narrowed down the type of boat you want, make a list of the boats you would like to see in person. When you visit and test drive the boats, look for certain factors to help you decide. You will check these factors at the dealership and when you have an on-water test ride. You may want to take notes when you check out each boat. Weight. Heavier boats often ride better, but require larger engines. Beam. Boats with beams that are 8' 6 and under can be transported on a trailer without using a special permit. Legroom and storage compartments. Noise. Some engines are louder than others. You should never hear creaking or rattling sounds during your on-water test ride. Visibility when you are sitting and standing. Location of the controls and access to items that you will check on a regular basis (e.g. oil dipsticks, coolant levels, power steering fluid levels, etc.). Inboard versus outboard engines. An outboard engine is a portable, self-contained package that can be attached to the back of a boat. On the other hand, an inboard engine is mounted inside the boat and are not portable.

Summary: Search online. Go to a boat show. Compare boats.

Whether you are male or female, you should educate yourself about pregnancy before any heterosexual activity. Here are a few basics that all sexually active people should know about pregnancy: Pregnancy can occur anytime that semen enters the vagina. Almost all pregnancies result from unprotected penetrative sex, with the penis in the vagina. Pregnancy is extremely unlikely during oral sex, anal sex, or non-penetrative sexual activities. Precum (a fluid the penis releases in small amounts when aroused) typically does not contain viable sperm. Unlike semen, precum is unlikely to cause pregnancy. All types of unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex can spread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You can only get an STD by sharing fluids with someone already infected. However, many people have an STD that does not cause visible symptoms, and this can still be transferred during sex and cause major health problems (such as female infertility). The Center for Disease Control recommends annual STD testing for sexually active women under 25, and for men who have sex with men. Men who do not have sex with men are at lower risk, but should still be tested after risky sexual behavior. Some STDs can take six months or longer to show up on a test. If you and your sexual partner only have sex with each other, you only need to be tested once. Get tested again if you suspect your partner has had sex with someone else, or if either of you have used injected drugs with a shared needle. Condoms are the most common method of birth control among teens. They are cheap, easy to use, and protect you from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Make sure you are using them correctly. Male condoms reduce pregnancy chance to 2% per year when used perfectly, but during typical use, mistakes or lapses increases this to 18%. Female condoms are slightly less effective, reducing the chance to 5% when used correctly. Do not use a female and male condom at the same time. Using condoms and one of the methods below is an excellent way to protect yourself and your sexual partner. Birth control pills are very effective at preventing pregnancy when a woman takes one every day. They do not protect against STDs. "The pill" is available over the counter in many countries. In the U.S., you need a doctor's prescription. U.S. law prevents your doctor from telling your parents about your birth control. However, they may find out if you pay for it using your parent's health insurance. Birth control typically costs $15$50 per month, so you and your sexual partner may be able to pay for it yourselves. These pills are very safe for most women, but may cause health issues if you have serious health issues related to your heart or blood. Smoking increases this risk. Birth control pills make your menstrual cycle more regular and may reduce unpleasant side effects, such as acne and cramping. Women are most fertile during ovulation and for a few days afterward. This usually happens on days 1121 of a 28-day menstrual cycle, where day 1 is the start of menstrual flow. It's important to realize that most women do not have regular cycles, so you can't predict exactly when this happens in advance. This tells you when pregnancy is especially risky, but you shouldn't skip protection at other times of the month. Sperm can survive for a few days in the vagina, so sex before ovulation can still lead to pregnancy. To track this, keep a menstrual cycle calendar with signs of an approaching period. If you want to be extra safe, track your ovulation. There are many other forms of birth control available, from diaphragms to intrauterine devices. For more information, visit a reproductive health center such as Planned Parenthood, or talk to a doctor or gynecologist. Teens are exposed to many myths about birth control and STDs, so don't assume everything you've heard is true. The withdrawal method, where the man pulls out before ejaculation, is not recommended by most experts. While it does reduce pregnancy somewhat when followed correctly, there is a risk the man will not pull out in time, or change his mind after sex has started. This method also offers no protection against STDs.
Summary: Understand pregnancy. Learn about sexually transmitted diseases. Use condoms. Consider birth control pills. Track the fertility cycle. Research other forms of birth control.