Correct me if i am mistaken but your young boy there can't drive the boat without a boater safety course. I believe this is a new law in New York. I live in NY and my son is 13 and was told he needed a safety course to drive the boat legally. I was told this by the coast guard at a local sport show at the fair grounds. I just don't want to see you get in trouble for not knowing. I don't know the cut of age didn't care i needed one for my boy any way. HAPPY FISHING AND SOME NICE FISH ON VIDEO.