Laclede. you are covering the historical aspects of boating.
I would suggest that you look at boating also as far as use.
from Kenneth Grahame:
'Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing ... nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
To comfortably use your boat,
A. Get
Chapman Piloting: Seamanship & Small Boat Handling. It must be a good book because it is in it's 60 + printing. Keep a copy on your boat.
B. Take a USPS (Power Squadron Course). I have taken it three times and has really aided me when there were serious problems. There are SO DAMN MANY IRRESPONSIBLE BOATERS OUT THERE.
C. Join your local ACBS....here there are MANY qualified people, most with the same likes
D. Enjoy your boat....it will add 20 years to your life.
Top 40 selling boating books
http://verywellsaid.com/boating