I'll second the plug thing. You are doing the right thing by taking someone along- there can be a lot to know (or learn) that unless someone teaches you that you find out the hard way, esp trimming a motor and getting a feel of driving a boat on its "pad" safely. If you end up going with your spouse, be sure to tape her backing in (or giving you directions) so that the rest of us can have some comic relief. No place easier to get into a heated exchange with your significant other than on a boat ramp.