The answer to this is somewhat unclear. I am planning on being out on the water a lot this summer in NJ, but don't reside there. I am signed up to take the boating safety course in Jers with some friends who I plan on boating with. But of course didn't realize that living out-of-state might pose a problem. Can anyone please help to clarify this for me?

The boat's 30ft LWL 25ft with 4000kg displacement. Maximum prop size is 13 in. Hull speed is about 7kts maximum. One engineer says I need to replace the old Watermota 33hp petrol engine with a minimum 28hp diesel. The other avers that a 16hp diesel will be right. Quite a gap in size and price! Cost is of course an issue, but so's safety. Here's the dilemma. Would anyone care to make observations?

i passed the boating exam online and it costs 24.95 i want to be sure that when i take the boating safety course im not doing the same thing cause its my moms money and i dont want her to be mad at me. help?