Ian: My Dad had me driving boats from the time I was 5 and always had me doing things that were a little on the edge for a young kid (like backing our 42' Connie into a crowded harbor at the Sportsman's Inn in Killarney, ON while he stood on the bow when I was 12).The result is that I'm 57 and driving boats (any kind, power or sail) is still the thing I enjoy doing most. Keep it up and cut him loose a little. He will remember it!
Leigh - he just completed his Ontario pleasure craft operators card. I made him do that before any chance of being cut loose. He is about ready for solo adventures in a welded aluminum Stanley with a 15 or 25 Honda outboard that we have.
He is getting pretty competent behind the wheel.
We need to catch up in person since I am just around the corner from you.