BOATING   

Class Overview

Whether captain or crew, there are essential knots and line-handling skills that every boater should know that you will learn in this class. Line-handling skills are important to docking, transiting the locks, or even “Mediterranean mooring” on your next bareboat charter. Becoming good at these skills will make you a more competent boater.

In this class, you can learn how to handle dock lines safely, even under load. Discover the best way to store lines so they are always neat and immediately ready to use and which knots are appropriate to use in various situations, and learn how to tie the most essential boating knots. You will have a chance to practice these skills.

We will also discuss how to communicate effectively between the person at the helm and the person handling lines, which is a key to success for safe boating. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

• handle dock lines safely, even under load
• store lines so they are always neat and immediately ready to use
• throw a line effectively
• communicate effectively between the person at the helm and the person handling lines
• recognize the appropriate knot to use in various situations
• put a line on/off a cleat without stepping off the boat
• tie the most essential boating knots, including the bowline, clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches, stopper knot, reef knot, locking cleat hitch, cow hitch, and rolling hitch

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Recreational boaters
• Anyone interested in learning about knots and line handling

Class Overview

Recreational boaters, learn how to use the popular Navionics Mobile Boating Navigation App for both guiding your route, as well as monitoring your boat at anchor in this practical class. 

Become familiar with using the Navionics app's basic features, including zooming and icons. Gain experience creating a route, as well as using data for tides and currents. We'll also discuss some of the limitations of relying solely on your mobile device for navigation. 
 
Please come prepared by installing the Navionics Boating app on your tablet or smartphone. You can bring the Navionics “Boating HD Marine & Lakes” 2-week free trial version available on both App Store and Google Play. Then decide later if you want to purchase it or the Navionics “US & Canada” upgrade version.

Learning Objectives

• Use the Navionics app's basic features, including zooming and icons
• Create a route automatically and manually
• Edit an existing route
• Access tide and current data

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Recreational boaters interested in learning how to use the Navionics Boating app for guiding your route and monitoring your boat
• Boaters with some experience using Navionics but wanting to deepen their understanding and get their questions answered 

Class Overview

What do knots and beers have in common? Plenty! There is a dizzying variety of both and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. 

When it comes to knots, knowing what kinds are out there and when to use which one can make the difference between smooth sailing and rough times. And when it comes to beer...the same holds true! 

Join our resident rope wrangler Danny Blanchard and Figurehead Brewing Brewmaster Bob Monroe as they join forces to untangle the world of knots and brews. At the end of class you’ll have the chance to put your new found skills to use and win a prize worth winning.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to tie the five knots every boater should know and when to use them
• Meet a local master brewer, taste five different craft beers, and learn how to pick the best beer for every occasion

Who Might Enjoy This Class? 

*** This class is limited to those 21 and older.

• Recreational boaters
• Anyone interested in learning how to tie knots (while enjoying brews)

Class Overview

What do knots and beers have in common? Plenty! There is a dizzying variety of both and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. 

When it comes to knots, knowing what kinds are out there and when to use which one can make the difference between smooth sailing and rough times. And when it comes to beer...the same holds true! 

Join our resident rope wrangler Danny Blanchard and Figurehead Brewing Brewmaster Bob Monroe as they join forces to untangle the world of knots and brews. At the end of class you’ll have the chance to put your new found skills to use and win a prize worth winning.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to tie the five knots every boater should know and when to use them
• Meet a local master brewer, taste five different craft beers, and learn how to pick the best beer for every occasion

Who Might Enjoy This Class? 

*** This class is limited to those 21 and older.

• Recreational boaters
• Anyone interested in learning how to tie knots (while enjoying brews)

Class Overview

A bit anxious about your boat's electrical systems? Want to be more confident diving into them? This three-session class will cover both the basic theory and the beginner hands-on practical skills that you'll need to start working on your boat's electrical systems.  

The majority of the class time will be spent using tools or equipment, and you'll have plenty of time to ask questions of the instructor (no homework!). This will be project-based learning, and by the end of the class each student will have individually installed and tested AC and DC electrical systems on their own training board.

Learning Objectives

• Discover the differences between AC and DC power
• Learn to use common marine electrical tools and safety equipment
• Practice using a digital multimeter on AC and DC electrical systems
• Properly select wiring and over-current protection for AC and DC electrical loads
• Properly strip, crimp, and heat-shirink wire connections of carious types
• Secure wiring in engine room and non-engine room spaces using carious methods

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Recreational boaters interested in learning more about their boat and feel more self-sufficient in their knowledge and ability
• Boaters wanting to learn about their boat’s electrical systems and gain practical skills and experience working on them
• Anyone wanting to deepen or refresh their knowledge and get their questions answered

Class Description

When it comes to outboard motors, seasons of neglect will lead to major expenses. Learn the basics that every boater should know about both routine maintenance and annual outboard maintenance. 

For about the same cost as an annual dealership service, you'll learn how to take proper care of your outboard motor and keep it in shape so it will start easily. In this class, learn how to perform all of the maintenance items listed below using new parts on running outboard motors. Plan on getting a little dirty in this class! Personal protective equipment is provided. 

This class will focus on four-stroke gasoline engines 20 hp and less. Each student will have their own outboard motor to work on.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

• understand basic anatomy of an outboard motor, plus insights to sourcing parts
• change the motor oil of your boat
• change lower unit gear oil
• inspect, gap, and torque spark plugs
• change a fuel filter
• start a manual choke outboard engine and clear flooding
• fresh-water flush and inspect cooling water flow

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Recreational boaters
• Anyone interested in learning how to maintain an outboard motor