This two-day program will cover the basics for any boat owner on how to perform simple repairs, how to handle troubleshooting, and how to perform simple maintenance procedures on your boat’s electrical system. The course covers electrical fundamentals such as the relationship between volts, ohms, amps, and watts and how they interact. You will learn how to determine such things as appropriate wire sizes for use with various electrical loads on board, how to select appropriately sized and rated overcurrent protection devices, (like fuses and circuit breakers) and how to determine the appropriate size of such things as shore power systems and battery banks to keep all the equipment up and running. The course will also discuss how to properly terminate wire and some of the basic ABYC Standards as they apply to wire support and chafe protection. Once the fundamentals are set in place, you will learn how to use a multi-meter, how to take electrical measurements for both low voltage DC and higher voltage AC systems, and what those measurements mean. You are encouraged to bring your own instrument (if you have one) so you can familiarize yourselves with its use and features. For those who haven’t purchased a multi-meter yet, the course will discuss what features to look for and what features are frivolous for the average user. The course will also include a review of some common electrical system tests the boat owner can easily perform to establish whether their boat’s electrical system is designed in accordance with ABYC Standards, and whether maintenance or upgrading of the system is required. Registration must be done in advance by phone—call early to make your reservation! Call Trawler Fest toll free at 888.487.2953. Your cost for the class is $450.

Electronics have radically changed navigation. This course focuses on how you can get the most from these modern tools and become a confident navigator. You will gain an understanding of the advantages and limitations of GPS and other navigation tools. You will learn both point-to-point and avoidance navigation, route planning and optimization, qualifying the best paths on the water, and using multiple systems to cross check each other. Sample software will be provided and attendees will be invited to bring laptops to the sessions, although this is not required. Digital charting and chart plotting will be presented indicating practical planning and navigating using this equipment. You will see how other electronic tools such as radar and AIS work in concert with your navigation, and how to integrate paper charts and the mariner’s eye to maintain secure navigation while handling other duties at the helm. You will have the opportunity to work with various navigation programs and discuss how your needs can best be met by the software and hardware available on the market today. The course will be hands-on and interactive providing you with the opportunity to tailor your navigation skills to your boat and cruising interests. You will also learn how these various systems are installed and integrated aboard. Each attendee will receive a copy of the course materials including notes, the Weekend Navigator, and sample software and charts on CDs. USPS is the premier provider of navigation training for recreational boaters with four extensive courses in inland, coastal, and offshore navigation. Bob Sweet, USPS Asst. National Educational Officer, is the author of four marine books and a host of captain’s quick guides published by McGraw-Hill in addition to a variety of other guides and publications. His The Weekend Navigator is the text used by both the U.S. Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for their coastal navigation courses.

Patti Moore and Carol Cuddyer, founders of Sea Sense, the Women’s Sailing and Powerboating School, have spent a lifetime boating. With years of professional teaching and boating experience on their side, they will share with you boat handling and seamanship skills that are guaranteed to instill knowledge and confidence. The two-day course will cover boating terminology and theory, hull shapes and how they perform, single versus twin screw, proper use of docklines, effects of wind and water on boat handling, and more. This course will be taught entirely on board single- and twin-screw boats. Time at the helm with an experienced captain and instructor will help you combine all of the theory and handling skills introduced throughout the course. This hands-on course offers you the opportunity to try different things, make mistakes, learn from your peers, and ask questions, all the while gaining a confidence and understanding of boat handling and seamanship. The focus is on being a partner, not a passenger! Classes will run 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. for two full days of instruction. All learning materials will be provided, as will lunch each day. Class size is limited to eight, so you must register in advance by phone. Call Trawler Fest toll free at 888.487.2953. Your cost for the class is $450.

Bob Smith, developer of Lehman Ford diesel engines, will present this two-day, hands-on diesel engine course during PassageMaker University in Stuart. Bob will bring a complete engine and all the tools needed for the class. All of the components of the Lehman Ford engine that Bob uses for the course are easily visible, which makes class demonstrations clear and understandable. On the morning of the first day of the course, Bob will introduce theory. Students will get their hands dirty in the afternoon with basic engine maintenance procedures. On day two, the students will run the engine they have worked on and spend more time on troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive and regular maintenance procedures. This University course is one of the most popular, and it always fills up quickly! Classes will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the two full days of instruction. Lunch will be provided each day. All tools will also be provided. Class size is limited to 15, so registration must be done in advance by phone—call early to make your reservation! Call Trawler Fest toll free at 888.487.2953. Your cost for the class is $450.

Tino Mastry, president of Mastry Engine Center, will present this two-day, hands-on diesel engine course during PassageMaker University in Stuart. Tino will bring a complete Yanmar engine and all the tools needed for the class. All of the components of the Yanmar engine that Tino uses for the course are easily visible, which makes class demonstrations clear and understandable. Tino will introduce theory, development, and operation of diesel engines. Students will get their hands dirty in the afternoon with basic engine maintenance procedures and spend more time on troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive and regular maintenance procedures. If you have a newer trawler, a newer engine system, a Yanmar, or any other diesel engine, this course will offer you the foundation to maintain and troubleshoot your power source. Class size is limited, so registration must be done in advance by phone—call early to make your reservation! Call Trawler Fest toll free at 888.487.2953.

This two-day program will cover the basics for any boat owner on how to perform simple repairs, how to handle troubleshooting, and how to perform simple maintenance procedures on your boat’s electrical system. The course covers electrical fundamentals such as the relationship between volts, ohms, amps, and watts and how they interact. You will learn how to determine such things as appropriate wire sizes for use with various electrical loads on board, how to select appropriately sized and rated overcurrent protection devices, (like fuses and circuit breakers) and how to determine the appropriate size of such things as shore power systems and battery banks to keep all the equipment up and running. The course will also discuss how to properly terminate wire and some of the basic ABYC Standards as they apply to wire support and chafe protection. Once the fundamentals are set in place, you will learn how to use a multi-meter, how to take electrical measurements for both low voltage DC and higher voltage AC systems, and what those measurements mean. You are encouraged to bring your own instrument (if you have one) so you can familiarize yourselves with its use and features. For those who haven’t purchased a multi-meter yet, the course will discuss what features to look for and what features are frivolous for the average user. The course will also include a review of some common electrical system tests the boat owner can easily perform to establish whether their boat’s electrical system is designed in accordance with ABYC Standards, and whether maintenance or upgrading of the system is required. Registration must be done in advance by phone—call early to make your reservation! Call Trawler Fest toll free at 888.487.2953. Your cost for the class is $450.

Electronics have radically changed navigation. This course focuses on how you can get the most from these modern tools and become a confident navigator. You will gain an understanding of the advantages and limitations of GPS and other navigation tools. You will learn both point-to-point and avoidance navigation, route planning and optimization, qualifying the best paths on the water, and using multiple systems to cross check each other. Sample software will be provided and attendees will be invited to bring laptops to the sessions, although this is not required. Digital charting and chart plotting will be presented indicating practical planning and navigating using this equipment. You will see how other electronic tools such as radar and AIS work in concert with your navigation, and how to integrate paper charts and the mariner’s eye to maintain secure navigation while handling other duties at the helm. You will have the opportunity to work with various navigation programs and discuss how your needs can best be met by the software and hardware available on the market today. The course will be hands-on and interactive providing you with the opportunity to tailor your navigation skills to your boat and cruising interests. You will also learn how these various systems are installed and integrated aboard. Each attendee will receive a copy of the course materials including notes, the Weekend Navigator, and sample software and charts on CDs. USPS is the premier provider of navigation training for recreational boaters with four extensive courses in inland, coastal, and offshore navigation. Bob Sweet, USPS Asst. National Educational Officer, is the author of four marine books and a host of captain’s quick guides published by McGraw-Hill in addition to a variety of other guides and publications. His The Weekend Navigator is the text used by both the U.S. Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for their coastal navigation courses.

Patti Moore and Carol Cuddyer, founders of Sea Sense, the Women’s Sailing and Powerboating School, have spent a lifetime boating. With years of professional teaching and boating experience on their side, they will share with you boat handling and seamanship skills that are guaranteed to instill knowledge and confidence. The two-day course will cover boating terminology and theory, hull shapes and how they perform, single versus twin screw, proper use of docklines, effects of wind and water on boat handling, and more. This course will be taught entirely on board single- and twin-screw boats. Time at the helm with an experienced captain and instructor will help you combine all of the theory and handling skills introduced throughout the course. This hands-on course offers you the opportunity to try different things, make mistakes, learn from your peers, and ask questions, all the while gaining a confidence and understanding of boat handling and seamanship. The focus is on being a partner, not a passenger! Classes will run 8:30 a.m.to 5:30 p.m. for two full days of instruction. All learning materials will be provided, as will lunch each day. Class size is limited to eight, so you must register in advance by phone. Call Trawler Fest toll free at 888.487.2953. Your cost for the class is $450.

Bob Smith, developer of Lehman Ford diesel engines, will present this two-day, hands-on diesel engine course during PassageMaker University in Stuart. Bob will bring a complete engine and all the tools needed for the class. All of the components of the Lehman Ford engine that Bob uses for the course are easily visible, which makes class demonstrations clear and understandable. On the morning of the first day of the course, Bob will introduce theory. Students will get their hands dirty in the afternoon with basic engine maintenance procedures. On day two, the students will run the engine they have worked on and spend more time on troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive and regular maintenance procedures. This University course is one of the most popular, and it always fills up quickly! Classes will run from 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. for the two full days of instruction. Lunch will be provided each day. All tools will also be provided. Class size is limited to 15, so registration must be done in advance by phone—call early to make your reservation! Call Trawler Fest toll free at 888.487.2953. Your cost for the class is $450.

Tino Mastry, president of Mastry Engine Center, will present this two-day, hands-on diesel engine course during PassageMaker University in Stuart. Tino will bring a complete Yanmar engine and all the tools needed for the class. All of the components of the Yanmar engine that Tino uses for the course are easily visible, which makes class demonstrations clear and understandable. Tino will introduce theory, development, and operation of diesel engines. Students will get their hands dirty in the afternoon with basic engine maintenance procedures and spend more time on troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive and regular maintenance procedures. If you have a newer trawler, a newer engine system, a Yanmar, or any other diesel engine, this course will offer you the foundation to maintain and troubleshoot your power source. Class size is limited, so registration must be done in advance by phone—call early to make your reservation! Call Trawler Fest toll free at 888.487.2953.