This Cruisers College 3-hour course will help the student understand how to properly install marine electronics in regard to the transfer of data and communications. You will get an introduction to National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) standards and how they apply to NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and Ethernet networks when installing new electronics aboard your […]

Description Boat Canvas Bootcamp Having quality canvas aboard your boat helps to protect your investment and make your time on the water as safe and enjoyable as possible. Professionally made marine canvas can be expensive, however, and many canvas shops have long waiting lists. If you are interested in making or repairing your boat’s canvas, […]

This two-day workshop combines the Mahina Offshore Cruising Seminar (174 presented since 1976 to 11,000 sailors) with Skagit Valley College’s Cruisers College top hands-on classes including marine diesel engines and systems, marine electrical systems, plus sail repair, canvas making, sewing and line splicing. Included in the seminar cost of $329 per single or $559 per […]

Spend a day learning about some of the most magical and easily accessible cruising in our area! Longtime experts will teach you about clearing Canadian Customs, navigating through the Gulf Islands, selecting a weather window to cross the Strait of Georgia, where to go in Desolation Sound, how to anchor and stern tie, provision, and […]

We live in a very beautiful area, one of the best in the world. This may be why it's so busy every summer. If you haven't extended your cruising into the shoulder seasons or even winter, we think you'd be very surprised. This course will share many ideas about off season weather, heater systems, and […]

We're in this together, right? Right. But maybe you could use some tips on how to make the working-together-on-the-boat piece go more smoothly. We'll talk about things like, setting up procedures; attending to how you speak to one another; devising safe line handling techniques; understanding the role of the Lookout ... and much more. Capt. […]

Discover the secret of year-round cruising comfort - warm cabins and hot water in November! Get rid of the damp cushions and moldy Musto's by adding heat and circulation - the most desired upgrade to a Pacific Northwest cruising boat. If properly sized, installed and maintained a heating system should allow you four season cruising […]

The Lifesling was developed for sailboats, but with some inventive rigging it is also extremely useful on power boats. The biggest challenges are finding a good location for the Lifesling and, most importantly, figuring out how to rig the 5:1 Block and Tackle connection-point that is high enough and strong enough. Capt. Linda Lewis teaches […]

There are many new choices for generating and managing power on your boat – solar cells, fuel cells, high-output alternators and of course – a genset..... Then the question, how do I manage? Modern cruising vessels have become very power hungry, and many operators don’t have a “Balanced electrical system’ that performs and lasts. This […]

Instructor: Matt Mardesich Cruisers College will take you through the ins and outs of your outboard engine during this 3 hour class. Nearly every cruising boat has an outboard powered dinghy. These motors have been around for a long time and are very dependable if maintained properly. Ethanol in our fuel systems is creating more […]