Cruisers College

Understanding Marine Electronics and NMEA 2000 Installations
2026-02-28 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Instructors: Jennifer King, Monica Riess

This Cruisers College full-day course will help the students understand how to properly use and install marine electronics on their boat. You will get introduced to the basic electronic components in most marine electronic systems, while gaining a basic understanding of the typical marine electronics installation and how National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) standards apply to your marine electronics installation. You will also learn some troubleshooting tips on how to test new and current equipment, as well as common mistakes to avoid.
Sample of topics covered:

Basic components of marine electronic installations
Basic operation of marine electronics
NMEA 2000 Proper Installation
Networking Marine Electronics equipment
Electronics troubleshooting
New Products for the recreational boater

Jennifer King and Monica Riess are instructors for Skagit Valley College Marine Electronics courses for the last 6 years. They are graduates of the SVC Marine Maintenance and Technology Program. Using course material from the NMEA and field experience, Jen and Monica enjoy teaching future technicians the basics of marine electronic installations. Jen and Monica also run their own marine electronics and electrical repair company, K&R Marine Services, in the Anacortes and La Conner, WA region for the last 11 years. They are both NMEA and ABYC certified and are known for their high quality of work and attention to detail.

Register via SVC Community Ed

Outboard Motor Service, Repair and Maintenance with Matt Mardesich
2026-03-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Instructor: Matt Mardesich
Cruisers College will take you through the ins and outs of your outboard engine during this 1 day class. Nearly every cruising boat has an outboard powered dinghy, and many fishing/cruising vessels are utilizing these reliable machines for propulsion as well. These motors have been around for a long time and are very dependable if maintained properly. Ethanol in our fuel systems is creating more and more problems for outboard engines. This course will cover the basics for all outboard engines, and will have break out labs all day to practice and build your new skills.
Sample of topics covered:

Oil Changes
Fuel care and handling
Lower unit testing
Water pump impeller replacement
Electrical systems
Routine Maintenance & Tune up
Winterization

After this course, you will understand how to take proper care of your engine and keep it starting easily.
Register SVC Comm Ed

Cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska - a 2-day seminar
2026-03-14 09:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska Seminar
Instructors: Mark Bunzel, Mike Beemer
This two-day seminar covers all the information you need to plan and prepare to cruise the Inside Passage to Southeast Alaska; including sights, activities, and destinations throughout Northern British Columbia, as well as Southeast Alaska. For this popular seminar, we have 5 instructors over the 2-day course, sharing decades of knowledge covering this extensive territory. This is a magical trip, and we want to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Register Via SVC Community Ed

Cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska Seminar
Instructors: Mark Bunzel, Mike Beemer
This two-day seminar covers all the information you need to plan and prepare to cruise the Inside Passage to Southeast Alaska; including sights, activities, and destinations throughout Northern British Columbia, as well as Southeast Alaska. For this popular seminar, we have 5 instructors over the 2-day course, sharing decades of knowledge covering this extensive territory. This is a magical trip, and we want to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Register Via SVC Community Ed

D.I.Y Diesel Engine Maintenance & Troubleshooting with Matt Mardesich
2026-04-25 09:00 - 2026-04-26 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruisers College will offer a full weekend course about your diesel propulsion engine. Having your Diesel engine fail while underway can ruin your day. Worse, it could put you and your crew in a dangerous position. In general, marine diesel engines are incredibly reliable. They seem just to need, air, fuel, and water for cooling. You could add electrical power for starting, and you have covered the range of needs for a diesel engine. Most engine problems are due to fuel issues or keeping the engine cool. Using the Marine Tech Centers diesel engine lab, we will work with live diesel engines running where you can walk around the engine and see the different systems. You can look at the injectors and even learn to bleed the engine before starting.
Sample of topics covered:

Annual and Regular Maintenance:
Changing the oil and oil filters
Changing Fuel filters
Overheating can kill a diesel engine. Make sure your cooling system is maintained regular to avoid overheating and costly repairs.
There is no warning for salt water incursion in your transmission cooling system. Gear coolers should be inspected it annually and replace or cleaned every 5 years
Impellers should be inspected annually and replaced every 1-2 years depending on use
Replacing hoses and belts every five years

Learn how to troubleshoot:

Electrical systems on your engine for starting or charging.
Vacuum gauge installation in your fuel system after the primary fuel filter to tell you if the system has a blockage or if the primary filter is dirty from bad fuel or a problem in the tank.

This is one of our most popular courses.. After this weekend course you will have a good understanding of how your diesel engine works and the basic areas for good maintenance and troubleshooting. We have expanded this course to provide more hands-on training utilizing our amazing lab full of parts, training aides, and running diesel engines.
Matt Mardesich is the primary propulsion instructor at Skagit Valley College. Matt has been around the water all his life and still does some commercial fishing when not teaching at the technical school. Matt is an ABYC certified Master Technician and holds certifications in Gasoline/Diesel engines and electrical. Some of the many topics he has done include: diesel engines, gasoline engines, outboard motors, and hydraulics.

Register SVC Comm Ed

Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday Morning Lab
2026-04-25 09:00 - 2026-04-26 16:30 | Marine Tech Extension Classroom, 2415 T Ave Ste 112, Anacortes, 98221, United States
Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday morning lab

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, join us for a 1½ day class aimed at orienting you on the tools and techniques needed to produce and repair quality marine canvas for your boat.

Tools and equipment needed for boat canvas
Fabric, hardware, and other materials used in marine canvas products
Sewing machine setup and use
Basics of measuring and pattering your project
Construction techniques
Repair and maintenance of your canvas

The class is structured to be interactive with presentations followed by hands-on labs that cover key topics. Our time together culminates by using many of the techniques taught in class to make a small project to take home.
Important note: In order to ensure the best possible results, this class is strictly limited to 16 participants. Sign up early to ensure your seat! We have two offerings because on Sunday you’ll have 1/2 day with the instructor and access to sewing machine. We have 7 machines so half of the group will be in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. This class has the morning lab session from 9-12.
Register via SVC Community Ed
Instructor Bio
Mike is a life-long boater and 30-year veteran of the marine industry. His passion for sailing and powerboating has inspired him to learn as much about boats and marine systems as possible. Mike is a professionally trained Marine Surveyor and Marine Canvas Fabricator. He has seven ABYC Certifications, including Marine Electrical, Corrosion, Systems, Diesel Engines, AC/Refrigeration, and more. In previous roles, Mike has managed sailboat rigging shops and installed & serviced marine systems. He has also worked for many of the industry’s premier manufacturers and suppliers of heating systems, marine hardware, running gear components, and propellers. When not helping his clients, Mike and his wife Linda can be found cruising in Northwest waters on their 40-foot trawler or racing around the buoys on their 30-foot sailboat.
Mike loves sharing his knowledge and passion for boats and hopes to see you soon at one of our many training events.

Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday afternoon lab
2026-04-25 09:00 - 2026-04-26 16:30 | Marine Tech Extension Classroom, 2415 T Ave Ste 112, Anacortes, 98221, United States
Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday afternoon lab

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, join us for a 1½ day class aimed at orienting you on the tools and techniques needed to produce and repair quality marine canvas for your boat.

Tools and equipment needed for boat canvas
Fabric, hardware, and other materials used in marine canvas products
Sewing machine setup and use
Basics of measuring and pattering your project
Construction techniques
Repair and maintenance of your canvas

The class is structured to be interactive with presentations followed by hands-on labs that cover key topics. Our time together culminates by using many of the techniques taught in class to make a small project to take home.
Important note: In order to ensure the best possible results, this class is strictly limited to 14 participants. Sign up early to ensure your seat! We have two offerings because on Sunday you’ll have 1/2 day with the instructor and access to sewing machine. We have 7 machines so half of the group will be in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. This class has the afternoon lab session from 1-4.
Instructor Bio
Mike is a life-long boater and 30-year veteran of the marine industry. His passion for sailing and powerboating has inspired him to learn as much about boats and marine systems as possible. Mike is a professionally trained Marine Surveyor and Marine Canvas Fabricator. He has seven ABYC Certifications, including Marine Electrical, Corrosion, Systems, Diesel Engines, AC/Refrigeration, and more. In previous roles, Mike has managed sailboat rigging shops and installed & serviced marine systems. He has also worked for many of the industry’s premier manufacturers and suppliers of heating systems, marine hardware, running gear components, and propellers. When not helping his clients, Mike and his wife Linda can be found cruising in Northwest waters on their 40-foot trawler or racing around the buoys on their 30-foot sailboat.
Mike loves sharing his knowledge and passion for boats and hopes to see you soon at one of our many training events.

Register via SVC Community Ed

Professional Canvas: Week 1 by Mike Reese
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-17 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Description

Marine Canvas – Professional Series
We are super excited about our latest canvas offering! Here is your opportunity to take your boat canvas skills to the next level. Join us for two weeks of boat canvas training aimed at those looking to take a deep dive into canvas fabrication or are planning to pursue marine fabrication professionally. The marine industry needs more canvas professionals, many are 6+ months out and others a not accepting new clients. Come learn the skills needed for high-level canvas fabrication.

If you have any questions, reach out to Mike at mike.reese@skagit.edu
Week 1: Fundamentals of Marine Canvas Fabrication: Covers, Cushions, and More.
Introduction to industrial sewing machines

Thread selection and tension control
Mastering various stitch types and applications
Sewing techniques for marine canvas materials

The Basics of Marine Canvas:

Properties and selection of marine canvas fabrics
Hardware and components used in canvas fabrication.
Basic design principles for attractive and functional products
Safety considerations and proper tool and material handling techniques

Constructing Professional Covers for Boats and Equipment:

Measuring and templating techniques
Patterning and layout strategies
Cutting and sewing best practices for well fitted and durable covers
Installation and finishing techniques for professional results.

Important notes:

In order to ensure the best possible results, each class is strictly limited to 10 participants.
We will have 5 industrial machines set up and 5 Sailrite machines. Professionals will need and use the industrial machines, but the Sailrite machines are OK during this training period
Course costs covers all the supplies: Fabrics, windows, template materials, stainless tubing, etc.

For most individuals you’ll want to sign up for both weeks. If you have some previous experience, please reach out to the instructor Mike Reese to discuss the course
Cost: $2000.00 per week
Instructor Bio
Mike Reese is a lifelong boater with over 30 years of experience in the marine industry. In 2016, Mike founded SeaBound Canvas, a company specializing in high-quality marine canvas for boats, including full enclosures, sailboat dodgers, boat covers, upholstery, and more. In addition to running his business, Mike teaches several courses with us at Cruisers College, including all of our boat canvas classes designed for the do-it-yourselfer. Mike is expanding this content for those who want to advance their skills and work on the professional side as a marine canvas fabricator.
Mike loves sharing his knowledge and passion for boats!

Register Now

Professional Canvas: Week 2
2026-07-20 09:00 - 2026-07-24 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Marine Canvas – Professional Series

We are super excited about our latest canvas offering! Here is your opportunity to take your boat canvas skills to the next level. Join us for two weeks of boat canvas training aimed at those looking to take a deep dive into canvas fabrication or are planning to pursue marine fabrication professionally. The marine industry needs more canvas professionals, many are 6+ months out and others a not accepting new clients. Come learn the skills needed for high-level canvas fabrication.

If you have any questions, reach out to Mike at mike.reese@skagit.edu

Week 2: Advanced Marine Canvas Fabrication: Bimini Tops and Enclosures
Constructing Bimini Tops:

Frame construction and bending techniques for stainless steel tubing.
Design and layout considerations for bimini tops
Patterning, cutting, and sewing bimini tops.
Installation and hardware attachment for secure and functional bimini top

Enclosure Curtains:

Design considerations for various enclosure configurations
Patterning and fabrication of window panels and enclosures
Installation techniques for a weathertight and functional enclosure

Important notes:

In order to ensure the best possible results, each class is strictly limited to 10 participants.
We will have 5 industrial machines set up and 5 Sailrite machines. Professionals will need and use the industrial machines, but the Sailrite machines are OK during this training period
Course costs covers all the supplies: Fabrics, windows, template materials, stainless tubing, etc.

For most individuals you’ll want to sign up for both weeks. If you have some previous experience, please reach out to the instructor Mike Reese to discuss the course. mike.reese@skagit.edu
Cost: $2000.00 per week
Instructor Bio
Mike Reese is a lifelong boater with over 30 years of experience in the marine industry. In 2016, Mike founded SeaBound Canvas, a company specializing in high-quality marine canvas for boats, including full enclosures, sailboat dodgers, boat covers, upholstery, and more. In addition to running his business, Mike teaches several courses with us at Cruisers College, including all of our boat canvas classes designed for the do-it-yourselfer. Mike is expanding this content for those who want to advance their skills and work on the professional side as a marine canvas fabricator.
Mike loves sharing his knowledge and passion for boats!

Register Now
