Understanding Northwest Weather is one of the biggest challenges when cruising in this area. It can make the difference between a good trip, or a trip where the crew is not sure they ever want to boat again! Waggoner Cruising Guide Editor, Mark Bunzel, will take you through a proven technique for understanding the weather […]
Cruiser College offers this combination course taught by an experienced offshore cruiser and local refrigeration/HVAC specialist, Woody Wentworth. We all love our creature comforts and nothing transforms a boat from a 'weekend camper' to an extended 'comfy cruiser' quite like a refrigerator/freezer. When properly designed and installed you should enjoy 15-20 years of trouble free […]
Instructor: Terry Sparks Marine communications is more than just talking on your Marine VHF radio. There are methods for long range marine communications and short range marine communications. This course will also discuss Internet and weather communications methods. Most importantly the course will cover the best ways to get help in an emergency. If you […]
Spend the morning with Michael Beemer, the Skagit Valley College marine electronics instructor, learning about marine electronics. You will get an introduction to National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) installation standards, how to test new and current equipment, and common mistakes to avoid. Topics covered will include NMEA 0183 / NMEA 2000 / NMEA One-Net Data protocol, […]
Instructor: Terry Sparks Description High Frequency Single Side band (HF SSB)is an excellent tool for anyone heading out of the United States or especially for off shore cruising. With HF SSB you can make long range radio calls, make marine phone calls, send and receive emails, get weather faxes, obtain Grib files, and even obtain […]
Cruisers College will take you through the ins and outs of a boat’s electrical systems. There is plenty of information every boat owner should know about these critical systems, whether they are doing improvements themselves, paying a professional for upgrades, or simply trying to understand the system on your boat and “Keep it Alive”. Sample […]
Instructor: Andy Schwenk Every sailor can learn new tips and techniques like reducing friction, ways to ascend the rig, backstay adjusters, top down furling for spinnaker, preventers, offshore gear from drifters to trysails, carbon and synthetic rigging, and trends in gear. This course will cover everything from: mast bases, goosenecks, spreaders, lighting, chainplates, furlers (main, […]
Cruisers college will help you better understand your vessel's electrical systems. There is plenty of information every boat owner should know about these critical systems, whether they are doing routine inspections, battery monitoring, or simply trying to understand the system on your boat and “Keep it Alive”. Sample list of topics covered: How an electrical […]
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 […]
Vancouver Island offers fantastic cruising with a wide variety of scenery, anchorages, and activities. While circumnavigating the entire Island is satisfying, it’s not necessary to enjoy the “best half” of West Vancouver Island. You can enjoy a fun and exciting trip, out and back, within easy reach of metropolitan Vancouver, Victoria, or Seattle. Taking advantage […]