Pacific Northwest Heating Solutions with Mike Reese
2023-10-14 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
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 in our Pacific Northwest.
Sample of topics covered:

Pro’s and Cons of Different fuels and heating systems
Dealing with moisture on-board your boat
Sizing, designing and selecting your heater
Maintenance for your heating system
Cost analysis
Things to consider for upgrading/adding heat to your vessel

After this 3 hours course, you will understand how to improve, upgrade and maintain your heating system which will keep you nice and warm all season.
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 EventBrite

Overboard Recovery On A Power Boat: Using A Lifesling with Linda Lewis
2023-10-14 13:00 - 16:00
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 Lifesling recovery on power boats and has photos of multiple approaches to the rigging challenges power boaters face. The classroom portion of the course includes a video of a Lifesling recovery, a demo of the gear, and a time for trouble-shooting ideas for YOUR boat. The second part of the course will be a lab, hands-on practice session, working with the retrieval gear – everyone taking a turn actually hauling someone up into a mock-boat who is seated on the floor in the classroom building. Can YOU get your partner into the boat?
Capt. Linda Lewis holds a USCG 100-Ton Masters License and provides customized on-the-water power boat instruction, on-your-boat (www.privateboatinginstruction.com). An Emeritus Associate Professor from the U of WA, she brings her professional educator background to presentations on navigation & boat handling topics yearly at the Seattle Boat Show, Trawlerfest, and yacht clubs. She has 25 years of hands-on experience cruising the Inside Passage (including nine cruises to SE Alaska) on both sail and power boats. Today she single-hands her 45’ trawler and cruises with friends as crew.
Rigister Via EventBrite

Managing Power on Board: Balancing Your Energy Needs with Michael Beemer
2023-10-15 09:00 - 12:00
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 course is designed to help you understand how to design, check, maintain, and upgrade your system to match the requirements on your boat. The course covers three major topics, starting with the storage batteries: How to understand, monitor, size, and rely on your storage system. The second part is all about saving and managing energy onboard your vessel. We then will wrap up the discussion by providing other ways get energy: Alternator/battery chargers, solar options and controllers, fuel cells, and wind energy. After taking this course, you should be able to become ‘master’ of the energy equation onboard your cruising vessel.

Register Via EventBrite

Outboard Motor Service, Repair and Maintenance with Matt Mardesich
2023-10-15 13:00 - 16:00
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 and more problems for outboard engines. This course will cover the basics for all outboard engines.
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 3 hours course, you will understand how to take proper care of your engine and keep it starting easily.
Register via Eventbrite

Learn from Experts: Lithium Batteries: Installations, Standards, & Options
2023-11-17 17:00 - 19:00
Lately there is a lot of talk about lithium batteries. These batteries are everywhere from electric toothbrushes, vacuums, bikes, cars and boats. The boating industry knows that boat installation can be much more complicated than a simple eBike, phone, or computer.
Upgrading to lithium batteries makes sense for many cruisers and the benefits are great. Over the past 10 years we have learned a lot about using these batteries in the marine environment. There are many things to consider when using these batteries, including a new standard put out by the American Boat & Yacht Council, E-13 Lithium Batteries. We will spend a good amount of time explaining what we have learned about these batteries, specifically about how we want to use them in the marine environment.
Topics will include ABYC standards, best practice, latest data, and how to create various systems that have proven themselves on cruising vessels.
This course will be taught with a panel of industry experts, and was put together by Michael Beemer
Michael Beemer is the department chair for Skagit Valley College’s marine maintenance and repair program. Michael has been presenting and teaching professionally for almost 20 years and holds a master’s degree in education. At the college he teaches all the systems courses, including ABYC certifications. He and his wife have cruised extensively from Anacortes to southeast Alaska for many years on their motor-sailer. In the cruising community, Michael is well known as “The Boat Doctor” who can diagnose and fix almost anything on a vessel. Some of the many topics he has done include: diesel engines, electrical systems, solar, new battery technologies, extended inside passage cruising, and more.
Michael Beemer is the department chair for Skagit Valley College’s marine maintenance and repair program. Michael has been presenting and teaching professionally for almost 20 years and holds a master’s degree in education. At the college he teaches all the systems courses, including ABYC certifications. He and his wife have cruised extensively from Anacortes to southeast Alaska for many years on their motor-sailer. In the cruising community, Michael is well known as “The Boat Doctor” who can diagnose and fix almost anything on a vessel. Some of the many topics he has done include: diesel engines, electrical systems, solar, new battery technologies, extended inside passage cruising, and more.
Register Via EventBrite

Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday afternoon lab
2023-11-18 09:00 - 12:00
Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday afternoon lab
Saturday November 18th 9:00 – 4:00 pm & Sunday, November 19th 1:00-4:00 pm

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 12 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 6 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.

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 EventBrite

Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday morning lab
2023-11-18 09:00 - 12:00
Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday morning lab
Saturday November 18th 9:00 – 4:00 pm & Sunday, November 19th 9:00-12:00 pm

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 12 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 6 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.

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 EventBrite

D.I.Y Diesel Engine Maintenance & Troubleshooting with Matt Mardesich
2023-11-19 09:00 - 16:00
Cruisers College will offer an all day 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 one day course you will have a good understanding of how your diesel engine works and the basic areas for good maintenance and troubleshooting.
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 via EventBrite

DIY Electrical: Learn to troubleshoot & wire like a pro
2023-12-09 09:00 - 12:00
Gio & Julie , Skagit Valley College Marine Technology Students will take you through the ins and outs of your vessel’s electrical systems. This hands on course will teach you how to use your multimeter for trouble-shooting, understand marine wiring, and how to “Keep Your Electrical System Alive”. Every boat owner should understand their electrical systems…..

Register Via EventBrite

Making your own upholstery with Mike Reese
2023-12-09 09:00 - 16:00
Making your own upholstery with Mike Reese
Saturday, December 9th 9:00 – 4:00

Marine upholstery is the art and craft of creating and repairing cushions, seats, covers, and other fabric-based items for boats. In this class, you will learn the fundamentals of marine upholstery, such as how to cut foam, install piping and zippers, and sew durable upholstery fabrics. You will also have the opportunity to work on a small cushion project with guidance from the instructor. By the end of this class, you will have a better understanding of the tools, materials, and techniques used in marine upholstery and will have a new skill that you can use to make your boat more beautiful, comfortable, and functional.
This class includes hands-on sewing with our walking foot sewing machines. Experience with sewing or previous attendance in our Boat Canvas Bootcamp is highly recommended.
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 EventBrite

Anchoring & Docking: Learn How to Safely Moor Your Boat by Art Hebert
2023-12-09 13:00 - 16:00
An essential skill for every mariner is the ability to safely moor their vessel. Picture your vessel anchored in a bay on a beautiful day. The reality of it, though, is often the stress of entering the bay, wondering where to anchor, how much gear to use, and questioning “Will I drag or bump into another vessel during the night”. This course will cover all aspects of anchoring from choosing the right gear, proven techniques that work, decision making and choosing the right spot. Docking your vessel can often be stressful as well, but it shouldn’t be! There are many tips and tricks to operating your boat like a pro, and we’ll teach you all about it. Topics like docking with wind and current, communicating with your crew and handling lines, understanding your vessel whether it is single screw, twin, with a bow thruster or not. With our tips we will have you docking and anchoring like a pro.

Register via EvnetBrite

Marine Canvas "Makers Space" by Mike Reese
2023-12-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-04-21 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-11 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-12 09:00 - 16:00
Description

Marine Canvas – Maker’s Space
We are super excited about our latest boat canvas offering! Here is your opportunity to tackle some canvas repair or construction projects using our equipment and larger project areas at the college. We know of no other opportunity in the country that allows you to fix or make marine canvas without a substantial investment in equipment and with a professional canvas fabricator standing by to answer your questions. Here is how it works:

By signing up, you reserve your seat and have access to one of our walking foot sewing machines for the day.
When the day begins, we’ll take you through the basic operation of the machine. (If you have attended one of our other classes, this step is optional.)
Go to work on your project. Our canvas guy, Mike Reese will be around to answer questions and give you advice. That stated, this is your project, and it is up to you to tackle. It is a great time to hone your sewing skills while making your boat more beautiful, safe and reliable!
Mid-day we will have a 1-hour lecture on a marine canvas project. We will also be able to questions as a group.
That’s it! Have fun and make something AWESOME!

Important Notes:

Other than light duty restitching of sails, we are not equipped for large sail repair. This class is designed for boat canvas work only. Contact us is you have questions on if your project is suitable.
If you want to hone your skills or just get some experience on Sailrite style machines but cannot think of a project to work one, we have found small navigation organizers, equipment covers, companionway hatches and deck hatches as great starter projects.
Our machines are capable of most marine canvas projects, except for sewing polycarbonate windows (vinyl windows are fine.) Again, sails are outside the scope of this course.
Since you have only the day to use the machines, plan the project ahead of time and choose tasks that can be done within the day. Our instructor, Mike is willing to chat with you for a brief consultation over the phone for free. Other onsite consulting can be arranged for a small fee to cover his costs.
If you are repairing existing canvas, make sure it is clean. Dirty canvas can cause damage to the machines.
We can help you buy raw materials that you will need. Please email us for more information. Otherwise make sure to buy all material for your project. We will provide white V-92 polyester thread and needles for the machines. The rest is up to you.
Seating is limited. Because you will be reserving equipment, we cannot refund cancellations.

This is an exceptional offer! We sampled costs of having professional marine canvas work and we found many shops will not replace zippers or repair canvas at all. Others had a $300 minimum charge regardless of project because it would take up production time. Others charge $75 to $100 per hour plus materials. Spending $600 – $800 versus our program at a fraction of the cost.
Important note: In order to ensure the best possible results, this class is strictly limited to 8 participants. Sign up early to ensure your seat! We only have 8 machines so every participant has their own machine.
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 hope

Register via EventBrite

Marine Diesel Engines for Women w/ Margaret Pommert, includes hands-on
2023-12-10 09:00 - 16:00
Margaret’s marine diesel engine classes for women are among our most popular. This introductory class will help both sail and power boaters understand their diesel engine, common causes of problems, and basic trouble-shooting techniques.
This class won’t make you a diesel mechanic. But it WILL give you a solid, basic understanding of, and hands-on experience with, a marine diesel engine and related systems that you need to have to cruise the Pacific Northwest. This class will review marine diesel and drive train systems that are both the most likely to cause problems, as well as being the easiest to fix (or prevent failing). You’ll discover there’s a lot you can do for you diesel and drive train that doesn’t require lots of strength or using expensive tools.
Participants will receive example checklists and tool lists to tailor for their own vessels.
Sample of topics covered:
• Safety around engine systems
• How to avoid causing problems by the way you drive and manage your boat
• How to perform daily engine checks, using a sample checklist
• Tools and supplies for daily engine checks and basic repairs
• Basic electrical troubleshooting using a multi-meter
• Replacing raw water impellers
• Checking and changing fuel filters
• When your engine fails: basic diagnostics
Bio: Capt. Margaret Pommert is a US Coast Guard licensed 100-ton captain and a nationally certified Master Instructor for both sailing and powerboating. She attended the SVC Marine Maintenance Technology program and is an ABYC certified Marine Diesel Advisor. A leader in the Pacific NW women’s boating community, Margaret was honored with 2019 National Women’s Sailing Association Leadership in Women’s Sailing award.

Register Via EventBrite

Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday afternoon lab
2024-03-02 09:00 - 12:00
Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday afternoon lab
Saturday February 24th 9:00 – 4:30 pm &
Sunday February 25th 1:00-4:00 pm

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 morning lab session from 9-12.

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 EventBrite

Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday morning lab
2024-03-02 09:00 - 2024-03-03 12:00
Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese, Sunday morning lab
Saturday February 24th 9:00 – 4:30 pm & Sunday, February 25th 9:00-12:00 pm

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 EventBrite
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.

Cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska - a 2-day seminar
2024-03-16 09:00 - 2024-03-17 16:00
Cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska Seminar
Instructors: Mark Bunzel, Mike Beemer, Leonard and Lorena Landon
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 EventBrite

Canvas: All about cover's with Mike Reese
2024-03-23 09:00 - 16:00
Canvas: All about Cover’s with Mike Reese
Saturday, March 23rd 9:00 – 4:00

Are you ready for the next step in your DIY boat canvas journey? Join us for our canvas covers class, where we’ll discuss the design, patterning, and fabrication challenges when making boat and equipment covers. Techniques not covered in our boat canvas boot camp, including sewing darts, Hidden zippers for large panels, and drawstring pockets, will be reviewed.
Please note: Because of the limited time and depth of information to be covered, this class is structured as a lecture with demonstrations by the presenter. Attendees looking to apply the concepts covered in class are encouraged to sign up for the maker space held the next day.
Experience with sewing or previous attendance in our Boat Canvas Bootcamp is highly recommended.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 EventBrite

Marine Canvas "Makers Space" by Mike Reese
2024-03-24 09:00 - 16:00
Description

Marine Canvas – Maker’s Space
We are super excited about our latest boat canvas offering! Here is your opportunity to tackle some canvas repair or construction projects using our equipment and larger project areas at the college. We know of no other opportunity in the country that allows you to fix or make marine canvas without a substantial investment in equipment and with a professional canvas fabricator standing by to answer your questions. Here is how it works:

By signing up, you reserve your seat and have access to one of our walking foot sewing machines for the day.
When the day begins, we’ll take you through the basic operation of the machine. (If you have attended one of our other classes, this step is optional.)
Go to work on your project. Our canvas guy, Mike Reese will be around to answer questions and give you advice. That stated, this is your project, and it is up to you to tackle. It is a great time to hone your sewing skills while making your boat more beautiful, safe and reliable!
Mid-day we will have a 1-hour lecture on a marine canvas project. We will also be able to questions as a group.
That’s it! Have fun and make something AWESOME!

Important Notes:

Other than light duty restitching of sails, we are not equipped for large sail repair. This class is designed for boat canvas work only. Contact us is you have questions on if your project is suitable.
If you want to hone your skills or just get some experience on Sailrite style machines but cannot think of a project to work one, we have found small navigation organizers, equipment covers, companionway hatches and deck hatches as great starter projects.
Our machines are capable of most marine canvas projects, except for sewing polycarbonate windows (vinyl windows are fine.) Again, sails are outside the scope of this course.
Since you have only the day to use the machines, plan the project ahead of time and choose tasks that can be done within the day. Our instructor, Mike is willing to chat with you for a brief consultation over the phone for free. Other onsite consulting can be arranged for a small fee to cover his costs.
If you are repairing existing canvas, make sure it is clean. Dirty canvas can cause damage to the machines.
We can help you buy raw materials that you will need. Please email us for more information. Otherwise make sure to buy all material for your project. We will provide white V-92 polyester thread and needles for the machines. The rest is up to you.
Seating is limited. Because you will be reserving equipment, we cannot refund cancellations.

This is an exceptional offer! We sampled costs of having professional marine canvas work and we found many shops will not replace zippers or repair canvas at all. Others had a $300 minimum charge regardless of project because it would take up production time. Others charge $75 to $100 per hour plus materials. Spending $600 – $800 versus our program at a fraction of the cost.
Important note: In order to ensure the best possible results, this class is strictly limited to 8 participants. Sign up early to ensure your seat! We only have 8 machines so every participant has their own machine.
Register via EventBrite
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 hope

Cruising Boat Electrical Basics Workshop
2024-04-13 08:30 - 2024-04-14 16:30
Cruising Boat Electrical Basics Workshop
Instructors: Gio & Julie Cappelli, Michael Beemer
This two-day seminar covers all things electrical on your cruising vessel. Through a blend of lecture and hands-on practice you will learn basic electrical system design, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. We’ll cover safety, specialized tool use, industry best practices, and more.
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Self-sufficiency at sea is truly the key to successful cruising. The more you can fix on your boat yourself, the longer you’re likely to stay out cruising. If you are a cruiser who wants to gain proficiency in troubleshooting, maintaining, and upgrading your marine electrical systems in accordance with ABYC standards, then this is the workshop for you. Sail and powerboat cruisers alike will gain essential knowledge and skills that will pay dividends for years to come.

Through a blend of lecture and hands-on practice you will learn basic electrical system design, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. We’ll cover safety, specialized tool use, industry best practices, and more. You will learn how to identify boat electrical components, practice making seaworthy wire terminations, correctly install DC equipment, and how to use a multimeter to save yourself hours of frustration trying to track down “boat gremlins”. Your learning and skill development will culminate with the design, building, and testing of a basic electrical system of your own at the renowned Marine Technology Center lab.

This is an introductory workshop that will prioritize safety, hands-on, applied learning. We welcome learners of all skill levels, especially if you have never picked up a tool or played with a battery before!

You will learn how to:

Apply basic electrical fundamentals including Ohm’s Law and the Power Equations
Recognize the differences between series and parallel circuits
Draw circuit diagrams using basic electrical symbols
Calculate wire size based on ampacity and voltage drop
Select appropriate overcurrent protection size, type, and installation location
Properly route wiring and install strain relief and chafe protection
Apply recommended color coding for DC and AC wiring on boats

You will get to practice:

Properly installing the components of a basic DC electrical circuit

Drawing and working from basic circuit diagrams
Performing basic DC electrical circuit safety checks
Applying ABYC standards to evaluate and build circuits
Choosing and using a variety of specialized electrical tools
Conducting essential electrical troubleshooting with a multimeter
Identifying and testing different types of fuses
Building battery cables
Testing battery voltages and recognizing their importance
Building and testing battery banks in parallel and series

Marine Diesel Engines Weekend for Women w/ Margaret Pommert, including hands-on in the lab
2024-04-13 09:00 - 2024-04-14 16:00
Speed a weekend learning about your boats diesel engine. A class, by Margaret, designed and taught just for women. Cruisers college will help you understand your diesel engine, the equipment you rely on when out exploring on your boat, and common trouble-shooting techniques for the cruising woman.
For both sailors and powerboaters! This class won’t make you a diesel mechanic. But it will give you basic knowledge of, and hands-on experience with, the engine and related systems needed for cruising in locally. This course reviews many of the things you need to know about your diesel engine and the important trouble-shooting techniques for when things don’t go as planned. This class will review marine diesel and drive train systems that are both the most likely to cause problems as well as being the easiest to fix (or prevent failing). You’ll discover there’s a lot you can do for your engine and drive train that doesn’t require lots of strength or using expensive tools. Attendees will receive example checklists and tool lists to tailor for their own vessels.
Sample of topics covered:
• Safety around engine systems
• How to avoid causing problems by the way you drive and manage your boat
• How to perform daily engine checks, using a sample checklist
• Tools and supplies for daily engine checks and basic repairs
• Basic electrical troubleshooting using a multi-meter
• Replacing raw water impellers
• Checking and changing fuel filters
• When your engine fails: basic diagnostics
Bio: Capt. Margaret Pommert is a US Coast Guard licensed 100-ton captain and works as a nationally certified instructor for both sailing and powerboating. She attended the SVC Marine Maintenance Technology program and is an ABYC certified Marine Diesel Advisor. A leader in the Pacific NW women’s boating community, Margaret was honored with 2019 National Women’s Sailing Association Leadership in Women’s Sailing award.

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Canvas: All about Bimini's with Mike Reese
2024-04-20 09:00 - 16:00
Canvas: All about Bimini’s with Mike Reese
Saturday, March 23rd 9:00 – 4:00

Bimini Tops provide shade from the summer sun and shelter from those rainy spring and fall days. Bimini Tops are also the foundation for sailboat dodgers and boat enclosures. In bimini tops, we’ll review all the elements necessary in designing and constructing a well-fitted and durable bimini top. Proper panel orientation, how to scribe and construct zipper pockets, and making accommodations for enclosure curtains will be discussed.
Please note: Because of the limited time and depth of information to be covered, this class is structured as a lecture with demonstrations by the presenter. Attendees looking to apply the concepts covered in class are encouraged to sign up for the maker space held the next day.
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 EventBrite

Women’s Only Marine Electrical Basics Workshop
2024-04-20 13:00 - 16:00
Cruising Boat Electrical Basics Workshop
Instructors: Julie Cappelli
In this hands-on workshop for women only, Julie will teach you how to troubleshoot and wire like a pro! If you are a female boater or cruiser who wants to gain proficiency in electrical troubleshooting and wiring, then this is the workshop for you. Sail and powerboat cruisers alike will gain essential knowledge and skills that will pay dividends for years to come. You’ll learn how to identify vessel wiring components, practice making seaworthy wire terminations, and how to correctly use a multimeter. This is an introductory workshop that will prioritize safety and hands-on learning. We welcome learners of all skill levels, especially if you have never picked up a tool or played with a battery before!

In this class you will learn how to:

Identify the components of a basic DC electrical circuit
Perform basic electrical circuit safety checks
Choose and use a variety of electrical tools
Conduct essential electrical troubleshooting with a multimeter
Identify and test different types of fuses
Identify key differences between marine and terrestrial wire and wiring practices

You’ll also get to:

Try different types of electrical tools
Start building your cruising toolkit
Practice using different types of multimeters to learn your favorite
Practice installing different wire terminations
Test battery voltages and learn their importance

Julie Cappelli is a graduate of Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology Program and co-owner of Pelagic Blue Cruising Services. At Pelagic Blue, her and Gio Cappelli offer private offshore sail training and preparation for aspiring self-sufficient sailors. They teach DIY boat maintenance, plan offshore refits, and provide custom consulting services aimed at preparing their clients for successful cruising. They recently returned from a 10,000-mile loop sailing from Mexico to Hawaii, and Hawaii to British Columbia aboard their Malö 39. Julie is ABYC certified in Marine Electrical, a NMEA certified marine electronics and NMEA 2000 installer, a USCG licensed Master, and has worked as a scuba instructor, marine biologist, and expedition leader.

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D.I.Y Diesel Engine Maintenance & Troubleshooting with Matt Mardesich
2024-04-27 09:00 - 2024-04-28 16:00
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 via EventBrite

Professional Canvas: Week 1 by Mike Reese
2024-07-15 09:00 - 16:00
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 pursue marine fabrication professionally. The marine industry needs more canvas professionals, many are 6+ months out and others a not accepting new clients. This is your opportunity to learn all about this wonderful industry and how you can possibly become part of it.
If you have any questions, reach out to Mike! 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!

Registration Coming Soon

Professional Canvas: Week 2 by Mike Reese
2024-07-22 08:30 - 16:00
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 pursue marine fabrication professionally. The marine industry needs more canvas professionals, many are 6+ months out and others a not accepting new clients. This is your opportunity to learn all about this wonderful industry and how you can possibly become part of it.
If you have any qustions, reach out to Mike! 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 topsEnclosure 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!

Registration Coming Soon

Itineraries, Tides, & Lot's about Weather with Michael Beemer
2024-09-21 09:00 - 16:00
Changing weather is one of the things most boaters and their crews fear most. Usually it is not deadly, but it can be downright scary when a pleasant day of boating turns ugly. Knowing the basics can help you interpret the weather, plan a trip, and make a good decision about traveling on your vessel. This course will take you through the basics of how to understand the information available and how to combine it with tide and current information to determine the sea conditions. The class will provide you with many resources and examples of how we’ve planned and enjoyed our time on the water. They say timing is everything, and a few hours difference with the change of current can make all difference in the world. We will use a checklist approach where you can create your own system to create an understanding of the weather that fits your vessel and crew.

Register SVC Comm Ed
