Cruisers College

Marine Communications
2018-10-14 09:00 - 12:00, 2017-10-15 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
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 have a boat, you should have at least a VHF radio. If you have a VHF radio, you should attend this course.
Sample of topics covered:

RF Communications 101
Communications Planning
Marine VHF Radio
Marine HF Radio
DSC on VHF and HF SSB
Communications Nets
HF SSB Weather
Position Reporting
Talk Like a Pro
Internet Communications
Calls for Help!
HF DSC Distress Calls
Worldwide Group Numbers
Recommendations

Commander TL Sparks enlisted in the Navy in 1968 after he completed a three year Electronics program at Spokane Community College. His first assignment after boot camp was to the Navy’s Electronics Technician “A” school to learn how to operate and repair the Navy’s HF, VHF, and UHF communications equipment.
After almost nine years of active duty at a Communications Station, aboard two Submarines, and a Satellite tracking and injection facility, Terry left active duty and joined the Naval Reserves. After active duty Terry enrolled in a night program to attain a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering offered through Washington State University in Richland, WA. Terry Sailed his first boat over thirty years ago and was hooked at first sail. His years in the Navy where he learned Communications, Navigation, Radar, as well as the workings of the many systems involved with making sure that his two submarines both went into the deep and back to the surface clearly honed Terry’s skills for the cruising lifestyle.
After his retirement from the Navy and ABB in 2008, Terry and his wife went cruising on their sailing vessel Sunnyside. They continue to cruise in the Sea of Cortez and the Mexico Pacific coast.
After a couple of years of cruising, Terry started writing Made Simple for Cruiser books to help others get started living the dream, do it right and come home safely.

Check his cruising travels out at: S/V Sunnyside
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Solar Power & Refrigeration
2018-10-13 13:00 - 16:00, 2017-10-14 13:00 - 16:00 | WA
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 service. However, refrigeration is usually the single biggest drain on the batteries. Fortunately, improved solar panels, solar chargers and modern AGM batteries (all much cheaper in the past few years) means that you can probably eliminate running the generator/engine to charge the house bank. Did you know that a solar array can pay for itself in as little as three years compared to charging with an internal combustion engine? – and your batteries will love you for it!
Sample of topics covered:

Choosing the right refrigeration/freezer system for your boat
Review of new technologies in cooling
Advanced thermostats you can use to upgrade existing systems
Designing a solar array for any boat
Comparison of solar panels, costs, controllers and batteries
Cost analysis for these systems
Installation requirements and options

After this 3 hours course, you will understand how to improve or upgrade your refrigeration system and how to keep the batteries charged.
Woody is a retired military officer, offshore sailor and owner of ‘IceBoat Marine’ – specializing in marine refrigeration, solar and heating, and electrical. An ABYC Certified Master Technician, he is a factory certified installer and troubleshooter for most refrigeration/AC, and heating systems. Woody teaches Marine HVAC at the Skagit Valley Marine Maintenance Technology Program. When not fixing others’ boats, Woody and his family which includes three children, are out cruising (and of course, fixing stuff!) year-round.

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Understanding the Weather in the Pacific Northwest with Mark Bunzel
2018-05-12 09:00 - 12:00 | WA
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 and making effective go or no-go decisions. He will take you through the many weather resources available on the Internet, cellular telephone or the WX transmissions on the VHF radio. He will share with you his Weather Checklist for recording the weather and which items are the ones critical to you for interpreting safe cruising conditions. Together, you will plan a trip and gather the weather information to predict what the conditions will be like. Mark will also discuss how the tides and currents for a days cruise need to reviewed together with the weather to identify safe cruising conditions. The Lunar Cycle will also be discussed and how it can factor into the days cruising conditions.
Power boat cruisers avoid the wind and sailors love the wind—to a point! Both will be reviewed.
After taking this course you will have a good understanding of NW weather and how you can determine the best conditions for your cruise.

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Diesel & Electrical for the offshore cruiser
2018-04-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Instructor: Michael Beemer
Cruisers College will offer a combination of diesel and electrical topics for the offshore sailor. The further you venture, the more important it is to understand these critical systems. Diesel engines are really reliable pieces of machinery if you do a few simple things like clean fuel and cooling system maintenance. Electrical systems, as every sailor knows, are critical for safety and comfort. Let’s work on “Keeping it Alive” for these two systems.
Sample of topics covered:

Required Engine maintenance for extended cruising
Required maintenance/inspection for running gear & machinery
Spare engine parts worth considering
How-to demonstrations for changing fuel filters & engine inspections
Electrical systems that work – how to design, monitor, & extend life.
Pre-departure testing of key electrical systems
Basic wiring techniques: Proper wire selection, termination, and tools for repairs underway
How to demonstrations for multi-meter use and selection
Early warning signs for engines & electrical systems

Michael Beemer is 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.
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Offshore Cruising Seminar
2018-04-07 | WA
Worldwide cruisers and instructors, John and Amanda Neal, will be joining the 2018 Cruisers College program with their well regarded Offshore Cruising Seminar. The nine-hour seminar details the 18 topics listed below. Each topic has a dedicated PowerPoint presentation that closely follows the seminar’s invaluable 260-page Offshore Cruising Companion. This highly-organized format allows you to easily follow, absorb understand plus retain critical information enabling you to save years and thousands of dollars as you prepare for your cruising adventures. Questions are encouraged at the end of each topic and interchange with the instructors and other participants is welcome and encouraged during breaks, lunch and dinner. The course fee includes their 260 page book “Offshore Companion” (normally $60).
John and Amanda spend seven months of the year teaching couples and crews how to cruise the world aboard their Hallberg-Rassy 46 sailboat Mahina Tiare III. This one-day program is based on their knowledge of a combined 645,000 miles of cruising experience all over the world.
From more information and John & Amanda, visit their website.
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Seminar Program:
7:45 Registration
8:30 Introduction
9:00 Boat Selection: Design and Construction Criteria – what makes a boat safe and comfortable for offshore voyaging
9:40 Getting Started in the Cruising Life:Understanding your partner
10:20 Break
10:35 Priority Equipment: Outfitting with the gear you REALLY need
11:30 Engines: Spares and Maintenance
11:40 Galley Essentials: We’re not talking about camping out!
12:00 Lunch Break
1:00 Anchors and Anchoring: Five anchoring techniques
1:15 Seamanship: Self reliance, awareness and responsibility
1:35 Storm Survival Tactics: Details of ten specific tactics
2:05 Optional Equipment: Outfitting with the cool gear that makes cruising more comfortable
2:45Break
2:55 Rigging and Sails: Keeping the mast up and sails set
3:15 Medical: Common problems, preventions and treatment
3:35 Communications: Realities of staying in touch
3:50 Psychological: The nuts and bolts of keeping the balance
4:05Break
4:10 Cost of Cruising: How much will this cost? Working while cruising.
4:15 Managing Your Escape: Piracy, firearms and security issues, insurance, pets, keeping a home base
4:40 Clearing into a Foreign Port: Procedures and courtesies
4:50 Leaving your boat in a Foreign Port
5:00 Worldwide Cruise Scenarios
5:30 Graduation Certificate: Questions and answers

6:15 Optional No-host Dinner: Wear your wildest, brightest tropical attire!

John Neal was born on the banks of Africa’s Blue Nile River. At the age of 22 his love of adventure and travel fueled a desire to sail to the South Pacific from Seattle aboard his 27′ sloop. Log of Mahina chronicled his voyage and adventures and became a best seller. To answer the question he was frequently asked, “How can I do what you did?” he conducted his first of now 153 Offshore Cruising Seminars in 1976. In 1990, to meet the demand for hands-on offshore instruction, John established Mahina Expeditions with the goal of sharing his knowledge of ocean voyaging in a safe and supportive environment. John has conducted 164 sail-training expeditions aboard his Hallbery-Rassy 42, Mahina Tiare II & his Hallberg-Rassy 46, Mahina Tiare III, sailing 342,000 miles in the South Pacific, Caribbean, Patagonia, Antarctica, Atlantic, Scandinavia and the Arctic. John holds a USCG 100 ton Master’s and private pilot License.
Amanda Swan Neal grew up in Auckland, New Zealand and sailed to Vancouver as a teenager aboard a 38′ sloop she helped her parents build. Upon returning to New Zealand, she became a sailmaker for Hoods and transferred professions to rigging with Noake’s Rigging in Sydney, Australia then Southern Spars in NZ. In 1990 she completed The Whitbread Around the World Race (now The Volvo Race) as rigger aboard Maiden, the first all-women Whitbread boat. Amanda’s 300,000 miles of international sailing include two Sydney-Hobart Races, numerous international regattas and seven Cape Horn roundings intermixed with a ten year involvement in tall ship sail-training. Upon meeting John in 1994 she joined Mahina Tiare for the Cape Horn and Antarctic expeditions. She is author of The Essential Galley Companion and since 2005 has written the monthly Galley Essentials column in 48 North magazine. Amanda enjoys introducing women to the joys of the cruising lifestyle and her personal interests include Celtic step dancing, photography, triathlon training and sewing. She holds a NZ Commercial Launchmaster’s license.
Amanda and John spend seven months at sea annually. When not at sea, they enjoy winter kayaking from their island home near Victoria.
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Radar for Navigation and Collision Avoidance - Part 2 by Mark Bunzel
2018-03-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Radar is one of the most versatile systems of all of the marine electronics on your boat. Most boat owners only know how to use about 10% of the capabilities of their marine radar. This becomes more challenging when there are multiple targets approaching from various directions and speeds in restricted visability. The manuals that come with a radar system tell you what the buttons do, but not how to confidently use radar for both collision avoidance and navigation.
This program continues from Radar – Part 1 with a review of the capabilities of the new digital radar systems now available and the additional information integrated in the new radar systems including AIS. The program will show examples of radar displays in practical situations with an emphasis on the decision making based on the information presented. We will start with one target and then build to the multi-target scenarios now faced in some of the crowded waters we now have. This is further complicated by vessel traffic lanes and VTS requirements.
In addition to learning the basics of radar operation participants will also learn:

The new digital radar technologies now available with many new capabilities
We will show how to use your digital marine radar system while underway
How to interpret the screen display and how to correlate it to navigational charts, the surrounding area, and other vessels around you. integrating AIS information and full overlay of the chartplotter

With this course you will have a new appreciation and competency with the digital radar system on your boat.

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Creative Solutions to a Bad Day at Sea by Art Hebert
2018-01-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Going on any passage can be the most satisfying and wonderful experience you may have on your boat, but every now and then bad things happen. Every cruiser faces some level of the “what if” that’s in the back of your head as you embark on a voyage. This course is designed to help you understand what things typically can happen and how to deal with them in a safe, and often critical timeline. We teamed up with many experts who combine decades of knowledge and experience into this course. Topics will include:

Proven Techniques for temporary solutions to many common failures onboard cruising vessels
Knowing, understanding & maintaining critical systems for the safety and comfort of the captain and crew
Pre-departure checklists of what to check, inspect, and stock to support efforts when emergencies happen while passage making
Decision making strategies every cruiser should know when facing an emergency
Practical tips for temporary repairs of key systems

We’ll end this session with a checklist of proven solutions and instructions you will want on your boat that will help you be prepared if an emergency should arise during your cruise.
Arthur Hebert is a 28 year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He served on a wide variety of the Coast Guard ships and participated in many Search and Rescue missions. He holds a 100 ton Master Inland License and is an ABYC Master Tech. He is a part time instructor at Skagit Valley College Marine Trades program and during the summer you can find him on his 30 ft Fisher motorsailer or working as a checkout skipper for NW Explorations.
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Radar for Navigation and Collision Avoidance by Mark Bunzel
2018-01-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Radar is one of the most versatile systems of all of the marine electronics on your boat. Most boat owners only know how to use about 10% of the capabilities of their marine radar. The manuals that come with a radar system tell you what the buttons do, but not how to confidently use radar for both collision avoidance and navigation. In addition to learning the basics of radar operation participants will also learn:

New digital radar technologies are now available with many new capabilities
How to use your marine radar system while underway
Basic radar tuning and how to set up an older system
How to interpret the screen display and how to correlate it to navigational charts, the surrounding area, and other vessels around you including integrating AIS and full overlay

With this course you will have a new appreciation and competency with the radar system on your boat.
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Engine Room Investigations, For Women with Jen Haaland
2017-12-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruisers college will help you understand your diesel engine and the equipment you rely on when out exploring on your boat. It’s often overwhelming when trying to figure out all that happens in an engine space, but it’s essential for safe, reliable and enjoyable time on the water.. Marine technicians have the benefit of being in many engine spaces and understanding the many different scenarios that happen below decks. We have a great technician, with lots of experience, that will take you through the engine space and pass along the many tips she has learned.

Learn all about daily engine room checks
Learn ‘early warning signs’
Learn how to change fuel filters and bleed a diesel engine

Inspection of shafts, rudders, and other often overlooked items

Jen received her marine training from the Skagit Valley College Marine Maintenance Technology program and holds ABYC certifications in Marine Electrical, Corrosion, Gasoline, and Diesel Engines. She specializes in AC and DC electrical troubleshooting and has a passion for labeling. Jen currently works for NW Explorations in Bellingham, WA as a lead technician. In addition to being an ABYC Master Technician, Jen has a BA in Fine Arts from Seattle University. She enjoys spending her free time sailing and power boating around the San Juan islands.
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Taking care of the fiberglass boat with Jeff Paxson
2017-12-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruisers College knows if you are a fiberglass boat owner, you know that the cost of maintenance and keeping your vessel looking good is not getting any cheaper. Many boat owners would consider doing some of it themselves, as it can be very rewarding and less expensive. Learn from the experts on how to maintain your fiberglass boat. Local expert Jeff Paxson (Marine Detail Specialists) will give you some tricks of the trade! You will learn how to remove tough stains, how to bring back your Gelcoat to high luster, equipment to use, & products that work. Whether you’re seeking information about how to keep your boat shiny or how to fix these bangs and scrapes to keep vessels looking good and holding their value, you will take away many practical tips.
Sample of topics covered:

Learn how to remove tough stains
Learn how to repair fiberglass dings and dents.
Learn how to bring back your Gelcoat to a high luster
Learn how to take continual care of you boat’s fiberglass for best results
Understand materials and equipment for buffing and waxing

Jeff Paxson is the owner of Marine Detail Specialists—a full service marine detailing company in the Pacific Northwest. This company is run by the husband and wife team of Jeff and Anya Paxson. Jeff has been around boats his entire life. He began detailing at the age of 15 and has expanded his knowledge and expertise over the years. He is very passionate about his work and the relationships with his clients. Jeff brings with him the expertise and knowledge to help Boat Show U. participants to understand the secrets of making their own boat look great and retaining its value.
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Sailboat Rigging & Maintenance with Andy Schwenk
2017-12-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
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, headsail, spinnaker), reefing systems, fairleads, and more! People think sailing is expensive and difficult, it should not be difficult.
This course will have three workstations: Cleaning and servicing winches, swaging, cutting rigging
Sample of topics covered:

How to inspect your rigging
Upgrading your boat for simplicity and performance:
How to reduce friction and make running rigging easy
Annual maintenance of winches & furler
Hands-on workstations
Offshore gear selection

Andy Schwenk grew up in Anacortes working after school, summer and weekends aboard the charter boats, marinas, and boat dealers until he graduated from WWU. He continued to teach sailing on weekends throughout his military stint stationed at Ft. Lewis and 10yrs public school teaching. He has now completed 42 Trans Pacific crossings on sailboats 26′ to 72′ and dozens of deliveries from Mexico to Vancouver mostly starting from Seattle. He currently owns Northwest Rigging a full service rigging shop with 7 employees serving yacht owners from Pt. Roberts to Portland. He and his wife sail their SC-27 throughout the PNW year around with their two boys. Among their accomplishments are SC-27 national champions in 2015, Swiftsure and Vic Maui wins as well.
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Marine Electrical Troubleshooting, Design, & Installations with M. Beemer
2017-11-05 09:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
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 list of topics covered:

How an electrical system works
How to monitor electrical systems
Early warning signs of trouble
How to use a multimeter for troubleshooting
Sizing and care of battery banks
Proper wire selection, termination, and tools
Alternative energy such as solar and wind generation
How to make repairs to this critical system on almost every cruising vessel

This one-day course includes new technologies and how they might interface or be a solution for your energy needs. Let’s keep the light’s on ☺
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.
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2-Day Marine Weather with Lee Chesneau
2017-11-04 08:00 - 2017-11-05 16:00 | WA
This 2-day course is designed for the vast range of seafarers; from the inexperienced recreational sailboat cruisers & experienced racers, to power boaters, to commercial fishermen/women & seasoned professional mariners that operate their vessels from California, the U.S & Canadian Pacific Northwest & even Alaska. After leaving various originating marinas, docks, anchorages, or commercial ports, whether it be an afternoon sail in Shilshole Bay, considered part of the inland waters of western Washington or the coastal waters near Port Grenville or perhaps extended periods at sea over the near & further offshore waters & finally, the high seas of the north Pacific Ocean, this 2-day course will overlap and include all contingencies.
Presented by senior marine meteorologist Lee Chesneau, the course begins with the all-important discussion of the marine advisory & warnings system of the U.S. National Weather Service(NWS) & Environment Canada – (Strong Wind Warning/Small Craft Advisories (SCA), Gale, Storm, & Hurricane Force Warnings). Never leave the dock without knowing which one applies to your vessel & when on the high seas, adjusting strategies in a timely manner.
Pertinent topics will range from standard meteorological concepts of the atmosphere’s moisture & its role in cloud formation, types & precipitation; its weight (barometric pressure), the dynamics of air motion horizontally & vertically, generated by invisible forces that cause wind, to scales of weather systems; from global- jet streams; to synoptic scale- low & high pressures systems; to what you see from your wheel house- micro scale-thunderstorms/micro-bursts/waterspouts.
Lee will show you the importance of comparison of marine forecast charts (48-96 hour at sea-level surface pressure forecasts) to the most current surface pressure analysis chart of the same valid date & time. This allows one to determine the accuracy of the forecasts, & second, to discuss how systems develop & move across the north Pacific & impact geographic regions such as the Pacific Northwest.
The meat & potatoes of the course will center on “synoptic scale weather systems”- especially those of the middle latitude (30/60N) where the waters of the Pacific Northwest lie. The constant influence & impact of organized low & high pressure systems & their associated synoptic scale features, such as fronts (cold, warm, occluded, & stationary), troughs, & ridges are depicted with graphical symbols by the NWS’s Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) on charts that will always drive local conditions at your vessel. This is simply an every-day occurrence in the Pacific Northwest. The course will also cover the other identifiable chart symbols on the at sea-level surface pressure charts from the OPC.
There will be a mixture of lecture & application hands-on exercises over the two-day time frame.
In addition to exposure of OPC products & services, attendees will be exposed to the variety of marine forecast products & services provided by the local NWS forecast office in Seattle & Environment Canada, in Vancouver B.C. These two forecast offices often coordinate their overlapping areas of responsibility of marine weather from the San Juan Islands to the inside passage such as the Georgia Strait & Juan de Fuca. Observed weather conditions form buoy & ferry vessel reports & their intervals will all be discussed to demonstrate the depth of current weather data you can receive while operating your vessel. There will be a discussion of the pros & cons of “fax charts” versus numerical weather model based “GRIB files”. The course will conclude with a discussion of means to procure weather information from HF-single side band, the Internet & to FTP mail.
Whether a novice or experienced sailor, this comprehensive course will offer an opportunity to put you on the road to learn how to become self-reliant in your own weather forecasting & prudent cruise decision making. Information on follow up Marine Weather II & III, each are two-day courses conducted in conjunction with Cruisers’ College will be offered to attendees of Marine Weather 1.
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D.I.Y Diesel Engine Maintenance & Troubleshooting with Mardesich/Beemer
2017-11-04 08:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
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.
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.
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Single Side Band Radios: ICOM M802 Operation
2017-10-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
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 Satellite pictures of the weather for your area. While an initial look at the M802 may seem complex when comparing the radio to a typical Marine VHF radio, this course will provide the basic tools and understanding of HF SSB and M802 operation such that it can become as easy to use as your Marine VHF radio. If you are planning international or offshore travel on your boat, you should attend this course.
Join us as we cover the following areas:

Icom IC M802 overview
Propagation & Tools
The Connections
Pactor Modems
Programming the M802
Operating the M802
Digital Selective Calling
Calls for Help
Making DSC Calls to Friends
Worldwide Group Numbers
Recommendations for Cruisers

Commander TL Sparks enlisted in the Navy in 1968 after he completed a three year Electronics program at Spokane Community College. His first assignment after boot camp was to the Navy’s Electronics Technician “A” school to learn how to operate and repair the Navy’s HF, VHF, and UHF communications equipment.
After almost nine years of active duty at a Communications Station, aboard two Submarines, and a Satellite tracking and injection facility, Terry left active duty and joined the Naval Reserves. After active duty Terry enrolled in a night program to attain a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering offered through Washington State University in Richland, WA. Terry Sailed his first boat over thirty years ago and was hooked at first sail. His years in the Navy where he learned Communications, Navigation, Radar, as well as the workings of the many systems involved with making sure that his two submarines both went into the deep and back to the surface clearly honed Terry’s skills for the cruising lifestyle.
After his retirement from the Navy and ABB in 2008, Terry and his wife went cruising on their sailing vessel Sunnyside. They continue to cruise in the Sea of Cortez and the Mexico Pacific coast.
After a couple of years of cruising, Terry started writing Made Simple for Cruiser books to help others get started living the dream, do it right and come home safely.

Check his cruising travels out at: http://sunnyside-adventure.webs.com/
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Outboard Motor Service, Repair and Maintenance
2017-10-15 09:00 - 12:00 | 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 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.
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Understanding the Weather in the Pacific Northwest
2017-10-14 09:00 - 12:00 | WA

Marine Electrical Troubleshooting, Design, & Installation
2017-05-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
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 list of topics covered:

How an electrical system works
How to monitor electrical systems
Early warning signs of trouble
How to use a multimeter for troubleshooting
Sizing and care of battery banks
Proper wire selection, termination, and tools
Alternative energy such as solar and wind generation
How to make repairs to this critical system on almost every cruising vessel

This one-day course includes new technologies and how they might interface or be a solution for your energy needs. Let’s keep the light’s on ☺

Register via EventBrite
