2019 Wooden Boat Festival

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. Did you know a genset on your boat is the most expensive power you can buy? You might be able to manage all your power requirements with your engine/alternator and solar cells

.Our needs for power on our boats have become higher. Computers, tablets, iPhone chargers, microwave ovens, music systems and even the Instant Pot may be expected to run off a modern boat’s electrical system. Many vessels don’t have a “balanced electrical system” that performs properly, has reliability, and is designed to last. This course is designed to help you understand how to design, check, maintain, and upgrade your electrical system to match the power requirements on your boat.

First, we will take a look at the typical power demands that a modern electrical system supports. Do you know how much your microwave draws from your inverter and storage system? We will total up the electrical draw that different systems require. Next, we will cover the size of your power storage system, and how to monitor and keep it charged. Then we will wrap up the seminar by providing other ways to produce energy and how much they cost: high-output alternators & battery chargers, solar options & controllers, new fuel cells, and even wind energy. After taking this course you will become the ‘master’ of the energy equation onboard your cruising vessel.

Register here.

Nothing is worse than having equipment or systems fail on a boating trip. Sure, you can call a mechanic for help, but you might hear that it will take a week before a mechanic can come to your boat. Mike will take you through the system the Waggoner Guide uses for our boats and our flotilla members. It starts with good preparation in the pre-season with preventative maintenance, for which we will give you a checklist. Whether it’s carrying the right spare parts or increasing your own knowledge, there’s a lot that can be done to solve problems yourself or save time when the mechanic arrives.

Based on Mike’s experience as a marine mechanic, and as a Department Head for Marine Technology, Mike will take the class through proven, check-list based techniques for troubleshooting a diesel engine and the electrical systems on a boat. He will also cover water and waste systems. This course will better prepare you to deal with boat problems that unfortunately happen sooner or later. After this 3-hour class you will be much more knowledgeable about topics such as daily engine room checks, early warning signs, changing oil and filters, monitoring electrical systems, tools, basic wiring and so much more!

Register here.

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, a lovely vision isn’t it? However, the reality of it 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 picking the right gear to proven techniques and decision making skills to help you choose the right spot. Docking your vessel can often be stressful, 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, communicating with your crew, handling lines, and understanding your vessel will be covered in great detail. With our tips we will have you docking and anchoring like a pro in no time!

Register here.

Can you top up your cruising kitty by writing? How do you sell that first sailing article? What will make your voyaging blog stand out from the rest? How do you keep folks watching your videos? Lin Pardey will share tips and ideas on what nautical readers and viewers want to know, how to insure your illustrations not only add useful sailing advice to your stories but attract readers, viewers and reviewers attention. She will show how to get noticed by editors, ways to present work that sells and ideas for expanding your markets.

Register here.

Changing weather is one of the things most boaters and their crews fear most. It is usually 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 and make a good go or no-go decision that will help you stay safe and sane. This course will take you through the basics of how to understand the information available and how to combine it with tide and current details to determine the condition of the sea. The class will use actual examples and gather weather data from the internet, cell phone and VHF radio. Software apps will also be used and their shortcomings will be reviewed. They say timing is everything, and we want to make sure you’re prepared when the changing weather and currents interrupt your day. We will use a checklist approach to help you create your own systems and ways of understanding the weather that fits your vessel and crew.

Register here.