Boston AB 101
Beginner Powerboating

About the Course

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This is powerboating 101, no prior experience required! The goal of the course is to take a student with no prior powerboating experience to a level where they feel comfortable operating a 20 to 28 foot powerboat as skipper in favorable conditions.

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This 2 day course runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. We start each day in the classroom, spending about two hours of lecture where we incorporate video, whiteboard diagrams and powerboat models to explain the fundamentals of boating and to teach skills that we will be practicing on the water. We typically break for lunch from 11:45 am to 12:30 pm and then the rest of the day is spent  practicing all of the necessary skills and maneuvers to competently drive a powerboat of this size. This means you will be spending at minimum 4 and half hours a day on the water and practicing maneuvers!

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At the end of the course there is a brief examination and each student receives an official American Sailing logbook and the AB 101 - Beginner Powerboating Certification.

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Read more about our courses and what to expect on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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Topics Included in AB 101

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Parts of the Boat and Terminology

We begin the course by learning the new language of boating and equipment. We go through the powerboat from stem to stern as well as learning directions, propulsion types, hull types and maneuvering terminology.

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Basic Boating and Safety Maneuvers

Throughout the course we practice manuevering the powerboat at all speeds, on a plane and at slow speeds. On day 2 practice emergency maneuvers such as emergency stopping and crew overboard maneuvers.

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Docking and Mooring

A significant portion of the on the water time is spent practicing bringing the boat alongside a dock and departing a dock safely. We also practice approaching and departing a mooring.

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Emergencies

We cover common emergencies such as engine failure, fire safety, crew overboard, towing and more so that you are prepared in any situation.

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US Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations

An important part of the course is focused on the legal and safety aspects of operating a powerboat. We cover federally required safety equipment, rules of the road, light and sound signals and aids to navigation.

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And more!

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Throughout the course we cover a myriad of additional topics such and teach far and above the basic required AB 101 curriculum.

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For a full list of all of the concepts and skills required to achieve the AB 101 - Beginner Powerboating certification please visit the official AB 101 Standards page at Americanboating.com.

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