Boston AB 103
Intermediate Powerboating
Price
$900
Duration
2 Days
About the Course
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Build upon your foundation with AB 103, an intermediate-level certification designed to prepare you for single-day cruising aboard powerboats between 30 to 45 feet. This course covers essential skills for operating and maintaining a larger vessel, including handling boat systems, understanding weather patterns, emergency procedures, and safe docking. You’ll gain confidence to navigate moderate conditions, manage onboard systems, and respond effectively to challenging situations.
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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 sailboat 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 103 - 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 103
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Advanced Boat Handling Techniques
You'll learn powerboat maneuvering in tight spaces, advanced docking, usage of spring lines to spring on and off of the dock and boat handling in adverse weather conditions.
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Essential Systems Management
We will essential systems management including routine engine checks, battery management, generator usage, fuel system and fueling procedures as well as common issues and troubleshooting procedures.
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Navigation
Students will learn to navigate safely and efficiently using paper charts and tools as well as a chartplotter and GPS. We will also cover the AIS system and tides.
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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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More Practical Skills
Throughout the course we will cover even more practical skills including galley safety, emergency response, navigating unfamiliar harbors, weather interpretation, etc.
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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 103 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 103 Standards page at Americanboating.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does AB 103 get you?
AB 103 certification grants you intermediate powerboating skills and a strong understanding of coastal cruising in powerboats. It enables you to skipper (operate as captain) a powerboat in familiar and unfamiliar waters, giving you the confidence to navigate and control the boat effectively.
How many days is AB 103?
AB 103 courses are conducted over 2 days. This time frame allows for a balanced combination of classroom learning and on-water training, giving you the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Can you skip AB 103?
While we do offer an AB 103 Challenge to test out of the course, skipping AB 103 is not recommended. AB 103 provides crucial foundational knowledge for safe and confident boating. It covers fundamental concepts that are essential for safely operating a powerboat.