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 course runs from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for 3 consecutive evenings. The first evening is virtual and can be attended from the comfort of your own home. Our virtual lecture incorporates video, whiteboard diagrams and powerboat models to explain the fundamentals of boating and to teach skills that we will be practicing on the water.
The next two evenings are fully on-the-water practice sessions and is spent practicing all of the necessary skills and maneuvers to competently drive a powerboat of this size. This means you will be spending 8 hours 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
​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!​
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.​​
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AB 101 get you?
AB 101 certification grants you basic powerboating skills and a strong understanding of safety practices. It enables you to skipper (operate as captain) a powerboat in familiar waters, giving you the confidence to navigate and control the boat effectively.
How many days is AB 101?
AB 101 courses are usually 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 101?
We do offer an AB 101 Challenge to test out of the course on a case-by-case basis for those with extensive powerboating experience. However, AB 101 provides crucial foundational knowledge for safe and confident boating; we do not recommend skipping it. It covers fundamental concepts that are essential for safely operating a powerboat.