AB 101 – Beginner Powerboating

Two 6-hour days on a Swift Trawler 35

Course Price and Scheduling

Group Course: Total of three students–You and two other students, who we match you up with.

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Group Course: $920 per student.

Private Course and pricing

A private course for you and 1, or 2 other people you know, based on your schedule.

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Private Course 1 Student: $2430 total.

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Private Course 2 Students: $2530 total.

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Private Course 3 Students: $2630 total.

Information about the Course

AB 101 Overview

This course is an intensive, 12-hour powerboat handling course that is designed to provide the skills necessary to maneuver a powerboat confidently, competently and safely in tight spaces. Successful completion of the program indicates the student has demonstrated competence in handling either a single or twin engine powerboat equipped with bow and stern thrusters in close quarters in light wind and/or currents. Core program elements include basic and advanced docking and undocking maneuvers, situational assessment and planning, crew communication and passenger safety.

For a full list of all topics (knowledge and skills) that will be covered click below.

AB-101-Standards

Certification Requirements:
In order to achieve certification, a student must pass a written test that covers required “Ashore Knowledge” as well as demonstrate his or her boat handling proficiency by successfully completing the required “Underway Skills”, both of which are specified below:

Ashore Knowledge
• Power Vessel Theory
• Pre-departure planning
• Pre-departure passenger safety briefing
• Pre-departure and post-sail vessel check
• Crew communication and safety
• Correct use of a VHF Radio

Underway Skills
• Develop and execute a vessel departure plan with due consideration for wind, current, traffic and any special circumstances
• Crew communication/briefing and assignment of duties including proper sequence for casting off dock lines and fender placement/usage
• Demonstrate two methods for centering helm/wheel
• Pivot/turn vessel 360 degrees in tight quarters
• Back down a narrow channel in a straight line
• Dock bow first in a protected slip (touch and no touch)
• Dock stern first in a protected slip (touch and no touch)
• Dock bow first at a facing pier (fuel dock) both port and starboard to
• Dock stern first at a facing pier (fuel dock) both port and starboard to
• Dock bow first at a facing pier using a spring line
• Depart a facing pier using a spring line
• Develop a docking plan including crew assignments and duties, desired dock line sequence, and due consideration for elements
• Secure vessel in a slip properly (make fast) including correct placement of fenders and use of spring lines and bow & stern lines
• Perform “Post Sail” check to secure vessel and turn off equipment properly

Prerequisite – None

Boat utilized and description – 2021 Beneteau Swift Trawler 35

Trawlers have semi-displacement hulls that contribute to their performance and are designed to cut through high seas over long distances. Trawlers prompt you to explore far off islands with a powerful, reliable, efficient engine that also saves fuel. Trawlers have an excellent cruising range and can sail for hundreds of miles. The difference between the Swift Trawler and other trawlers: The Swift Trawler is fast – up to 20 knots.

Base location – Balboa Marina, Newport Beach, CA

The boat will be docked at the Balboa Marina where our office is located.  This marina has some of the best facilities and is one of the best destinations in Southern California.

  • Ample free parking
  • Bathrooms and showers
  • Two great restaurants with full bars – SOL Mexican Cocina & Tavern House Kitchen and Bar
  • Starbucks across the street
  • Gas station and minimart across the street
  • Subway across the street

What’s included

  • AB 101 textbook “Powerboating Made Easy”
  • Insurance, and safety gear (including life jackets)
  • Fuel is included.

Call us at (949) 209-9931 with any questions or to book by phone.

There is no fee to reschedule, if at 8am on the day of your lesson the iPhone Weather app says there is a 40% or higher chance of rain during the specific hours of your lesson.
Private Courses Less than 24 hours Less than 7 days but greater than 24 hours Less than 30 days but greater than 7 days 30 days or more
Intro to Sailing
ASA 101
ASA 103
AB 101
AB 103
$250 to reschedule per day $125 to reschedule per day 100% Credit Full refund minus 3.5% credit card fee and any materials sent to student
ASA 104
ASA 106
ASA 114
AB 104
50% Credit 70% Credit 85% Credit Full refund minus 3.5% credit card fee and any materials sent to student
Rescheduling classes is subject to the fee matrix below. Credits are valid up to 1 year from the original date of booking.
Refunds are not available.

PLEASE NOTE: Group classes can’t be held without the class being full. Cancelling a group class will affect all of the people in the class. Therefore, the Cost Matrix to Reschedule a Group Class is more stringent than a Private Class. If you need more flexibility, we recommend a private class.

Group Courses Less than 7 days Less than 30 days but greater than 7 days 30 days or more
Intro to Sailing
ASA 101
ASA 103
ASA 104
ASA 106
ASA 114
AB 101
AB 103
AB 104
15% Credit 50% Credit 75% Credit