American Boating 103, Intermediate Powerboating

One 3-hour evening cruise and one 6-hour coastal cruise to Dana Point 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.

Group Course: $820 per student.

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Private Course

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

Private Course 1 Student: $2190 total.

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Private Course 2 Students: $2290 total.

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Private Course 3 Students: $2390 total.

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Information about the course:

Sunset Cruise and Dana Point Coastal Cruise Clinic Overview

Day 1: Cruising at sunset can be one of the most enjoyable times to be on your boat. A beautiful orange and red sunset is just the start of the magic. As the stars come out on a cloudless night, they seem so much brighter. However, if you are outside the harbor and down the coast at sunset, it is going to be dark while you are cruising back to your slip. Docking your boat at night is much more difficult than during the day. This course will prepare you to drive your boat safely at night. It will also give you the confidence to dock at night. This course will start approximately an hour before sunset and end at night. There may or may not be a full moon to help guide you. It is much darker on the water during a new moon cycle. We’ll teach you the best ways to naturally have your eyes adjust to the darkness.

Day 2: 6-hour AB 103 training transforms theory into practice aboard the Swift Trawler 35 during a critical round-trip coastal cruise down to Dana Point. This hands-on session focuses on mastering the Intermediate Powerboating curriculum, emphasizing the advanced boat handling techniques required for a 35-foot vessel, including precise close-quarters maneuvering using the bow thruster. The cruise serves as a practical test for coastal navigation—requiring accurate chartplotter management and application of the Rules of the Road in open water. Additionally, you will perform engine and systems management checks and execute essential emergency procedures like man-overboard drills and anchoring, ensuring you gain all the practical competence needed to complete the AB 103 certification requirements within this compressed timeframe.

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

Full List of Topics – AB 103: Day & Night Coastal Cruise to Dana Point

I. Day Cruising & Foundational AB 103 Skills (Outbound Leg)

This section covers the core intermediate skills practiced during the sunny, outbound leg of the cruise toward Dana Point.

Coastal Navigation & Planning:
- Pre-departure planning (weather, tides, and route).
- Executing the safe passage using the chartplotter and traditional nautical charts.
- Application of the Rules of the Road and safe passing procedures with coastal traffic.
Vessel Systems & Safety Briefing:
- Pre-departure and post-sail vessel checks (engine, systems).
- Pre-departure passenger safety briefing and crew communication.
- Correct use of the VHF Radio for routine and bridge communication.
Engine & Fuel Management:
- Fundamentals of Engine Operations and monitoring.
- Electrical & Fuel Systems checks and power conservation.

II. Night Operations & Advanced Handling (Inbound Leg)

The return leg after sunset focuses on the critical, complex skills required to safely operate the Swift Trawler 35 in the dark.

Night Vision & Lighting:
- Techniques for achieving the best possible night vision.
- Understanding the appropriate use of red lights and why not to use flashlights carelessly.
- Reading and interpreting the navigation lights on other vessels to determine their course (stand-on/give-way).
Electronic Navigation in the Dark:
- How to use and adjust the electronic navigation equipment, including Radar and AIS.
- Adjusting the Raymarine chartplotter screen settings to preserve night vision.
Aids to Navigation (ATON) & Judgment:
- Using the charts to identify navigation marks which have light characteristics.
- Practicing judging distances at night and confirming them with the chartplotter.
- Identifying Cans and Nuns and applying “Red Right Return.”
- Watching out for hazards like lobster traps and small, unlit buoys.
Man Overboard (MOB) & Safety:
- Practicing Man Overboard at night drills—a significantly more difficult procedure.
- Discussing night watch schedules and crew assignments for less experienced members.
- Reviewing enhanced safety at night: life jackets, tethers, and jacklines.

III. Close-Quarters Handling (Harbor Entry/Departure)

These critical handling skills will be practiced during both the day departure and the challenging night arrival.

Departure Plan: Develop and execute a vessel departure plan with consideration for elements (wind, current).
Close-Quarters Control (Day/Night):
- Demonstrate two methods for centering the helm/wheel.
- Pivot/turn the vessel 360 degrees in tight quarters.
- Back down a narrow channel in a straight line.
Advanced Docking (Day/Night):
- Develop a docking plan with crew duties.
- Dock bow first in a protected slip (touch and no-touch).
- Secure the vessel properly using spring lines, bow, and stern lines, and fender placement.
- Performing the “Post Sail” check to secure the vessel and turn off equipment properly.

Prerequisite – AB 101, Beginner Powerboating

Boat utilized and description – 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