Power Cruising with Offshore's Powerboat School

Power Cruise School: Learn to handle a power catamaran with finesse

Fast Track to Power Cruising^® gives you what you need to know to handle power catamarans or any powerboat like a pro

It’s not uncommon to feel that commanding a big power boat requires little more than the ability to turn a key.  “What’s to learn?” some people ask, thinking they’ll just have the person they bought it from, or the renter, show them a few tricks and off they’ll go Power Cruising.

It isn’t that simple. There are Rules of the Road to follow when boats approach each other, one is overtaking the other, or you find yourself in a crossing situation. There is special power boating etiquette that good boaters follow in respect for one another on the water. And there's always safety aboard to consider.

It’s generally not a “guy” thing to go to school to learn to handle a powerboat at a powerboat school. But it’s very satisfying to see loved ones and friends in a power boat class learn to love the passion you might already have for your boat and being out on the water. That’s the beauty of learning together, building trust in each other’s abilities without raised voices that come with uncertainty aboard. 

Those you bring with you will share in every aspect of the learning experience – taking command and absorbing everything there is to do and know in case you become incapacitated in some way. And you’ll learn what makes boating so much fun – knowing you’ve mastered safe boating practices.

“The power cruising program was great! Most importantly was the confidence the course and instructor instilled throughout my participation. I’d recommend the program to anyone who questions their own skill sets.”
Dave MacDonald - Kingston, Ontario

A productive learning vacation with Offshore's Powerboat School

Navigation underway

At our Powerboat School, we'll teach you navigation skills for powering in channels, between points of land, in current and tides, and crowded waterways. Even though there are plenty of electronic aids aboard to give you what you need to know with a push of a few buttons – will you know where you are if you need help and your electrical system isn’t working at all?

Overboard recovery

What would you do, if one of your crew or family suddenly fell off the boat and you had to return quickly, maneuver alongside and pick them up? In this comprehensive Fast Track power boat class you’ll learn how to safely and quickly pick that person up.

Routine maintenance

You'll learn about and practice routine engine maintenance and how to operate all  electronics and machinery aboard.

Docking and anchoring

You’ll learn how to go to and from a dock in style with a smile; quietly indicating commands to your crew for maneuvers you’re about to make, and in return see them respond quickly and efficiently, with finesse. During our power boat class, you'll also learn how to safely anchor where there are no docks and avoid getting into trouble if the wind pipes up and your anchor doesn't hold.

Maneuvering in close quarters and wind

You’ll learn how to maneuver and secure your boat properly in a variety of wind and current conditions – common variables that can make docking quite embarrassing if you don’t have a clue and haven’t practiced the proper techniques.

What knots to use when

You’ll learn the appropriate knots and hitches, how to properly cleat when securing your boat to a dock, or fastening down items on deck.

Certified professional instructors

Offshore instructors are selected for their high level of knowledge, experience in boat handling and strong teaching and communication skills. Dedicated to your success, our US POWERBOAT Certified instructors give you the knowledge and techniques to master everything you need to know to start chartering or powering on your own boat. You’ll go home with US POWER BOATING Level 1 & 2 Certifications and the confidence to handle big boats like a pro on your next power yachting vacation.

Your ticket to great power boating vacations

You and your crewmates will discover absolute confidence in your boat handling skills and seamanship knowledge aboard with Offshore’s Fast Track to Power Cruising course. Best of all – you’ll do all this on a fantastic boating vacation in the glorious British Virgin Islands; powering a 47 foot power cat from island to island, anchoring or docking each night. After taking our power boat class, the next step takes you vacationing in fabulous cruising grounds all over the world, in command of a Moorings power cat on your own.

The Moorings 474 Power Cat

Flagship yacht of the Fast Track to Power Cruising Course

These new power catamarans were designed in collaboration with The Moorings, Morrelli & Melvin Design and South African builder Robertson and Caine.You’ll move about easily in three spacious levels with some very striking features. A huge fly bridge with steering station provides superb views over the water and comfortable seating for up to eight, plus, additional open space ideal for sunning. The main deck of these power catamarans boasts a spacious salon and galley area aft, and a pilothouse with inside steering and integrated seating forward. Large double cabins are located on the lower deck.

The Moorings Power 474 is ideal for Moorings Power Yacht Vacations and cruises comfortably with its powerful twin Cummins engines. With its fuel capacity of 317 gallons, you’ll see more destinations in a shorter cruising time.

Click here to get a quote on your power catamaran learning vacation.

Call 888-454-7015 to talk to a friendly advisor today!