Course Descriptions

Outboard Engine Programs

OB-101-08       Outboard Systems Troubleshooting

If you frequently service and repair outboard motors, this class is designed for you. Knowledge gained by taking this class will dramatically reduce your troubleshooting time by up to 50%. The class will give you the proper foundation to implement an advanced basic systematic approach to troubleshooting fuel, ignition, and mechanical problems, no matter what brand, two or four-stroke. Discover new ways to use your test equipment to diagnose difficult problems so you can feel comfortable accepting challenging problems, rather than turn them away.
 

OB-102-08       Outboard Electronic Ignition Systems and Diagnostic Software

Stumped on how to effectively troubleshoot outboard ignition system problems? This class will help you apply the fundamental principles of electronic ignition systems so you can troubleshoot outboard two and four stroke electronic ignition systems. You will gain a better understanding of the operation of electronic ignition systems and their components, and discover new tips and techniques that will build your confidence and greatly reduce your troubleshooting time. Detailed discussions and real engine applications are presented using M.E.D.S., the diagnostic software system from CDI Electronics. Find ways to increase your productivity by learning how to quickly determine if the problem really is ignition or electrical related. All this and much more!
 

OB-103-08       Outboard Rigging and Installation

Many technicians never have had any formal training on how to properly install and rig an outboard motor on a boat. Often early in their career, they were given a motor and a boat and told to “install the motor”, no other guidance was offered. In this course you will learn how to  locate the position of single and twin outboard motors on the transom, identify transom heights, align engines for twin engine installations, and examine various types of mechanical and electronic controls and adjust cables. Electrical systems will be covered including selecting battery cable gauges, proper battery cable installation, and battery charging systems for multi-battery systems. Learn about mechanical and hydraulic steering systems. Understand how propellers really work and how to select one to meet the boater’s needs. Find out what various manufactures pre-delivery inspection requirements are. Learn how to properly adjust boat trailers, service bearings, brakes, and other trailer accessories. Identify how ABYC recommendations affect your installations.

 OB-201-08       Outboard Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Technology

This course covers basic outboard four-stroke EFI operational theory. It will cover sensors, actuators, computer controls, fuel systems, and electrical systems. If you have been apprehensive about taking in motors with EFI systems and have little or no EFI experience, this course will give you information on how outboard EFI systems operate, and how to complete initial testing and repairs of the system.

 OB-301-08       Outboard Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) Technology

This course will cover the system operation of the fuel, air, ignition, and lubrication systems of Mercury Optimax and Yamaha HPDI outboard motors. You will be able to then apply that knowledge to troubleshoot and test each system. Included in the course will be a discussion of the tools necessary to test and repair these engines. After taking this course, you will be confident to begin servicing and completing repairs to the engines. This is a fast paced course and students should already know the basic operation of the 2-stroke engine.

 OB-302-08       Outboard 4-Stroke Systems Technology

This workshop supports all 4-stroke outboard engines. Upon completion of the program the student will have a clear understanding of outboard 4-stroke systems. We will discuss the practical theory and unique 4-stroke function of each system as they relate to the engine and to each other. Systems covered include fuel systems, ignition systems, starting systems, various valve train systems, and others. Emphasis will be on finding engine failure faults, service procedures, and using test equipment.

OB-304-08     Outboard Engine Computerized Diagnostic Equipment

This course is designed to provide the service technician with the options available for diagnosing marine engine problems. This course covers the different types of equipment used in the field. From manufacturer engine software to Engine Diagnostic Computers and Code Readers, interpreting this data has been challenging to understand. Good interviewing skills, that we will discuss, will provide you with helpful troubleshooting clues. We will also discuss the latest new tool on the scene a “Lab Scope”. You will understand their role in diagnostics, and know their usage and benefits. Students can use this equipment on running engines to get some hands on experience with a variety of diagnostic tools available.

OB-E01-08       Evinrude E-TEC Outboard Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) Technology
(Elective)

In this course students will understand the theory of the fuel, oiling, and electrical systems used on Evinrude E-TEC outboard motors. Students will learn maintenance procedures and complete basic system analysis tasks. Students will use diagnostic software for retrieving trouble codes, and view the process for updating engine software and changing injectors. Students taking this class should have basic knowledge of two-stroke and direct fuel injection outboard systems. Upon completion of this class you will be able to service and complete initial troubleshooting procedures on Evinrude E-TEC outboard motors.

OB-E03-08  Mercury Verado Maintenance and Servcie
(Elective)

This course will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to start taking Mercury Verado engines into your shop for maintenance, service and troubleshooting. Items covered include engine specifications,  theory of operation,  operating ranges, engine component locations, service procedures, special tools, maintenance/service, parts manuals, troubleshooting strategies, fault codes, break-in procedures, and common failures, FSM functionality, supercharged intake system, and do's and don'ts  

Inboard I/O Engine Programs 

IO-101 -08       Inboard I/O Engine Systems Troubleshooting and Repair

This workshop is designed to improve your thinking skills so you can apply a systematic approach to inboard gasoline engine troubleshooting. By applying a systematic approach to troubleshooting, proficiency and accuracy is dramatically increased. The course will provide a sound fundamental knowledge of the engine, and the problems association with each system. Performance problems will be discussed and the class will be broken into small groups to “brainstorm” customer problems and complaints. The ‘open-forum’ style of training is unique and provides the technician with ‘real-world’ problem-solving skills.

 IO-102 -08       Sterndrive System Troubleshooting and Repair

This course covers the operation of the systems of the "Stern Drive” powered boat. This unique propulsion system is very complex and requires a full understanding to properly maintain these units. Students will learn the differences in engine systems as required by the U.S. Coast Guard and changes to these regulations. We will then concentrate on problem areas that are typically found in the field. Students will have a better understanding how to troubleshoot and repair fuel, ignition, electrical, and cooling system problems. Shifting system issues are common among this style system, and how to identify the root cause of the problem will be discussed. After the completion of this course the students should be able to provide a better quality, more profitable repair for the customer.

 IO-103 -08       Analyzing Sterndrive Engine and Component Failure

This course will address many causes of marine engine & component failures, and engine replacement (remanufactured vs. new). Other topics covered are proper maintenance, off- season storage, and proper techniques to avoid comebacks and failures. Many tips and tricks will be uncovered, along with a lot more information, even for the experienced marine technician. Engine systems to be covered are valve trains, internal engine components, fuel systems, cooling systems and ignition systems. You will be able to properly diagnose failed components and help avoid more serious failures.

 IO-201-08        Advanced Electronic Fuel Injection (MerCruiser)

This course is for the advanced technician who has had training in EFI or for the person who wants to refresh his/her skills. The course will briefly cover Mercury Marine’s EFI history with in-depth coverage of the components and their potential failures. It will cover the fuel system, ignition system, and the tools needed to check for proper operation. The MEFI (marine electronic fuel injection) and Motorola 555 systems will be covered. Also in the course, students will learn general maintenance and storage procedures. Students will work on running engines. You will complete troubleshooting tasks using the proper testing equipment. Students will learn the proper processes to effectively diagnose EFI running problems.

 IO-301-08        Inboard Transmissions

In this course you will finally understand how a Velvet drive transmission works! Students will be taught the principles of operation, then disassemble, inspect, assemble, and test a transmission. Understand the process of engine/propeller shaft alignment and its importance in assuring shaft system component life and eliminating bothersome boat vibrations. Stop sending out these transmissions for repair and keep the profits for your shop. It takes about 3-hours to bench rebuild a transmission, with a cost of less than $200 in parts, compared to a rebuilt transmission at a cost of about $1,250 and a $350 core charge. Make over $1,000 of profit in three hours! Do it yourself and have a quicker turn- around time, and be confident the job is done right.

 OB-303-08       Alpha, Bravo Systems and Servicing

This course is designed to give the technician a working foundation of MerCruiser out-drives and their related systems. The technician will be provided with Alpha, Bravo (1,2,3) and Vazer general service information such as gear ratios, lubricant charts, rotations, etc. The course will cover drive unit history for both Alpha and Bravo units. The main concentration of the course will be on servicing, troubleshooting and installation of out-drives. Students will be in the classroom in the morning and then in the shop tearing down and reassembling out-drives in the afternoon. A brief amount of time will be spent on the inspection of the transom plate also. After completing this course, a technician should have a good foundation to service, inspect, and install the Alpha and Bravo drive units.

 OB-304-08     Inboard Engine Coputerized Diagnostic Equipment

This course is designed to provide the service technician with the options available for diagnosing marine engine problems. This course covers the different types of equipment used in the field. From manufacturer engine software to Engine Diagnostic Computers and Code Readers, interpreting this data has been challenging to understand. Good interviewing skills, that we will discuss, will provide you with helpful troubleshooting clues. We will also discuss the latest new tool on the scene a “Lab Scope”. You will understand their role in diagnostics, and know their usage and benefits. Students can use this equipment on running engines to get some hands on experience with a variety of diagnostic tools available.

OB-401-08    Analyzing Sterndrive Engine and Component Failures

This course will address many causes of marine engine & component failures, and engine replacement (remanufactured vs. new). Other topics covered are proper maintenance, off- season storage, and proper techniques to avoid comebacks and failures. Many tips and tricks will be uncovered, along with a lot more information, even for the experienced marine technician. Engine systems to be covered are valve trains, internal engine components, fuel systems, cooling systems and ignition systems. You will be able to properly diagnose failed components and help avoid more serious failures.

Technical Skill Set Programs

SS-101-08         Principals of Troubleshooting (Prerequisite Course)

Learn about the theory of troubleshooting in this course. These skills will be applicable to all types of troubleshooting with special emphasis on the marine engine and electrical systems (including the new CanBus technology). By following these steps to troubleshooting you will decrease time spent finding engine/boat problems and increase your accuracy of finding the real cause. As a result, you will reduce your customer’s repair cost and increase his satisfaction. The material is of general nature and will apply to troubleshooting of marine engine systems, including: Outboard, Inboard, Stern drive, and Diesel.

 SS-102-08         Electrical Systems: Troubleshooting and Theory (Prerequisite Course)

Finally, understand how electricity works! This course provides students with the proper fundamental knowledge and theory of electricity and how it interfaces with marine systems. Topics to be covered are: basic DC electricity theory; ohm’s law; magnetism; wire sizing; parallel and series circuits; batteries, basic wiring, switching devices, isolators, battery combiners; advanced battery systems; typical 20-foot boat wiring layout, and troubleshooting. ABYC specifications are used throughout the course.

 SS-103-08         CanBus Systems Technology (Prerequisite Course)

Today’s hottest technology for both engine and boat system control is CanBus technology. CanBus is the new central nervous system (communication network) for modern marine systems and is used by virtually all engine manufacturers and most production boat builders. This technology allows the operator to observe and control the propulsion system, electronic navigation, and other systems such as fuel and water tanks. As complex as it sounds, the built-in diagnostics simplify the use and diagnostics of the CanBus system. This course will explain the architecture of the CanBus, how it works and the various versions used today. Not all CanBus systems are the same nor compatible, so we will describe the major engine manufacturer’s systems as well as component suppliers and compatibility. We will provide hands-on experience with a simplified CanBus system, allowing you to construct, use, and diagnose faults.

 SS-201-08         Computers and Introduction to Engine Diagnostics

The workshop will review basic EFI controls and functions. Engine analyzers will be discussed and demonstrated so students will understand their function and how they can be used to improve diagnostics. The course will cover the manufacturer-specific diagnostic software that is being used in the industry. Troubleshooting tips will also be discussed, as well as computer operation for marine applications.

 SS-E01             AC Power Generators for Pleasure Craft
(Elective)

If you service and repair shore power and AC generators on boats, you should attend this workshop. This course is designed for any sized boat that uses AC systems. Understand how boat AC systems differ from those found in our homes. Learn how shore power and AC generators safely distribute the power through a boat.
Part 1: (4-hours) the first part of this workshop covers how the AC is produced in a generator, and what to do and check if the generator is not producing electricity.

Part 2: (4-hours) the second part of the workshop will cover the boat distribution systems, with main emphases on the differences between land based and on the water applications. Learn not only the differences between the two systems, but also be able to troubleshoot and perform proper repairs.

SS-E02-08        EFI Sensors; function and testing
(Elective)

The class is designed to provide information on the sensors used on both inboard and outboard marine EFI engines. It will cover the different types, identification, location, function, and testing. Also included will be some troubleshooting tips and tricks.
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Diesel Engine Program

 DS-E01-08       Diesel Engine Troubleshooting and Repair
(Elective)

After taking this course you will understand the basic operating principals of a marine diesel engine in regards to Styer diesel engines. Discover basic diesel technology, design, fuel systems, mechanical settings, timing, injector replacement, general service, as well as diesel diagnostics and troubleshooting techniques. The fuel injector system, which is the heart of the diesel engine, will be covered and you will learn how to bleed fuel systems, diagnose problems and maintain the fuel and fuel filter systems. The course will also show how diesel troubleshooting differs from the marine gasoline engine. Diesel intake air and exhaust system back-pressure needs are covered also. The course will also cover electronic engine controls and ‘common-rail’ fuel injection technology.  

Personal Watercraft Programs

 PW-E01-08      Personal Watercraft Maintenance and Repair (non-EFI engines)
(Elective)

This program you will learn model identification and all the various systems on watercraft two and four strokes. Once we establish the basics we will learn troubleshooting on the most common failures. The following systems will be covered during the workshop: propulsion, electrical (starting; ignition; charging), cooling system, exhaust system, fuel system two and four-strokes. Theory of electricity and application to the electrical systems will be a major focus. The instructor will also go over troubleshooting techniques so you will be able to quickly identify the system’s failure mode. After attending this course you will feel more confident tackling these systems, and you will be able to repair most any PWC on the market today. The last 4 hours will focus on hands on troubleshooting.

 PW-E02-08      Personal Watercraft Maintenance and Repair (EFI engines)
(Elective)

This course will cover basic EFI and DFI systems that are unique to PWC’s. This course is for the advanced technician who has had training on the basics or for the person who wants to refresh his/her skills

This course will cover the basic operation of the fuel, air, ignition, and lubrication systems of PWC motors. You will be able to then apply that knowledge to troubleshoot and test each system. Included in the course will be a discussion of the tools necessary to test and repair these engines. A major emphasis will be focused on electrical systems. You will learn all identification of sensors, location, and testing techniques static and dynamic. Performance modifications, turbochargers, and dynamic testing in test tanks will also be covered after taking this course, you will be confident to begin servicing and completing basic repairs to the engines. Half the day (4 hours) will be focused on hands on troubleshooting on popular models. We will demo several computer diagnostic systems available to the dealers. Servicing and repair of Watercraft are money makers for your shop.

Management Training Programs

MT-E01-08      Management Skills for Marine Businesses
(Elective)

This course stresses the importance of customer service and employee relations. It provides the student with sound management skills that are necessary to effectively operate any business successfully. The instructor will use his personal experience in operating a marine dealership in order to put these management skills in action. The course will cover shop budgeting, flat rates, service writing, inventory control, labor rates, time management and more. The student will learn efficient ways of operating a profitable marine business. This course is geared toward the general manager, sales manager, service manger, customer service manager, department-heads, owner –operators, and anyone that deals directly with the consumer. This 2-part workshop teaches you the importance of proper management skills and how to use them in a marine business.

Course # 9A Part 1: Learn why customer and employee relations are the key to your business's success. The program also shows you how to deal with difficult customers and how to feel comfortable in any selling situation regardless of experience. This portion of the workshop will show you how to be successful in any type of business

Course # 9B Part 2   Learn how to successfully run a marine business. The following will be covered; shop budgeting; flat rates; service writing; inventory control; time management; shop equipment; training; labor rates and more.

 MT-E02-08      Computer training; basic skills and advanced marina management
(Elective)

This program is for technicians who want to learn the basics of computer and internet operation. The instructor will show the student the most popular software programs such as Microsoft Office, which includes Word, Excel, and Outlook. The course will also cover marine and marina operation software applications and needs.

 MT-E03-08      Service Management
(Elective)

This highly interactive workshop will provide you with the tools you need to turn the service department into both a profit center and a driver of customer satisfaction. During the workshop, you will learn what makes customers loyal, the importance of service absorption, process mapping and management from scheduling to delivery, conflict resolution, service communication keys, and best practices to take any service shop to the next level.