SailNashville RPBA Stern Drive/Outboard Course
Tennessee's Only Hands-On Powerboat Certification Course

SailNashville is an approved affiliate school of the Recreational Power Boating Association. SailNashville offers the only hands-on powerboat certification course in Tennessee.

Boat Safer. Boat Smarter.

Course Offering:  RPBA 1103 Stern Drive/Outboard
Length: Two-day course
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(lecture portion of the class may be conducted by Zoom during portions of the year over a 2 - 3 day period)
Class Size:  Limit of three students per class
Offered March through November, weather permitting
Class Schedule:  Tuesday - Wednesday each week
Cost (2-day course):  $995.00 per student, includes textbook, certification fees, and boat usage
Instruction Boat:  17' Zodiac Pro Cruise 550 DP, 90hp Mercury
Teaching Location:  Hamilton Creek Marina, Percy Priest Lake

Topics to be Covered in RPBA 1103

Boat Handling Fundamentals and Control

Key elements affecting boat handling and control

• Hull type and shape
• Load and weight distribution
• Type of propulsion system
• Wind and current

Propulsion Systems

• I/O
• Outboards
• Jet Drive
• Single and twin configurations

DIrect Thrust Characteristics

• I/O
• Outboards
• Jet Drive

Propellers

• Pitch
• Diameter
• Rotation

Prop Walk

Basic/Intermediate Maneuvers in Close Quarters

Advanced Skills for Tight Spaces

• Spring line, using pilings and docks

Vessel Control "Inputs"

• Shifters/gears
• Throttles
• Helm/Wheel
• Neutral

Steering Dynamics

• Pivot Point
• Steering with Directed Thrust
• Reverse Gear-Bow Swing
• Stopping
• Spring Lines

Safety Equipment Required