Built for Cruising
Get on the Water and Behind the Helm
Starting a new learning journey often involves seeking experienced guidance to effectively undertake the new venture. While academic knowledge and grasping the specifics and discipline of a new interest or field is important, it only represents a fraction of the overall learning process. Practical training and real-world experience are crucial in truly mastering an activity when put into practice. Learning to operate and navigate a watercraft safely and efficiently is like learning how to pilot an aircraft; both require extensive hands-on practice to hone and sharpen your abilities. Our Trawler School is designed to equip you with the necessary skills, experience, confidence, and certification. Bringing these elements together is the ultimate teacher.
US Powerboating™ – The Certification Series
Trawlers Great Lakes is certified as a Cruising Powerboat course provider for US Powerboating™. Since 2018, we have specialized in trawler focused training, education and on-water courses. Our Nordic Tug 32’s are the platform for all our trawler school classes. We’ve tailored the Basic Powerboat Cruising (BPC), Inshore Powerboat Cruising (IPC), and Night Operations Endorsement emphasizing trawler handling, piloting, maintenance, design, and ownership management. Our classes are small, personal and focused on delivering the best possible experience.
Basic Powerboat Cruising – BPC
BPC is a two day on-the-water training and classroom training course to learn how to safely operate a single engine trawler and begin to develop and hone their boat handling skills. The US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved this course and an increasing number of states have recognized it as meeting their requirements for a state boating safety education certificate. These national and state approvals call for the course to include a total of six to eight hours of classroom sessions covering required education topics. US Coast Guard & NASBLA Approved. BPC course topics will include a mix of on water and classroom settings. BPC course is a well-rounded experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, essential for safe and enjoyable boating.
Inshore Powerboat Cruising – IPC
The Inshore Powerboat Cruising (IPC) course offers an excellent opportunity to deepen knowledge and enhance skills beyond the foundational BPC level. As a continuation of the certification series, IPC focuses on more advanced techniques and detailed instruction, making it ideal for individuals who have already completed or combining with Basic Powerboat Cruising.
Night Operations Endorsement – NOE
The Night Operations Endorsement is an essential certification for those with a desire to experience being underway at night is all about. Everything changes. Focus and being “on point” is crucial.
NOE course will include one evening underway departing before sunset and returning after sunset
Trawler ACE – After Class Experience
ACE1 – a person who excels at a particular sport or activity
Being book smart and understanding the details and discipline of a new activity or field is a small part of the overall goal. Practical hands on training and experience contributes immensely to learning when applied in a real environment. The Trawler ACE was created to give our trawler school graduates a “post class option” to experience the joy and freedom of having the Nordic Tug 32 on your own. The essence of what boating and cruising are all about. The boat is yours for three days after successful completion of the BPC, IPC and NOE course tests and on-water skills. Your course instructor’s approval of your capabilities will also be a requirement. It is an excellent way to step into the cruising lifestyle and find out if this thing called boating is in your future. In the protected waters of West Grand Traverse Bay, easy day trips to Suttons Bay or Northport marinas are excellent forays to unfamiliar yet easily navigable destinations. Overnight anchorages are excellent ways to further your anchoring skills and watch protocol. Power Island, Old Mission Harbor, Omena and Bowers Harbor are perfect holding grounds and protected depending on the weather . Obtaining a private pilot’s license or scuba diving are examples of setting out on your own to apply what you have learned. Nothing develops confidence and a feeling of accomplishment than executing a newly learned skill under your own guidance and direction.
Our trawler school and Trawler ACE are the ideal ways to accomplish your goals.
coming soon!
Nav – 1
Big changes on the horizon! The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center has announced the modernization of many of their products: going digital! The transition from paper charts is underway. The future of navigation supports enhanced maritime safety, improved accessibility, and increased efficiency.
2025 Trawler School Dates
Trawler school classes are booking for 2025. Soft reservations are being taken through the fall. If a class date is not available for your preferred dates, please contact us to arrange a class that fits your schedule.
Vital Signs – Nordic Tug 32
BPC / IPC Combo – NOE and ACE Available
Vital Signs – Nordic Tug 32
BPC / IPC Combo – NOE and ACE Available
Vital Signs – Nordic Tug 32
BPC / IPC Combo – NOE and ACE Available
Vital Signs – Nordic Tug 32
BPC / IPC Combo – NOE and ACE Available
Vital Signs – Nordic Tug 32
BPC / IPC Combo – NOE and ACE Available
Vital Signs – Nordic Tug 32
BPC / IPC Combo – NOE and ACE Available
f.a.q.
Trawler School Questions
Let us know if you don’t see yours here – Call us at 231-941-5884 or fire off an email.
Just two. These are private classes. The benefit is focused attention from the instructor, less distractions and more time to learn. We do not put multiple people on a boat that you don’t know.
All classes are aboard a Nordic Tug 32. A second 32 has been added for the 2024 season. The vessel is owned and maintained by Trawlers Great Lakes. An extensive refit was performed on the vessel prior to being used for the Trawler School and ACE.
The entirety of the classes will be balanced between the Nordic Tug 32 for on-water skills development and the classroom for visual aids and testing. West Grand Traverse Bay will serve as your training grounds. After the class has ended for the day, the CenterPointe Marina complex is a great place to unwind and relax. You will also find a boaters lounge, laundry facility, showers and lavatory and a few restaurants in the marina basin.
Yes and it’s a valuable and important part of the experience. Living aboard gives you first hand exposure to marina life and benefits of the boating community and camaraderie. Co-existing and managing onboard responsibilities will give you further glimpse of what cruising is about.
Most everything you need to get started on the right course. There are no additional fees for anything class related. Sales tax will be reflected on your Trawler School invoice. Gratuity is not included. We provide bedding and linens, sundry items, galley convenience items and a lot of trawler knowledge. Provisioning is left up to you. We have numerous grocery stores and restaurants in the near vicinity to meet most every need.
Less is more and recall those vacations and jaunts where you used far less than what you brought! Being prepared is good but over geared when you have to carry it around is not. If you’re driving to us you can leave gear in your car, but if your flying into Traverse City it’s wise to pack light. We’ve put together a list of items and other recommendations during your visit to help with those questions. You can always call or email us if you’re not sure.
Class pricing is for up to two students. Pricing for the Night Operations Endorsement is for up to two people also.
The After Class Experience is an excellent way to apply the knowledge you’ve gained and the skills you’ve learned during your preparation and training. Developing confidence outside your comfort zone is key when elevating a skill set. Spending four days learning, practicing, testing and receiving certification only to return home and forget what was learned is not building confidence. The Trawler ACE is your “solo flight”. No instructor onboard. Just the two of you applying what’s been learned to safely and competently pilot the vessel by yourselves. We have confidence and a track record our program will take you to the next level. In order to execute the Trawler ACE, you both must pass the on-water skills and drills, certification testing and receive the sign off of the Instructor. Trawler ACE is not required to receive your US Powerboating certification.
On ACE, you’ll have an opportunity to explore our local cruising grounds and tie up in a new-to-you marina for the night, making your own reservation. Choose from Suttons Bay, Northport, Elk Rapids, and Downtown Traverse City. Interested in anchoring? Incorporate some time to have lunch “on the hook”!
Yes. Whatever the reason that you have not been cleared for Bareboat Charter: we have some resources that may be able to continue the development of your boat handling skills in a Pilot Charter setting with the opportunity to add continued instruction. The option to add a captain to the ACE portion of your reservation is subject to captain availability. Additional fees shall apply. It is a great way to maximize your time onboard and continue to progress your skill set in a more relaxed atmosphere. Learn at your own pace!
2018 was the first year as a trial basis. 2019 was the first full year with graduates.
US Powerboating is the affiliate organization of US Sailing, which is the governing body for sailing in the United States. They’ve had an established certified sailing program with hundreds of learn to sail centers across the U.S. for over 30 years. We chose to become certified and offer US Powerboating certification due to their established presence and dedication to align and promote the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division to increase safe and responsible use of the waterways we all enjoy. Learn more about US Powerboating.
Even if a trawler is not on your radar, the practical side of the trawler school experience can be applied to any vessel you have an interest in. Navigation, rules of the road, night operation and close quarters maneuvering are many of the skills and experiences you will need regardless of the type of vessel taught on or owned. These skills apply broadly and used in many situations while cruising. Just the live aboard experience alone will give you a definitive conclusion if just being on a boat is for you.
Nordic Tug 32 “Vital Signs”
BPC / IPC Combo
Basic and Inshore Powerboat Cruising
$5900
NOE
Night Operations Endorsement
$495
Trawler ACE
After Class
Experience
$1795
Nordic Tug 32 “Red Griffon II”
BPC / IPC Combo
Basic and Inshore Powerboat Cruising
$5900
NOE
Night Operations Endorsement
$495
Trawler ACE
After Class Experience
$1795
How to Book
Our booking and reservation is traditional. Person to person. Knowing what you expect from us is important. Ensuring your questions are answered and your goals will be met.
Call first. Then book.
231-941-5884
Booking
If you have decided to book and a class date is available, fill out the trawler school reservation form below. You will receive an auto reply and we’ll get a notice out to you confirming your chosen date is available.
Reservations
A reservation deposit of 50% is required to confirm your class dates. Reservations inside 30 days of class commencement require the full balance.
Forms of Payment
We do not take credit cards. Checks and ACH transfers are the preferred method of payment.
Confirmation
Your class will be confirmed when your deposit is received. Confirmation documents, class binder, and textbook will be sent to you.
Balance
The balance of your course tuition is due 30 days prior to your class commencement.
Cancellations
Life’s unpredictable circumstances do occur. We understand some things just cant be anticipated. Our cancellation policy is reasonable with flexibility. Read More for details.
Trawler School Registration
Please complete the TS Registration form in its entirety so we have all the prelim info to get you started.
"*" indicates required fields
Testimonials
My wife and I attended the Trawler school in August planning for a boat purchase and the great loop. We had no boat experience above our pontoon and hourly rentals of small boats. On the first day we were moving a 32 Ft. Nordic Tug in close quarters in multiple marinas. Capt. Mike was a great teacher in the classroom, on the water, and on the boat. Jay also was great showing us the mechanical features, maintenance and overview of several Tugs. All around class operation run by Jay and his team. Would recommend it to anyone looking to learn or to improve their skills.”
Mark H.
Trawler School offering a US Powerboating Certification standard is a valuable experience accommodating students with different levels of experience and skills. Interweave of classroom and on-the-water hands-on practical learning is highly effective. The environment efficiently consolidates Center Pointe Marina facilities and Nordic Tug trawler operation on adjacent Grand Traverse Bay for maximum learning. Jay who facilitates the course and Mike who is an instructor, June 4 class, effectively communicate essential power boat knowledge and trawler handling skills. I highly recommend Bay Breeze Yacht Sales offered Trawler School for an individual or team who want to attain or improve trawler handling while obtaining a recognized powerboat certification.” [Jeff B class graduation 4 June 2019]
Jeff B.
We attended Jay’s Trawler School and followed with an ACE charter. I highly recommend the school and the charter to begin power boating with confidence. The entire experience was educational and enjoyable. As a bonus Jay is well-connected in the boating industry and is generous with his knowledge and insights.”