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.