Marine Systems Training


Let's roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty, and have some good old fashioned fun messin' around in boats!

We are limiting the classes to 8 people per day, so Sign Up Now!

  • An all day, hands-on diesel engine class where you'll learn the basics of diesel mechanics, maintenance, and repair. 

    This class is for you if you have always wondered what all those weird thingamabobs are in your engine and were afraid to ask or touch...

    ...or if you've ever wondered, what would I do if my engine quits while I'm out on the water...

    ...or if you've always said to yourself, it can't be rocket science, why am I paying the yard to change my oil and fuel filters...

    ...or if you just want to impress your friends and family that you know what an injector, lift pump, and impeller is...

    ...and finally, if you've been just dying to get your fingernails dirty with some good ol' fashion engine oil!

    You will walk away comfortable and confident that you know what you're doing when you open up the engine compartment. 

    Here are the details:

    When: May 23 or May 24th, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with an hour for lunch(bring your own)
    Where: 25 Main St, Bowdoinham (only 35 min from Portland)
    Cost: $145 per day

    We are running the same curriculum each day, so pick one or come back for both to reinforce your learning. 

  • Get comfortable with your boat’s DC electrical system before the season starts next year!
    Sailing Ships Maine is hosting an all-day, hands-on marine electrical class led by ABYC Master Technician Alex Weiss. This workshop is designed for community boaters who want to better understand, troubleshoot, and safely work on their 12-volt systems.

    If your boat’s wiring looks like a plate of spaghetti… if you’re nervous about installing new gear… or if you suspect you’ve got electrical gremlins hiding onboard—this class is for you.

    Participants will learn:

    • The fundamentals of 12V marine electrical systems

    • How to safely test, troubleshoot, and diagnose common issues

    • Best practices for installing new equipment and wiring

    • Tips for preventing failures (and fires!) before they happen

    You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to take on your own electrical projects, keep your systems safe, and make smart decisions about upgrades.

    When: March 8, 2026 - SOLD OUT (stay tuned for future dates)
    Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm with an hour for lunch (bring your own)
    Where: 25 Main St, Bowdoinham, ME (only 35 min from Portland)
    Cost: $145

  • Stay tuned for future offerings.

Sailing Ships Maine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law (EIN 47-3101784).

Sailing Ships Maine creates life-changing opportunities for teens of all abilities and income levels so that they may discover the ocean environment and expand leadership skills while being encouraged to consider further maritime training.  Through public events, we support the marine economy, provide access to the ocean and traditional sailing ships and preserve our maritime heritage.