BoatHowTo Reviews 

Informative

It's easy to understand, short modules that don't intimidate if you're inexperienced, but explains enough that I'd recommend for people with more experience as well

Simple to access the training, clear instructions and useful videos

I'm midway through my second BoatHowTo course, the basic marine electronics course, and I'm really glad I signed up for it. As with the marine diesel engine course, it's very thorough and very clear, covering a lot of material in depth. I absolutely recommend it.

If you're serious about understanding how your boats electrical system works, how it should be designed, and how to maintain it, then this is an excellent course for you! I really appreciated how engaging Jan is as an instructor and how well presented the materials are.

Most of what you have covered so far, I already knew. The few things I did not know however have made the course worthwhile.

a) I didn't fully appreciate the details in the ABYC/ISO wire size tables.

b) I didn't realize that "doubling" a cable run was acceptable so long as either cable can carry the load (this may not have come from the course)

c) I've been an Extra Class ham for ~40years and I've only worried about Ampacity and never paid much attention to voltage drop (though, as a shade-tree auto mechanic, voltage drop is something I often "check" though I never design for). I'm currently re-wiring (installing solar) in my 18yo 34ft RV.. which lead me to watch your videos and subsequently take this course.

d) I never much though about the stainless-steel resistance issue. I'm quite confident I'm guilty of this error too. Thanks

e) I wish the United States would adopt the ISO rules (and wire sizes) but at 70yo myself, I won't hold my breath. I remember when we "tried" this for weights&measures back in the 80s or when ever.

f) I did enjoy learning why the US uses "gauge size" and higher numbers == smaller wires. Not unlike shotgun gauges.

g) Jan is enjoyable. (Same for Nigel)

The course is very informative. I am learning lot. My boat is a 1989 Gozzard. I knew that it needed some upgrades to the electrical system. I now have greater clarity on how to improve it.

The content is very well structured. I admit I watch the videos at 1.25x most of the time, but then I've also gone back and re-watched (and re-read) one of the deeper sections, and I sort of think I might end up doing another pass through the whole thing again. I've always known that DC power on a boat is not difficult, per se, and this course is proving it (not that there are any shortcuts to doing things right, but if you want to do things right this course demonstrates how anybody with a bit of dedication and patience can do so.)

Excelent content. Good value for money

Great information on engines and all electrical! Definitely recommend. Save yourself some $ and get the courses! Qualified labour isn’t cheap and it’s better to be more self sufficient

I feel a close kinship to this company. I am thrilled that they are doing such a great and valuable job of educating sailors on this key subject. I am always concerned that my sailboat engine won't start when I need it to and WALLOP, I get mowed down by something big.

I am in the process of taking this coarse and the source information is very well organized and presented

This is a complicated and technical course and it is exactly what I wanted. It is very well presented and explained. I’m very happy and feel I’m getting my money’s worth. I may have to go over the material several times for it to really sink in.

Jan is really good at explaining things. The class has a lot of things that boaters don't think about. Both my boats are from the 80s and have a lot of do it yourself for previous owners, and its a mess.
The class is helping

Easy to access the training, clear instructions and helpful videos

Nigel and Jan do a great job. It is comprehensive and easy to understand. I liked it

The course is very informative and well laid out. I am learning a great deal of information that I am already putting to use.

Easy to follow and explains the basics in detail and don’t rush over this. Without the basic knowledge the rest would become meaningless. Good work
Thank you

There was so much useful information that I can take to my own boat. It was helpful to know what I should be able to tackle myself and what I should leave for the professional. A chapter or two seemed to get bogged down in minute details that didn't seem necessary.

Such a well put together course. The animations, examples and explanation are market leading.