A cruising sailboat may carry you across open water, but the dinghy is often what connects your cruising adventure to everything ashore.

ASA 116 Dinghy and Outboard Endorsement provides the practical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to safely use a dinghy and outboard motor. You’ll learn how to prepare the dinghy, safely transfer people and equipment, operate the outboard, maneuver in confined areas and secure the dinghy when you reach your destination.

The course also covers basic care, maintenance and troubleshooting so you are better prepared to prevent common problems and respond when the outboard does not operate as expected.

By the end of the course, you’ll be more comfortable using a dinghy as part of day sailing, cruising, anchoring and living aboard.

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify common types of dinghies and their components
• Understand capacity, loading and weight-distribution considerations
• Select and use appropriate safety equipment
• Board and exit a dinghy safely
• Transfer passengers, provisions and equipment
• Launch, retrieve, secure and store a dinghy
• Prepare an outboard motor for operation
• Complete pre-start safety and equipment checks
• Understand fuel-system operation and safe fuel handling
• Start, stop, shift and steer using an outboard motor
• Control speed and maneuver at close quarters
• Approach and depart from a dock or larger vessel
• Secure the dinghy using appropriate lines and knots
• Select an appropriate location and anchor the dinghy
• Tow a dinghy safely when appropriate
• Row or paddle the dinghy if the outboard is unavailable
• Recognize common outboard problems and complete basic troubleshooting
• Perform basic outboard care and maintenance
• Respond to emergencies, including a person overboard or disabled engine
• Protect the dinghy, outboard and surrounding environment during operation

The exact sequence of practical exercises may be adjusted based on weather and water conditions.

Prerequisites

Students must hold:

ASA 101 Keelboat Sailing 1

Previous experience operating a dinghy or outboard motor is not required.

What’s Included

Course tuition includes:

• Instructor-led ASA 116 Dinghy and Outboard instruction
• Classroom and hands-on practical training
• ASA 116 course materials
• Use of the training dinghy and outboard motor
• Use of required boating and safety equipment
• Practical maneuvering, docking and anchoring exercises
• Basic outboard maintenance and troubleshooting instruction
• ASA 116 knowledge and practical skills evaluations
• ASA 116 Dinghy and Outboard Endorsement upon successful completion of all requirements

Course Tuition

$497.00 per student

Format: This is a one-day course from 9:00am – 4:00pm. It combines instructor-led lessons with hands-on dinghy and outboard practice.

Build the small-boat skills that make cruising easier, safer and more enjoyable, from the moment you leave the larger boat until you return aboard.