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Skipper Large Powerboat | Online Course
Master the Skills to Command Large Powerboats
** NEW COURSE 2025 ** NauticEd’s Skipper Large Powerboat Course is the definitive training program for boaters commanding vessels 27 feet and larger in inland or near-coastal waters with moderate to rough conditions. Designed for serious boaters, the course delivers real-world instruction in docking, navigation, electrical systems, safety, and emergency handling—with clear, practical lessons focused on actual powerboat operation, not just theory.
Students call it “the most complete and confidence-building course they’ve taken,” while experienced boaters say they “wish it had been available 30 years ago.” Many describe it as “a solid foundation not just for knowledge, but for true skipper-level responsibility.”
If you're seeking the most respected, professional-grade powerboat training available today—this is the benchmark. Optional practical training is available through NauticEd’s worldwide instructor network. If interested in smaller powerboats, see our small powerboat (26ft or less) course here.
Estimated time: 20 hours
Price: $245 $195.00
This advanced powerboat course is designed to the highest level of professional boating education under the American National Standards — and exceeding internationally recognized benchmarks.
If you're seeking the most respected and comprehensive powerboat education available, this is the gold standard.
The Skipper Large Powerboat online boating course is designed to teach you all the theory, knowledge, and strategies necessary to competently command large powerboats that are 27ft or larger, inland or near-coastal (within 20nm), and in moderate to rough powerboating conditions.
The course covers multiple propulsion systems—including inboard, stern drive, and outboard-powered vessels. This comprehensive training is essential for anyone operating larger powerboats, with in-depth modules on maneuvering, anchoring, navigation fundamentals, marine electronics, and emergency response. It’s designed to build the technical competence, situational awareness, and decision-making skills required to command with confidence and authority.
What You'll Learn in the Skipper Large Powerboat Course
- Powerboat Safety
- Master the operation of large powerboats (27ft and up) on inland or near-coastal waters
- Weather and Sea Conditions
- Hull Designs
- Engine systems and the various drive systems
- Electrical Systems
- Nautical "Rules of the Road"
- Maneuvering and Docking a Boat
- Helm Control
- Learn docking, slip handling, and helm control techniques
- Using Spring Lines
- Motoring at Speed
- Communications
- Navigate safely and plan trips effectively
- Anchoring and Mooring
- Safety Equipment & Coping with Boating Emergencies
We guarantee both your satisfaction AND Lifetime access to any boating course you buy from us.
Large Powerboat Course Format and Features
- Available immediately online on desktops and laptops, mobile App, and tablets
- Includes the FREE Navigation Rules for Powerboats course, a free eLogbook, a fully integrated Boating Resume, and free Student Deals and Benefits
- Extensive and essential knowledge for operating at the beginner / intermediate levels for inboard engine powerboats 27 ft (8m) and above.
- Includes full boat safety class fundamentals and real-world skills needed for confident command
- This powerboat course takes approximately 20 hours to complete, providing the depth expected of a high-end yacht course.
- Take as long as you need to complete
- Return as many times as you like to review
- You may take the tests anytime and as many times as you like online via browser or offline via our mobile testing app. See our boating apps page
- Adds the Skipper Large Powerboat Course to your Boating Certificate and Resume
- This course follows the American National Standards EDU-1 and has been expertly adapted for large powerboats (27 ft to 60 ft / 8 m to 18 m), serving as the U.S. equivalent to RYA powerboat
- View Skipper Large Powerboat Course excerpts
Is This Large Powerboat Course Right for You?
- Perfect for new large boat owners, charter powerboaters, and coastal skippers upgrading their skills.
- Designed for serious boaters seeking professional-grade training and real-world competence.
- Ideal for anyone wanting to safely and confidently handle their vessel or prepare for inland or nearshore boating adventures.
What's Next After Completing the Course?
- First, practice and gain experience by applying your new knowledge when boating! Add some prior or ongoing experience to your free eLogbook, and you'll be awarded the NauticEd Skipper Large Powerboat Certificate and Rank.
- If you need training or just additional practice, contact one of our credentialed Powerboat Instructors for on-water skills training and assessment. Upon successful assessment, a NauticEd instructor will award a "Verified Competence" certificate to your boating resume.
- Or progress to the next level of training - the Bareboat Charter Master course for multiday and near-coastal powerboating. Optionally, if you want to charter powerboats in exotic locations, you can earn the SLC-p (International License) that's valid in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and with Port Authorities worldwide. *Note: You'll receive credit at checkout for the Large Powerboat Course.
This is an ONLINE course and test that is viewable in your browser window or mobile App. Thus, you can review on any of your devices - computer, tablet, or phone.
Today's Investment: $245 $195
Upon completion, you will feel confident that you know the theory of what to do when in command of a large powerboat. And if you're new to the fun of boating, you'll look like a pro in front of your hands-on, on-the-water instructor.
Are you ready to "get your feet wet" and feel the exhilaration of boating? Then let's get started!
The test is reasonably simple as long as you have completed the module. You can take the test as many times as you like to pass or improve your score without any extra cost. Once you pass the online course, you're given a certificate for your boating resume. Then, once you've logged some experience (prior or ongoing experience) in your free eLogbook, you're awarded the NauticEd Skipper Large Powerboat Certification and Rank, and you'll be on your way to building your boating competency resume, which can be used with charter companies worldwide.
And the great thing is that once you've registered, you can log back in for life for FREE to review the material and brush up your skills. We're constantly updating the course and adding information on new technologies as they emerge, so for just $195 - you'll always be up to date.
If you still have questions about NauticEd, the courses, and/or the boating certifications, just ask our automated intelligent support system a question or contact us via email or phone we're happy to help. Otherwise, register for the Skipper Large Powerboat Course now and enjoy your new adventures to come!
Learn all the theory of powerboating in the comfort of your home at your own pace with NauticEd. Register for the Skipper Large Powerboat Course now!
By Grant Headifen
NauticEd Global Director of Education
View Skipper Large Powerboat Course excerpt
Student Reviews
Felix R.
2025, 06 Jun. 05:19
Learned a lot!!! everyone needs to take this course.
Robert G.
2025, 29 May. 20:42
Well done, language was nice and relaxed
Daniel U.
2025, 22 Mar. 14:02
Easy read. Well done.
Michael P.
2025, 17 Mar. 18:50
Very solid, learned a lot about the nuances of more complex power boat engine operation vs. my diesel inboard sail drive on a cruising sailing monohull.
William C.
2025, 09 Mar. 01:45
Great Course!
Jeffrey G.
2025, 28 Feb. 22:51
Fairly comprehensive, too detailed in some cases. Don't need sailboat material included
Jim F.
2025, 10 Feb. 03:54
covers a vast majority of situations and conditions.
Brandon B.
2024, 19 Dec. 18:51
Simplicity and detail.
David C.
2024, 03 Dec. 20:30
Great overall powerboat overview.
Sean W.
2024, 24 Nov. 15:51
This course is valuable for beginners and experienced boater alike, highly recommend it!
Scott H.
2024, 09 Oct. 17:47
Great course, much to learn even if you have experience
Showing last 11 reviews.
List Price: $245.00 Price: $195.00 You Save: $50.00 (20%)
Excerpt from the course
Expand Excerpt from the courseAlready we have introduced you to a lot of information about boating - probably more than you thought. Well, hold onto your hat because this is the module you probably thought you signed up for - maneuvering your boat competently. Consequently, the topic of maneuvering and docking is the largest in this course.
This particular module covers general maneuvering - outside the marina. To lean a little on Pink Floyd's Meat and Pudding lyrics:
If you don't learn maneuvering you canna dock your boat.
How can you dock your boat if you canna do maneuvering!
Therefore this module is about making your boat do what you tell it to do using a combination of gears, throttle, and steering. No amount of holding your tongue sideways will help. To learn to maneuver less expensively, stay away from the marina at first. The following pages present real live exercises to gain confidence and competence in maneuvering.
Sea talk testimonials
Great books and system you have. By the way - I managed to dock our 30ft sailboat in the Mediterranean for the first time, just by taking your maneuvering course and then practicing using your techniques for an hour outside the port before docking.