Powerboat Training
US Powerboating offers the Nation’s best and most comprehensive hands-on boating courses.
Get out of the classroom and behind the wheel!
Semi-Private Training Classes
Get the hand’s on training we require to rent our boats and take the helm yourself!
May – June 2023
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Boat Handling Session: 8:00am-11:00am
Open-Water Session: 11:30am-2:30pm
Semi-Private Training Classes
New to boating? If you don’t have prior boating experience but you want to rent a boat on your own, these classes cover the hands on training to operate a boat and are required to reserve a rental.
Semi-private training classes can be taken on the same day or on different days and must be taken in the order of Boat Handling followed by Open Water. Class fee is $199/class per person. Successful completion of both classes is required if you have no prior boating experience and want to rent our 21′-27′ boats. Note: Your first few rentals may be limited to our 21′ boats.
Have some prior boating experience? If you have lake boating experience, want to get familiar with local waters or learn how to handle a boat larger than our 13′ Boston Whaler, these classes will improve your boating skills so you can rent all season long.
Kids 15 years or younger can take classes with a parent / guardian by purchasing two seats. Kids 16 and older can take the class independently. Renters must 18 or older in order to rent our boats after successfully completing both training classes.
Classes must be taken in the order of Boat Handling and then Open-Water
Class Calendar
Semi-private classes have a $99 non-refundable fee for attendee rescheduling. The entire $199 is nonrefundable for no-show attendees or cancellations with less than 1 weeks notice. Classes must have 2 attendees signed up 48 hours prior to start time, if not classes may be cancelled or rebooked. Classes are held rain or shine unless the instructor deems the weather “unboatable” in which case you will have a credit on file for use at a later date. There are no refunds in the the event LIBR needs to reschedule the class, only “store credit” for a future class in the same season.
Boat Handling Session
- Dockside Training
- Pre-Departure Checks
- Trip Planning
- Navigation
- Departing the Dock Safely
- Driving the Boat
- Maintaining Proper Lookout
- Close Quarter Maneuvering
- Reverse/Backing Up
- Holding Position
Class Fee: $199/ person, $99 non-refundable.
Open-Water Session
- Getting Underway
- Planing and Speed Control
- High-Speed Stops
- Steering a Range
- Crossing Wakes/Waves
- Required Safety Equipment
- Man Overboard (MOB)
- Mooring Arrival and Approach
- Anchoring
- Returning to Dock, Securing the Boat
Class Fee: $199/ person, $99 non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m new to boating and want to be able to take out a boat on my own. Where should I start?
If you have no prior boating experience, both of our semi-private classes, Boat Handing and then Open Water are required to rent a boat. These classes give you the hands-on experience we require with our boats 21′ or larger in coastal waters (Long Island Sound), knowledge of navigation rules, essential markers, U.S. Aids to Navigation System, plotting a course and navigating using marine GPS and practicing safety procedures in order to rent without a captain.
We recommend new boaters take a boating safety class online through US Power Squadron and watch US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Maneuvers Videos. This provides a great background of basic boating knowledge to jump-start your hands-on powerboat training with our semi-private classes.
The Safe Powerboat Handling Course is the most comprehensive and earns the student a State Boating Education Certificate. At this time we do not have plans to offer this course during the 2020 season.
Do I need a boating license to rent? I have my NY Safe Boating Certificate, do I need hands-on training?
The Safe Boating Certificate is a great place to start, just like getting a learner’s permit. When it’s time to learn how to drive, our semi-private classes get you familiar with our boats in our local waters, the same place you will be renting. Most new boaters are surprised by how much there is to learn and quickly realize the benefits of taking the classes with someone they will have on board. NYS Parks & Recreation FAQs About Boating has many answers to the basic requirements for boating and more helpful information.
Educated boaters are safer boaters, our favorite rental clients.
How can I register for a semi-private lesson or Safe Powerboat Handling Course?
You can view semi-private class availabilities and register for classes on our powerboat training page. Semi-private classes are offered in the morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays and have to be taken in the order of Boat Handing and then Open Water. They can be booked online up to an hour before the class starts. At this time we do not have plans to offer the Safe Powerboat Handling Course during the 2021 season. Both the Boat Handing and Open Water semi-private classes are required to rent a boat if you have no prior experience.
What is the cancellation policy for course?
Semi-private classes have a $99 non-refundable fee for class attendee cancellations. There are no refunds in the the event LIBR needs to reschedule the class, only “store credit” for a future class in the same season. There are no “store credits” or refunds for no-show class attendees. Classes are held rain or shine unless the instructor deems the weather “unboatable” in which case you will have a credit on file for use at a later date.
What is NASBLA? What does it mean to me?
NASBLA – National Association of State Boating Law Administrators – is the organization that unifies all the state curriculum and certifications. As a result of NY providing a NASBLA approved course, your New York Safe Boating Certification is recognized in Florida and many other states that have required Safety Certifications to operate powerboats. NASBLA outlines the necessary topics that need to be covered in Classroom only. NASBLA does not regulate any on-the-water training curriculum. The US POWERBOATING SAFE POWERBOAT HANDLING Certification and NEW YORK SAFE BOATING CERTIFICATE are NASBLA approved. Long Island Boat Rentals has our own hands-on, on-the-water, skills, knowledge and experience requirements beyond what is required by NASBLA in order to rent our boats 21′ or larger. No exceptions.
How many people are in a semi-private class? Can I bring my family?
The semi-private classes have room for 3 students. You can book all 3 spaces to have a class just for you and your family or friends. The cost is $199 per person, per class for a great educational experience and a fun boat ride! If you plan to boat with family and friends, it is safer to have them educated about what to do when they’re on board. It’s a great idea to book a class with your first mate.
What are the age requirements for classes?
Kids 15 years or younger can take classes with a parent / guardian by purchasing two seats. Kids 16 and older can take the class independently. Renters must 18 or older in order to rent our boats after successfully completing both training classes.
Do I receive any certifications from semi-private classes?
No, certificates are not issued for taking semi-private classes. However, much of the knowledge and skills taught in the lessons come from of the same educational materials.
How many students are allowed in the semi-private training classes
We aim to deliver the best training and use of your time, with 3 students per class to ensure the safety of everyone and to keep you constantly engaged and learning.
What if the weather forecast is poor when my semi-private class is scheduled?
Semi-private classes go out, rain or shine. The Instructor will determine if the weather is “unboatable” and will prevent completing the necessary objectives of the course or lesson. You can always contact us at any time to confirm if the course or lesson is on. We will notify you regardless, please don’t assume we are canceling if there is inclement weather forecasted.
Powerboat Training Waitlist
