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We've all been there. Desperately trying to interpret the nonsense in a technical manual, instruction sheet, or densely written book, only to wind up even more confused and unable to move forward with the project.
We've all been there. Desperately trying to interpret the nonsense in a technical manual, instruction sheet, or densely written book, only to wind up even more confused and unable to move forward with the project.
I remember during my first professional course on marine electrical systems I would sit down and try to read the textbook after class. I'd spend hours actively trying to force my overworked brain to comprehend electrical topics seemingly described in a foreign language and presented at a level I was completely unprepared for Nothing could have stunted my understanding and application more than having to look up every other term in the glossary, but that's exactly what I'd have to do.
I remember during my first professional course on marine electrical systems I would sit down and try to read the textbook after class. I'd spend hours actively trying to force my overworked brain to comprehend electrical topics seemingly described in a foreign language and presented at a level I was completely unprepared for Nothing could have stunted my understanding and application more than having to look up every other term in the glossary, but that's exactly what I'd have to do.
That is, until the magic of YouTube came through. It's like having every phenomenal teacher on every topic you could ever want to know more about available for access on your schedule. Surely it has changed the landscape of education, and cruising education and preparation is no exception. The tough questions now become:
That is, until the magic of YouTube came through. It's like having every phenomenal teacher on every topic you could ever want to know more about available for access on your schedule. Surely it has changed the landscape of education, and cruising education and preparation is no exception. The tough questions now become:
Where do you start?
Where do you start?
Who do you trust to give you good information?
Who do you trust to give you good information?
What do you do when YouTube isn't enough?
What do you do when YouTube isn't enough?
We can help you answer all those questions, and the place to start is right here, with our top five recommendations for YouTube channels you may or may not be familiar with. These top picks will change how you prepare for cruising and tackle the unknowns of boat maintenance, offshore sailing, and more.
We can help you answer all those questions, and the place to start is right here, with our top five recommendations for YouTube channels you may or may not be familiar with. These top picks will change how you prepare for cruising and tackle the unknowns of boat maintenance, offshore sailing, and more.
We picked these five because we referenced them constantly during our marine trade training, and continue to use them as resources for learning and a little entertainment. Check them out, and let us know what you think!
We picked these five because we referenced them constantly during our marine trade training, and continue to use them as resources for learning and a little entertainment. Check them out, and let us know what you think!
If electricity seems like voodoo magic to you, or understanding how it works short circuits your brain cells, this channel will be your best friend. It was an absolute lifesaver for me during marine trade school, when I spent many hours each day trying to comprehend abstract concepts that move through my brain matter like sludge and leak out my ears, leaving me with little to no understanding.
If electricity seems like voodoo magic to you, or understanding how it works short circuits your brain cells, this channel will be your best friend. It was an absolute lifesaver for me during marine trade school, when I spent many hours each day trying to comprehend abstract concepts that move through my brain matter like sludge and leak out my ears, leaving me with little to no understanding.
The whole channel is animated and the videos are top notch, narrated in a manner that is approachable for students, engineers, and those of us who fall somewhere along that continuum. Concepts are introduced in digestible chunks with ample explanation of jargon and important terminology. Most videos are part of a predefined playlist so you can select a topic of interest and start working through the videos without having to hunt around for the next one.
The whole channel is animated and the videos are top notch, narrated in a manner that is approachable for students, engineers, and those of us who fall somewhere along that continuum. Concepts are introduced in digestible chunks with ample explanation of jargon and important terminology. Most videos are part of a predefined playlist so you can select a topic of interest and start working through the videos without having to hunt around for the next one.
Though not marine-specific, without a basic understanding of electricity you simply will not be able to adequately understand, troubleshoot, and upgrade your electrical system or its components. Spending some time with this channel will give you all that you need and then some.
Though not marine-specific, without a basic understanding of electricity you simply will not be able to adequately understand, troubleshoot, and upgrade your electrical system or its components. Spending some time with this channel will give you all that you need and then some.
Mr Lopez is a mechanical engineer and ABYC Master Technician who has an incomparable manner of teaching complex marine electrical and mechanical topics in the simplest way possible. Most of his teachings are accompanied by whiteboard notes and examples or custom-built teaching aids; the kind of detail and preparation that truly make a difference in your learning experience.
Mr Lopez is a mechanical engineer and ABYC Master Technician who has an incomparable manner of teaching complex marine electrical and mechanical topics in the simplest way possible. Most of his teachings are accompanied by whiteboard notes and examples or custom-built teaching aids; the kind of detail and preparation that truly make a difference in your learning experience.
His expertise and short videos include topics such as AC and DC electrical, diesel engines, outboard engines, marine electronics and networking, and even some basics boat concepts such as cavitation. He's also starting to cover hybrid and electric propulsion which are popular, cutting edge topics right now.
His expertise and short videos include topics such as AC and DC electrical, diesel engines, outboard engines, marine electronics and networking, and even some basics boat concepts such as cavitation. He's also starting to cover hybrid and electric propulsion which are popular, cutting edge topics right now.
Bonding and grounding a boat's electrical system seems like a straightforward practice, but in reality it is often misunderstood and difficult to troubleshoot. In our training, we found Mr Lopez's video on these concepts to be the best and most helpful out there. Check it out and see if it clears up any murky concepts for you, too.
Bonding and grounding a boat's electrical system seems like a straightforward practice, but in reality it is often misunderstood and difficult to troubleshoot. In our training, we found Mr Lopez's video on these concepts to be the best and most helpful out there. Check it out and see if it clears up any murky concepts for you, too.
We might be a wee bit biased on this one since this is our alma mater marine tech school, and we're both featured in a number of videos on this channel, but hear us out.
We might be a wee bit biased on this one since this is our alma mater marine tech school, and we're both featured in a number of videos on this channel, but hear us out.
Mike Beemer and Matt Mardesich from Skagit Valley College's Marine Technology Center are on a mission to make this channel an educational and informative video resource hub for students, DIY boaters, and professionals looking for extra tips and tricks to be successful on the job. And with that goal in mind, they're killing it. There are mini-series style videos detailing active boat projects that students and staff are working on, Tech Tips featuring current students, plus current events and interviews with experts in the Pacific Northwest maritime community that you can check out from afar. John Neal, Nigel Calder, and Bob Perry to name a few!
Mike Beemer and Matt Mardesich from Skagit Valley College's Marine Technology Center are on a mission to make this channel an educational and informative video resource hub for students, DIY boaters, and professionals looking for extra tips and tricks to be successful on the job. And with that goal in mind, they're killing it. There are mini-series style videos detailing active boat projects that students and staff are working on, Tech Tips featuring current students, plus current events and interviews with experts in the Pacific Northwest maritime community that you can check out from afar. John Neal, Nigel Calder, and Bob Perry to name a few!
Aspiring cruisers, DIYers, and anyone working on or planning to work on an offshore sailboat refit should pay special attention to two playlists in particular: Offshore Sailboat Refit, and Tech Tips.
Aspiring cruisers, DIYers, and anyone working on or planning to work on an offshore sailboat refit should pay special attention to two playlists in particular: Offshore Sailboat Refit, and Tech Tips.
If you love a good handyman success story, you will love Dangar Stu and the phenomenal resource he has created out of his channel. He covers outboard maintenance, repair, and servicing, plus rope work, boat handling, and insights from restoring an old steel trawler. His videos are thorough, entertaining, and incredibly informative.
If you love a good handyman success story, you will love Dangar Stu and the phenomenal resource he has created out of his channel. He covers outboard maintenance, repair, and servicing, plus rope work, boat handling, and insights from restoring an old steel trawler. His videos are thorough, entertaining, and incredibly informative.
Finally, we have to include one "fun" channel that includes some play as well as work! We started watching Sailing Florence before we bought our boat and started cruising and still keep up with their videos. We are constantly impressed with their ability to remain true to two of the essential pillars of extended offshore cruising: keep it simple, and safety first.
Finally, we have to include one "fun" channel that includes some play as well as work! We started watching Sailing Florence before we bought our boat and started cruising and still keep up with their videos. We are constantly impressed with their ability to remain true to two of the essential pillars of extended offshore cruising: keep it simple, and safety first.
We've found their representations of life offshore to be the most accurate as compared to our experience. They do a great job sharing a mix of highs and lows, practical work with pleasure travel, plus loads of adventure and budget saving tricks that we use ourselves. We're a bit behind on their episodes since we've been out cruising ourselves, but I suspect we'll get caught up this winter during our own boat maintenance layover!
We've found their representations of life offshore to be the most accurate as compared to our experience. They do a great job sharing a mix of highs and lows, practical work with pleasure travel, plus loads of adventure and budget saving tricks that we use ourselves. We're a bit behind on their episodes since we've been out cruising ourselves, but I suspect we'll get caught up this winter during our own boat maintenance layover!
What to do when YouTube isn't enough?
What to do when YouTube isn't enough?
If you've exhausted all the free resources available on YouTube and would benefit from some one-on-one assistance with DIY boat projects or learning, drop us a line. We'd love to learn more about your boat projects and cruising goals, and see if we would be a good fit for helping you achieve them.
If you've exhausted all the free resources available on YouTube and would benefit from some one-on-one assistance with DIY boat projects or learning, drop us a line. We'd love to learn more about your boat projects and cruising goals, and see if we would be a good fit for helping you achieve them.
Recommended Book List
Recommended Book List
Don't forget to work on building your onboard resource and learning library. We've compiled a free recommended books and learning list to focus your efforts. It's broken down by loose category and includes everything from learning to sail, boat maintenance, and cruising guides to some of our favorite classic voyage reads. Download your copy HERE.
Don't forget to work on building your onboard resource and learning library. We've compiled a free recommended books and learning list to focus your efforts. It's broken down by loose category and includes everything from learning to sail, boat maintenance, and cruising guides to some of our favorite classic voyage reads. Download your copy HERE.
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