WEST LAKE OKOBOJI • ON-THE-WATER TRAINING

Learn to handle your boat with confidence.

From first-time drivers to new boat owners, Nautical Knowledge gives you practical, on-the-water classes with a certified instructor on board.

Step-by-step classes for docking, launching, and close-quarters handling.
Training tailored to your boat, your crew, and your lake.
Evening, weekend, and early-season sessions available.

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Based on West Lake Okoboji. Travel to other Iowa Great Lakes available by request.

WHY IT MATTERS

Less stress at the dock. More fun on the water.

Most boating anxiety shows up in the same three places: the dock, the ramp, and tight marinas. Our courses focus on real-world situations on West Lake Okoboji so you can enjoy your time on the water instead of dreading every approach.

Docking without drama

Practice multiple approaches with an instructor beside you—controlling speed, wind, current, and crew communication so everyone knows their job.

Launch days that run smoothly

Learn a clear, step-by-step launch and loading process so ramps feel routine, not chaotic—especially on busy holiday weekends.

Safer rides for family & friends

Understand navigation rules, no-wake zones, and etiquette so you can host guests and kids on board with confidence.

COURSE LINEUP

What you can learn with Nautical Knowledge

Courses are built as short, focused modules. Start with Docking 101, then add on launching, navigation, and emergency skills as you get more comfortable.

Core course

Docking 101

Learn controlled approaches, pivot points, wind compensation, and crew roles so you can bring the boat in calmly—every time.

Includes printable dock checklist • Featured 2026

Launching, Loading & Trailering 101

Ramp etiquette, backing trailers, launch order, and loading without gel-coat scars or shouting matches.

Ideal for new trailer owners • On-ramp practice available

Boat Handling & Maneuvering

Slow-speed control, close-quarters turns, reversing, and holding position in wind and current around docks and marinas.

Pairs well with Docking 101 for new owners

Navigation & Rules of the Water

Lights at night, right-of-way, buoys, no-wake zones, and local Okoboji specifics so you’re not guessing who goes first.

Great for anyone who has never taken a formal boater course

Anchoring & Mooring

Learn scope, bottom types, setting the hook, tying off to mooring balls, and how to keep the boat from swinging into neighbors.

Includes illustrated anchoring checklist

Safety Basics

Required gear, life jackets, fire extinguishers, fuel safety, and the simple pre-departure checks that prevent most problems.

Designed for new boat owners & first-time captains

Emergency Procedures

Man-overboard drills, engine trouble, sudden weather changes, and what to do when something goes wrong on the water.

Works well as an add-on module to Safety Basics

Safe Towing for Skiers & Tubers

Safe speed ranges, hand signals, spotter roles, turn techniques, rope length basics, and how to circle back to a fallen rider without putting anyone in the prop wash.

Ideal for parents and new boat drivers • Safety-first focus

Knot Tying – Essentials

Learn bowline, cleat hitch, figure-eight, and double fisherman’s knots with simple, illustrated steps you can practice at home or at the dock.

Offered as Page 4 in the course series

Next step: start with Docking 101, then add what you need.

You don’t have to become an expert overnight. We’ll start with one focused class, on your boat or ours, and build from there as your confidence grows.

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Ready to feel calm at the dock instead of stressed? Docking 101 is designed for exactly that.

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