Irish National Sailing School
Outboard Engine Course – 2025 C3
Overview
Ever wondered how an outboard engine works? What are the most common preventable problems that occur and what can you do to extend the engines lifespan? All these questions will be answered at a new outboard engine maintenance course, designed and taught by one of Ireland’s most experienced outboard engine mechanics, Brian Hughes.
Brian, who has recently retired from the industry, is now looking to pass on some knowledge to help boat owners and enthusiasts alike better look after their outboard, and to help prevent down time reducing your time on the water
What you’ll learn
The aim of the programme is not to make you an expert mechanic. We want you to feel more confident in undertaking minor jobs, but importantly to understand the steps you can take to reduce wear and tear, and generally get more out of the engine.
One interesting component of the day it titled “What not to fiddle with!”, where Brian will point out some of the major pitfalls that can occur when undertaking DIY maintenance.
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Really lovely staff, super friendly. Would highly recommend the kayak and paddle board rentals! Great with a small group or big group. 
megancV1820DD
25/06/2020 - Competent Crew Course - Excellent Instructor - Having done a few courses with the INSS over the summer of 2023, and some sailing on the Mediterranean, doing the Competent Crew course with others who were doing the Day Skipper course at the same time was the highlight of my time learning how to sail. The reason it was the highlight was largely due to the course instructor Shona O'Dowd (I made certain to get her full name before leaving to give her the credit she deserved). Huge knowledge and experience mixed with a great attitude, with friendliness, patience and approachability making Shona stand out and make each day of the course something to look forward to regardless of weather or experience level. Shona guided practical use of all facets of sailing knowledge excellently and never micromanaged or tried to exert too much control, thereby never limiting the learning that can take place for students.
This teaching style is difficult to find, having seen a variety of instructors and their styles, in different countries and even within the INSS, and so you will be very lucky if you get Shona on your boat when it comes your turn to learn the ropes (literally). All in all, the Competent Crew course was very enjoyable, and I just wanted to give credit where it was due. Maps57686967283
20/08/2023 - Great experience - Came here with my mom for a stand up paddle board rental, the staff went above and beyond to be super friendly and the experience was great and good value! lizzyvallely
28/07/2020 - Great atmosphere - Very friendly staff and great atmosphere. Would definitely recommend for a day out or lessons. Paddle board and kayak rentals are lots of fun. Seandow103
24/06/2020 - Hooked! - My 12 year old goes to Saturday sailing club after doing summer camp. He’s hooked and absolutely loves it! The instructors are great and very good with the kids - if you live locally with kids, it’s a no brainier! Gary C
08/10/2022 - Amazing! Well worth it and I enjoyed every bit of it! - Firstly, Jess (our instructor) was amazing! I was a bit nervous starting this course as I didn't know what to expect but Jess made it so easy to understand everything and I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it! As a result, I'll be booking more courses with them soon.
I think the school is excellent, the structure of the courses are excellent and the instructors are very very good at what they do and I just want to thank Jess and everyone else involved for not only making it an excellent weekend but also giving me an interest in something that I want to stick with for the rest of my life!
If there were 100 stars to choose from instead of just 5, I'd choose 110 ;) 1V426
12/09/2022
