Ticketing is underway for TrawlerFest-Bay Bridge, a boat show and seminar series that includes a diesel engine course with two of the nation’s finest instructors on the topic. The event takes place September 26-30 at the Bay Bridge Marina in Stevensville, MD, on Kent Island. TrawlerFest Bay Bridge takes place September 26-30. With dozens of cruising powerboats on display, a tentful of vendors, and nearly 30 seminars, TrawlerFest promises to be the Mid-Atlantic cruising event of the year. Even though the event is called TrawlerFest (brought to you by PassageMaker Magazine), most of the seminars are “propulsion agnostic.” That is, their lessons apply equally to sailors as well as power cruisers. Many trawler owners began cruising when they owned sailboats. The two-day seminar is the only diesel course for boaters taught by author and editor, Nigel Calder, and veteran boatbuilder and yard operator, Steve Zimmerman. Calder’s status is such that when he makes an observation about engine performance, the engine manufacturers themselves pay attention. Zimmerman writes a troubleshooting column for PassageMaker. Both instructors have extensive cruising experience. This two-day session, “Everything You Need To Know about Diesel Engines,” combines classroom time with hands-on engine time in the shop. It combines theory and practical troubleshooting instruction, with a touch of humor to keep things lively. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion that in some cases may help save money on their boat insurance. The TrawlerFest diesel engine seminar has a hands-on approach. Other perennial favorites include “Boat Buyers Survival Guide,” “Guns and Governments,” “Boat Handling,” and “The Great Loop,” which feature TrawlerFest’s signature interactive team-teach approach. There are always new topics and new instructors for our regular topics. The TrawlerFest boat show and seminar series happens at Bay Bridge Marina Yacht Club on Kent Island at the foot of the bridge Tuesday through Sunday, September 26-30. The boat show runs Thursday through Saturday, September 28-30, and includes booths displaying marine products and services. There are 28 seminars altogether. The diesel seminar is the longest course offering at roughly 16 hours. Another is the equivalent of one eight-hour day. Seven are three and a half to four hours long, and 19 are short, two-hour courses. All the technical seminars provide attendees with certificates of completion. The Bay Bridge Marina is on Kent Island on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. On Thursday evening, September 28, there will be a welcome dinner with boater trivia, and on Friday evening, September 29, participants will enjoy a poolside Trawlers at Twilight Cocktail Party. Choose among various ticket combinations, including VIP packages, depending on which seminars and social events you plan to attend. Visit passagemaker.com/trawlerfest/bay-bridge-2017 for information on ticketing, a list of seminars, and hotel details. Send questions to [email protected].