(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - After many months of winter, spring is finally making itself felt across many parts of Alaska. The snow is melting, grass is starting to green up, and Alaskans are getting ready to hit the water to fish and recreate. What better time to take a class on outboard motor maintenance?

Alaska Sea Grant, in partnership with the University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan campus, is offering an outboard class April 21-23. The instructor is Dillingham-based Marine Advisory agent Gabe Dunham.

The class will be held at the Ketchikan campus, and is geared toward outboard engine-powered boat owners and operators. It will consist of lecture, lab activities, and demonstration-based training.

“We have two outboard shops in town and during the summer they are always backed up. This class will give people basic skills to keep their engines running smoothly,” said Larry O’Loane, assistant professor of power technology.

The participants will learn engine and operational theory on the first day, they will perform basic component tests and procedures during a lab on the second day, and they will finish with a demonstration on proper maintenance procedures and diagnosis on the last day.

“This will be the seventh community in which I've held the class,” said Dunham.

Dunham grew up in Southeast Alaska and has many years of marine mechanic experience.

To learn more and to register for the class, call Karen Ramsey at 907-228-4511 or visit the UAS website. The class fee is $225.

On the Web:

Register
http://www.uas.alaska.edu/career_ed/maritime/classes.html