EuroMarine

So long as Lesson Number One is "A half-assed repair is ultimately worse than the original damage", I think you're onto something.

I agree with us7070 that people are either good with their hands or they're not, but even those who ultimately decide not to do their own work will benefit from knowing more about how it's done.

ok,
it can hardly be worst than the damage, I was exaggerating....But what I meant is that lots of time wrong materials are used, the repair doesn't last and the finish just doesn't look good. Which will make even more work to fix it later....
I am just proposing my help because I am used to those repairs and I have seen and experienced what doesn't work. I made those horrible repairs on my boat the first time....

I don't know how to fix an outboard; and if somebody was to help me with this because he has more experience than me in that field, I will grab his hand.

I think most people who are inclined to do this sort of repair, just dive right in and learn by doing. You either are that kind of person, or you aren't. I've always tried to fix my own things - sometimes successfully, sometimes not, but I never waited for a "lesson" before I got started.

That doesn't mean people won't show up for the class - people will take classes in anything. I bet you'll get a lot of people who don't even own a boat.

hi,
you're right : this is no big deal to mix resin and lay out fiberglass or cut some wood to make a new hatch. And a lot a people are trying to do it on their own. I think it's great! I encourage sailors to take care of their boat and get to know how to maintain them and understand how it is made.
But unfortunately when you walk on the dock you happen to see "attempts" of repairs and it is just worst than what was before. I am not saying I will educate everybody to be a boat repair guy but I think that if somebody is showing few tricks and explaining what to use for what repair then they are most likely to do a better job.
It's really more to meet people who have this same interest and share a passion than anything else. It's sharing an experience.

thanks
JT

Just an suggestion.  I think you got a great idea.

try hooking up with your local JR College or Coomunity Rec Center.  They would be able to publicise it as well.

Our park district has classes like this (not for boats, but wood working, home repaire etc.) and they are very popular.

Maybe you already thought of that.

good Luck!

hi,
no I didn't know about that and this a great idea. Will do! thank you for your support.
JT

If it happens in SoCal I'll make it, it sounds like a great idea

Hi helmtothelee,
Yes there will be an event in San Diego soon. I hope to see you there.
thank you
JT

Looks like some guys from San Diego are showing quite some interest!
I am going to schedule a class sown there right now...
Thank you for your support!
JT

Please do check the group on this nice website called Meetup and could you subscribe to it to attract more people. It's FREE

link : http://sailing.meetup.com/101/

Thank you guys.
I am already excited about the meeting!