Yes, IYRS also has a very serious training program in marine systems. While the restoration program speaks to the romance of boats, the systems program deals with the daily issues brought about by the increasingly complex systems that people have come to rely on in their boats. Not so romantic, but who cares about romance when your engine won't start, eh?
The IYRS marine systems program is tucked away up in Bristol, but the facility is impressive. One of the first things you notice is just how much STUFF there is. There are diesel engines of all size and age throughout the shop.
The engines range from the latest computer controlled Cummins
to old fellas that work now only because they've been repaired with epoxy patches (that big white rectangle on the engine block).
The advantage of this large range of engines of course is to give the students experience with the types of engines that they're likely to encounter in the field. For motor heads, it's a bit of a candy shop.
On a recent visit, the primary instructor, Jeff Almeda was on the floor working on a stubborn engine with help from the class. This type of group problem solving is par for the course here.
They discuss, test, take turns, observe...
It's a good balance to classroom learning.
One of the projects for the students is setting up a boat hull with the types of systems that one would find on a modern power boat.
Wiring, fuel, water,
steering and waste systems...
Wow... that's a uh... brilliant use of limited space.