[artbyjody]

From a business perspective - you have to wonder how to target that audience because:

1. Most that own a boat - either:

a. Do it themselves.
b. Use the buddy system to get desired help.
c. Pay someone to just do it.

So that leaves you with the crowd maybe looking to buy a boat. However, most people looking to buy a boat - want to know the systems on the boat they are buying (not really they just want a boat that fits them).

2. Not everyone wants to be a know everything kinda person. For instance some not mechanically inclined (like me) have no interest but love diddling with electronics. It would be hard to tear down and re-install all this type of gear on your boat - that would be tremendous risk of failure on your behalf.

3. Insurance implications - someone can get electrocuted, finger cut off (assuming this is all going to be hands on after some class room lab experience)...Insurance companies are going to want qualified individuals that have experience...before insuring this endeavor (boat / charter insurance will not be enough)

4. People will not necessarily book a weekend off for their vacation week - to still work again (unless you have a really good marketing effort).

Unless you actually have instructor type experience, you'll find that it can be more frustrating than it is worth. Plus, you will have to spend a bunch on spares - because - let's face it - just because you have the equipment new, each time it is tore down and re-installed, wear - tear, and mistakes...

I would start first with couple hours seminar to see if you have viability to do this (ie interest level). Some maybe ok with a 3 hour course for $40-60, but may not want to pay charter prices for the week / weekend. But you can gauge that by first doing short duration seminars and have pamphlets out detailing the charter schedule / program.

Start small - before going big...the biggest mistakes people make in trying to start a business, is not the idea - but the execution to get there... as most think solid plan, but not understanding the dynamics of customer centric relationships and being able to align such with your end business goal....

Just a casual 2 cents...it looks good on paper but I would recommend getting there in smaller steps without the big investment up front...