Boating with Barbie

Two years ago, I took the True Course OUPV 6-Pack Captain’s Course simply because I wanted the knowledge.

I wanted to understand more. Learn more. Become a better, safer, more confident boater.

I didn’t know then where that knowledge might eventually take me.

Fast-forward two years, and here I am again—books open, studying and working my way through the Mariners Learning System OUPV 6-Pack course.

Only this time, I’m not doing it just for the knowledge.

This time I’m going after the license. ⚓️📚

Funny how sometimes you start down a path without knowing exactly where it’s leading you.

With everything that’s been evolving around Boating with Barbie, I have a feeling there was a reason I started down this one two years ago. 💗

One chapter, one test, one step closer.

⚓️ Boating with Barbie
Empowering Women on the Water

Guess where I’m at today…

Yep…the engine room! 😁

Okay…maybe it’s my second favorite place on the boat, but taking care of your boat is just as important as enjoying it.

Today I rolled up my sleeves and tackled some maintenance with my mechanic. We changed the oil and replaced the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve on my port engine.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that becoming a confident boater isn’t just about driving the boat—it’s about understanding what’s happening under the hatch too. You don’t have to become a marine mechanic overnight, but watching, learning, asking questions, and getting involved builds confidence every single time.

That’s exactly why I love sharing these experiences. If I can encourage one more person—especially one more woman—to feel comfortable opening the engine hatch and learning something new, then it’s a great day on the water.
Now my girl is up to date on all of her maintenance and it was awesome to be a part of it and learning new things!
Knowledge builds confidence. Confidence builds better boaters.

⚓️ Empowering Women on the Water

I held my course while this boat passed—here’s why.

In this video, another boat approaches from behind and overtakes me on my port side. My responsibility as the vessel being overtaken was to remain predictable by maintaining my course and speed, while the overtaking vessel had the responsibility to keep clear and complete the pass safely. Under the Navigation Rules, the overtaking vessel must stay out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

This is why understanding the Rules of the Road matters. It removes the guessing, helps everyone anticipate the other captain’s actions, and makes the water safer for all of us.

The diagram at the end shows exactly what was happening so you can recognize an overtaking situation the next time you’re on the water.

Did you know the overtaking boat may pass on either side, provided it can be done safely?

Safe boating starts with knowing the rules—not assuming the other captain does. ⚓️💗

Boating with Barbie
Empowering Women on the Water

☀️ There’s something magical about waking up on the water.

Before the boats begin to move…
Before the world gets busy…

There’s a peacefulness that reminds you to slow down and simply take it all in.

These quiet mornings are one of the many reasons I fell in love with boating.

The gentle sound of the water.
The warmth of the rising sun.
The promise of a brand new day.

Some people wake up to an alarm clock…

I wake up to moments like this.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

⚓ Empowering Women on the Water

🔧 I’ve never changed my generator impeller before… by myself…until today.

One of the things I love most about boating is that there’s always something new to learn.

Instead of simply watching my mechanic replace the impeller, I asked him if he would teach me how to do it. Guided by his instructions I removed the screws and the plate. The old impeller came right out because it was in pieces. The hardest part of the entire process was getting the new impeller lined up and pushed in and going in the correct direction. Other than that I felt it was not to difficult and feel confident I could do it myself if I needed to😁

Could I have just stood back and watched?

Absolutely.

But I believe confidence comes from understanding your boat—not just operating it.

Every skill you learn makes you a more prepared and capable boat owner.

A huge thank you to my mechanic for taking the time to explain each step and let me get hands-on. She’s running perfectly now!

If you’re new to boating, don’t ever be afraid to ask questions or learn something outside your comfort zone. You don’t have to know everything—you just have to be willing to learn.

⚓ Because every confident captain was once a beginner.

Empowering Women on the Water💕

⚓ “She makes it look easy…”

What you don’t see is the years of experience, the lessons learned, and the respect for the water that make moments like this possible. This day the water was calm and there was hardly a current. Being on the Tennessee River, some days are like this and some make docking difficult. Slow and steady is always your best approach.

Every time I back my boat into the slip, I’m reminded that confidence doesn’t happen overnight.

It comes from showing up…
Learning…
Practicing…
Making mistakes…
And getting back behind the helm.

If you’re new to boating, don’t let it intimidate you. Every experienced captain started exactly where you are.

One maneuver at a time.
One lesson at a time.
One day at a time.

And one day…you’ll look back and realize you’ve become the confident captain you once admired.

⚓ Empowering Women on the Water💕⚓️

⚓ There’s nothing quite like a day on the water with good friends, sunshine, and the freedom to enjoy God’s beautiful creation.

Weekends like this remind me why I fell in love with boating so many years ago.

It’s not just about the boat…
It’s about the laughter.
The friendships.
The peaceful moments cruising across the lake.
And making memories you’ll talk about long after the weekend is over.

I’m already looking forward to the next adventure! ❤️⚓

Where did everyone spend their weekend on the water? I’d love to hear!

🧼⚓ Not every boating day is spent cruising across the lake… and that’s okay.

Today the weather couldn’t make up its mind. One minute sunshine… the next minute rain. 🌦️

So instead of being out on the water, I grabbed my bucket, brushes, and towels and gave my girl the attention she deserved.

Owning a boat isn’t just about the beautiful sunsets and weekends on the lake. It’s about taking pride in maintaining it, protecting it and making sure she’s ready for the next adventure.

Sometimes the best boating days are the ones spent preparing for the next one. ❤️⚓

What maintenance project are you tackling this week?