Introduction to Marine Industry: Spring 2025 Curriculum
Overview
Student: John Hurff
Class Duration: January 5, 2026 – May 31, 2026
First Class: January 6, 2026
Project Focus: Marine Industry Fundamentals & Entrepreneurship
Primary Resources: 1989 Ranger with Mercury 90 HP engine, home dock and lift
Business Concept: "Full Throttle Marine" - Specializing in servicing older model boats and improving their performance
Main Coordinator: Jimmy Hurff (Father)
Academic Supervisor: Jessica Hurff (Mother)
Class Objectives
Upon completion of this class, students will: - Understand fundamental business concepts and entrepreneurship principles - Demonstrate proficiency in dock and marina maintenance - Perform basic engine servicing on outboard motors - Install and troubleshoot basic marine electronics - Size, tune, and optimize propellers for performance - Apply basic welding techniques for marine applications - Develop a comprehensive business plan and pro forma for a marine services business - Integrate technical skills with business planning to create a viable service offering
Weekly Schedule
- Standing Session: 1 day per week (4 hours/session, same day each week)
- Independent Work: Additional tasks assigned weekly
- Lab Work: Hands-on sessions using the 1989 Ranger and home dock/lift facilities
| Week | Date Range | Section Focus | Key Activities/Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 6 – Jan 12 | Intro to Business/Entrepreneurship | Course kickoff, business concepts, market research intro |
| 2 | Jan 13 – Jan 19 | Intro to Business/Entrepreneurship | Business model development, customer analysis |
| 3 | Jan 20 – Jan 26 | Intro to Business/Entrepreneurship | Service offerings, competitive analysis, business framework |
| 4 | Jan 27 – Feb 2 | Basic Engine Servicing | Engine systems overview, Mercury 90 HP introduction, safety |
| 5 | Feb 3 – Feb 9 | Basic Engine Servicing | Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacement |
| 6 | Feb 10 – Feb 16 | Basic Engine Servicing | Troubleshooting, carburetor basics, performance tuning |
| 7 | Feb 17 – Feb 23 | Basic Marine Electronics | Electrical systems basics, battery management, wiring fundamentals |
| 8 | Feb 24 – Mar 2 | Basic Marine Electronics | Navigation equipment, fish finders, GPS installation |
| 9 | Mar 3 – Mar 9 | Basic Marine Electronics | Troubleshooting, system integration, documentation |
| 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 16 | Propeller Sizing and Tuning | Propeller theory, performance metrics, selection criteria |
| 11 | Mar 17 – Mar 23 | Propeller Sizing and Tuning | Testing and tuning on Ranger, performance analysis |
| 12 | Mar 24 – Mar 30 | Propeller Sizing and Tuning | Optimization, documentation, business integration |
| 13 | Apr 1 – Apr 6 | Welding | Welding safety, equipment introduction, basic techniques |
| 14 | Apr 7 – Apr 13 | Welding | Marine welding applications, repairs, fabrication |
| 15 | Apr 14 – Apr 20 | Welding | Advanced techniques, project completion, safety review |
| 16 | Apr 21 – Apr 27 | Dock and Marina Maintenance | Dock inspection, safety protocols, maintenance planning |
| 17 | Apr 28 – May 4 | Dock and Marina Maintenance | Dock repairs, lift maintenance, seasonal care |
| 18 | May 5 – May 11 | Dock and Marina Maintenance | Complete dock project, documentation, integration with business plan |
| 19 | May 12 – May 18 | Business Plan Development | Service integration, business plan writing, market analysis |
| 20 | May 19 – May 25 | Pro Forma Development | Financial modeling, pricing strategy, revenue projections |
| 21 | May 26 – May 31 | Final Presentation | Presentation preparation, practice, formal presentation |
Six Key Sections
1. Intro to Business/Entrepreneurship (Weeks 1-3)
Learning Outcomes: - Understand basic business concepts and entrepreneurship - Analyze market opportunities in marine services - Develop a business model framework - Identify target customers and service offerings - Understand competitive landscape
Key Activities: - Market research on marine services industry - Customer persona development - Service offering definition - Business model canvas creation - Initial business concept for "Full Throttle Marine"
2. Basic Engine Servicing (Weeks 4-6)
Learning Outcomes: - Understand outboard engine systems and components - Perform routine maintenance procedures - Troubleshoot common engine issues - Service Mercury 90 HP engine on the Ranger - Optimize engine performance
Key Activities: - Hands-on work with 1989 Ranger Mercury 90 HP - Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service - Carburetor basics and tuning - Performance testing and optimization - Service documentation and pricing
3. Basic Marine Electronics (Weeks 7-9)
Learning Outcomes: - Understand marine electrical systems - Install and configure navigation equipment - Troubleshoot electronic issues - Integrate multiple electronic systems - Provide basic electronics service
Key Activities: - Electrical system basics and safety - Battery management and charging systems - Navigation equipment installation - Fish finder and GPS setup - System integration and testing
4. Propeller Sizing and Tuning (Weeks 10-12)
Learning Outcomes: - Understand propeller theory and performance - Select appropriate propellers for specific applications - Test and tune propellers for optimal performance - Analyze performance improvements - Provide propeller service recommendations
Key Activities: - Propeller theory and selection criteria - Performance testing on the Ranger - Data collection and analysis - Tuning and optimization - Documentation and service pricing
5. Welding (Weeks 13-15)
Learning Outcomes: - Understand welding safety and equipment - Perform basic welding techniques - Apply welding to marine applications - Complete repair and fabrication projects - Integrate welding services into business model
Key Activities: - Welding safety and equipment introduction - Basic welding techniques (MIG, TIG basics) - Marine-specific welding applications - Repair and fabrication projects - Safety protocols and documentation
6. Dock and Marina Maintenance (Weeks 16-18)
Learning Outcomes: - Perform comprehensive dock inspections - Identify maintenance needs and priorities - Execute dock and lift maintenance procedures - Understand seasonal care requirements - Document maintenance procedures
Key Activities: - Hands-on inspection of home dock and lift - Maintenance planning and execution - Safety protocol development - Documentation of procedures - Integration into service offerings
Major Deliverables & Grading
| Deliverable | Weight (%) | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Business Concept & Market Analysis | 10 | Jan 26 |
| Technical Skills Portfolio | 20 | May 11 |
| Service Documentation | 15 | May 11 |
| Business Plan | 25 | May 18 |
| Pro Forma & Financial Model | 15 | May 25 |
| Final Presentation | 15 | May 31 |
Grading Scale: Standard A–F
Roles & Responsibilities
- John Hurff: Lead student, responsible for all deliverables, documentation, and presentation
- Jimmy Hurff: Main project coordinator, mentor, assists with technical instruction and business planning
- Jessica Hurff: Academic supervisor, ensures academic standards and progress
- Supporting Resources: 1989 Ranger with Mercury 90 HP engine, home dock and lift facilities
Tools & Skills
- Business planning and financial modeling (spreadsheets, business plan software)
- Technical documentation and service procedures
- Marine maintenance tools and equipment
- Engine diagnostic tools and testing equipment
- Marine electronics installation and testing tools
- Welding equipment and safety gear
- Performance testing and data collection
- Presentation skills (slides, speaking, business pitch)
Documentation & Logs
- Photo Log: Weekly photo updates of hands-on work and projects
- Journal Log: Weekly written reflections and technical notes
- Project Plan: Living document tracking progress across all sections
- Budget Tracker: Material costs, tool expenses, and service pricing analysis
- Service Documentation: Procedures, checklists, and service offerings for "Full Throttle Marine"
- Business Plan: Comprehensive business plan for "Full Throttle Marine"
- Pro Forma: Financial projections and business model analysis
Final Presentation
The final presentation will include: - Overview of "Full Throttle Marine" business concept - Summary of technical skills developed across all six sections - Business plan highlights and market analysis - Financial projections and pro forma analysis - Demonstration of technical competency - Reflection on lessons learned and business viability - Audience: Family, potential business advisors, academic evaluators
Success Criteria
- Completion of all deliverables on time
- Demonstrated proficiency in all six technical areas
- Comprehensive, well-researched business plan
- Realistic and detailed pro forma financial model
- Clear integration of technical skills into business offerings
- Professional final presentation demonstrating both technical and business knowledge
- Documented evidence of hands-on work across all sections
Integration Theme: "Full Throttle Marine"
Throughout the course, all technical learning will be integrated into the business concept of "Full Throttle Marine," a marine services business specializing in: - Servicing older model boats (like the 1989 Ranger) - Improving boat performance through maintenance, tuning, and optimization - Providing reliable, affordable service to boat owners - Combining technical expertise with customer-focused business practices
This integration ensures that technical skills are immediately contextualized within a real business framework, making learning more meaningful and applicable.