I want to become more comfortable with diesel engines before I begin my big boat (50'+) search in earnest. The Annapolis School of Seamanship has two, back-to-back courses - Basic and Advanced Diesel - that run 2 days each.

They claim it's for familiarization and learning to do basic maintenance and troubleshooting - I won't become a mechanic. That sounds just like what I'm looking for.

Any comments or experience with them pro or con?