We went from Trawler School to purchasing our first boat — a 36′ Mainship – and we wouldn’t have dared without building our skills with Cap’n Bob.

Trawler School was a roll of the dice for us — and we rolled a winner. We loved Bob’s approach to teaching; we found his meals inspired, and the boat a great way for us to get a true sense of what it would be like to function in that space. I had hoped Trawler School would put my husband’s dreams of a boat to rest. Alas – we’re now through our first trawler season on the Hudson River and looking forward to many more. Cap’n Bob’s patience and focus gave us the confidence to take the leap. There wasn’t a day of our first boating season where we didn’t repeat some of Cap’n Bob’s instructions. He gave us the foundation to dream bigger while showing us some amazing sites like Boca Chita Key.

We experienced it all — wind, rain, currents — all in our Trawler School session — and it was worth every penny. From the homework assignment prior to school (charts! navigation!) to our return trip up the Intercoastal – we learned, we worked, we enjoyed, and it was all an unexpected delight. We’re realists — so if you’re looking to be waited on, this trip is not for you. But if you’re looking for what it might be like to learn and spend boating time at a comfortable pace – the time and money invested here would be well spent.

Date: 12/01/2013 6:16pm