Tag Archives: trawler school charters review

What an Adventure!

Captain Bob                2-14 13   2-18-13

What an adventure!
We came to trawler school to learn about living on, operating and managing a trawler – and the experience exceeded our expectations. Mac has a lifetime experience with boats of all sorts and Deb is a newbie! Both of us benefited from Captain’s Bob’s unique teaching style and the experiential hands on training on the water and underway, even in post boat show traffic!

Under Capt’n Bob’s supervision, in a remarkable short period of time we (Mac & Deb) were actually piloting (navigating) the 40′ vessel, Miami Mermaid though the middle of Miami and the top of the Florida Keys. Even without the schooling, we were “awe-sified” by the amazing and beautiful area around Miami: what a contrast between the urban skyline and the serenity of Boca Chita Island.

The view from amongst the mangroves in Virginia Key (complete with five sunbathing Manatees), cruising by Fisher Island and the high raiser’s of South Beach was truly memorable. Captain Bob shared his extensive knowledge of trawlers and the trawler market making it possible to formulate our plan.

Our goal is to charter a trawler and explore coastal Maine and maybe cruising the Florida little loop. By the end of our trip, our confidence and knowledge was substantial, (especially for newbie Deb).

If you are considering the trawler lifestyle, you need to enroll in trawler school.

Mac & Deborah
Minnescott Beach, NC

Docking day was the most fun!

The weather was near a perfect 66 degrees at night and 75 degrees during the day, with only one shower while underway.

I have never skippered a boat before but now feel I have the basic skills to maneuver and dock my own 40-footer. Docking day was the most fun! I think the biggest thing I walked away with was handling a single screw, in fact will be looking for one. Captain Bob will give you valueable tips and insight on buying a trawler, based on his prior experience in the trawler brokerage business. His tips alone will more than pay for our school over and over.

We were there for the training, but the daily chance to get off and walk around while island hopping was indeed fun, especially since I had my best friend and future first mate with me.

Now to find a trawler back home! (Annapolis area). Captain we appreciate you allowing us to come early and stay late to accommodate our flight schedule.

Jeff and Babs