Tag Archives: Trawler School Charters Reviews

Recent Trawler School Charters Reviews

10-14-2013 – 10-18-2013
Captain Bob,

Our time on the Miami Mermaid was so great! We were educated in all aspects of trawlers, boating and buying. Learning to navigate and read charts was very valuable and fun for me and Debbi finding all the spots we visited on our trip. It has made us very confident and will be useful on our boat in the future.

All the beautiful places we visited (especially Boca Chita Key) will be treasured memories. We hope that the future holds many more.

Captain Bob loved my special homemade “Apple Pie” and we loved his cooking and candle light dinners.

All and all we give Captain Bob’s Trawler school a big fat “10”, we are so glad we had the chance to navigate this adventure.

Jon & Debbi
Indianapolis In.

7-8-2013 – 7-12-2013
Great food, Captain Bob

What an excellent galley slave. We liked how he made us feel like we were alone on our own boat. Spending 3 days 4 nights was a great way to see how life would be on a Trawler. We have a lot more confidence navigating the boat and certainly a lot more knowledge of the boat’s systems.

Had a great time, Good luck.

J.D. & Deb
Depauw, In.

#3

Captain Bob,                   4-21-2013 – 4-25-2013

When we look back from one week ago and think about our expectations were for trawler school. Rick and I agree that these 4 days with you far surpassed what we expected. I’m amazed at how much time we spent at the helm….Alone! What a confidence builder.

The meals were all delicious and our classes were all enthusiastic and informative, you certainly know how to wake up sleepy students for your 9:00am class.

So much great advice on how to go about our trawler search. We certainly have a great start. Thanks for having lots of hot Coffee ready every morning when we awoke.

All the best
Sara & Rick
Hillsborough, NC

#4
Dear Captain Bob             6-24-2013 – 6-28-2013

We thoroughly enjoyed Trawler school this week. We are experienced sailors, but we had no experience on a trawler or the Intercostal waterway. While it may take Jeff a little while to distinguish between Sedans, Trunks ect. But I can tell the difference between all 4 models! We enjoyed being on a trawler and learning how to handle one. We really appreciate the knowledge we have gained about Trawlers.

Thank you for all the classes you provided and for the special “class” for us that was unexpected!! We are sure you will remember us as the ones that vacuumed out our bilge onboard our boat. A good bilge is a dry bilge.Thanks for everything.

Jeff & Darlene
Long Beach CA.

#5

Captain Bob                                      11-4–2013 – 11-8-2013

With 30 years of sailing experience behind me, my goal was to gain the knowledge and experience to make an educated decision, which type of the four Trawlers would suit me best. The time spent handling the Miami Mermaid and navigating the Intracostal water ways was a new experience for me.Trawler School has answered all my questions!

I was also impressed with the great meals that you prepared. If you ever decide to take up a second line of work, there are several restaurant’s in the area that could/would welcome you to there staff.

It was a pleasure to make up the anchor bridles for the Miami Mermaid. I did not think that there was anything about anchoring that I could show or do for you.

Looking forward to spending some time with you and Trawler school with my significant other when we are in town.

My very best wishes.
Your first Mate
John
Andros Island, Bahamas

#6
Captain Bob                          5/13/2013 – 5/17/2013

Due to a lousy flight I arrived at Trawler school in  a terrible mood. took till the next morning till all was gone and all was good. We have considering purchasing a trawler for some time. The training is making that decision that much easier. It’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks. We certainly learned a lot from Captain Bob. Will recommended him and the Miami Mermaid to anyone thinking about Trawlering. What a wonderful experience.

Captain Bob We will keep you updated on our quest to finding a Grand Banks.

Thank you
John & Pamela
Catawissa  Pa

#7

Hey Captain Bob          4-28-2013 – 5-2-2013

Great time, beautiful sights, new horizons – thanks for opening a new chapter in our lives. We will think of you many times in our years of trawlering ahead. Atta boy Captain Bob!

Pat
Captain Bob

What a great course. You took a couple of very green sailors wantabes and turned us into future boaters. We now know how to navigate, read charts, the engine room, electronics, how to stay in your own lane! Docking, anchoring and so much more. Wonderful food and camaraderie and a joke a minute. Thanks so much for giving us confidence to think we can really do this on our own.

Best of luck
Kathy
Tallahassee FL

#8      4-21-2013 – 4-25-2013

Captain Bob

Thanks so much for the instruction’s on electronics and all the other important information. We had a wonderful time.

It was great to see Miami all lit up at night. All the anchorages were especially breathtaking. We came because although we’re ancient, were considering buying and living on a trawler. We hope to see you again.

Best of luck
Alan & Barbara
Palm Beach FL

#9
Dear Captain Bob,                         4-15-2013 – 4-19-2013

Our mission to learn how to feel confident piloting and navigating a Trawler… Mission accomplished!! When my husband told me he wanted to attend Trawler school in Florida to learn more about handling and navigating a trawler, my first thought was… Ugh Boring!

Well I was so wrong. Captain Bob turned what could have been dull lessons into fun adventures. Within 2 hours from the first step aboard the Miami Mermaid we both were taking turns at the helm navigating the intercoastal going South. The next few days included boat classes on docking, navigating with charts, electrical and of course the engine room class. . We both feel totally prepared for bare-boat charting and even possibly purchasing a trawler in the future.

Highlights: Fish and shark jokes, docking blindfolded, grilled lobster on Key Biscayne, No Name Harbor, Super yummy food all home cooked on board, a new $2,000. vacuum flush toilet, perfect weather, night navigating, The Miami sky line at night, Our roommate Pee Wee Herman & Ariel the little Mermaid??? Much, Much more. Why did the Pirate wear an eye patch? Cuz he couldn’t afford an IPAD!!!

PS, Since completing our course, we have done two bareboat charter trip in the British Virgin Islands. The training we received from Captain Bob has given us the confidence to pursue these adventures. Thank you Captain & The Miami Mermaid

Bruce & Cydne
Mandeville LA

#10

Captain Bob            10-12-2013 – 10-15-2013

Excellent time, Great training, watch out for the fish jokes.

All in all great time. 2 days 3 nights (solo) Trawler training course.

Thank you
Jim D
Marco Island FL

“Unbelievable way to navigate …” Trawler School Charters Reviews 2009

January 5 – 8, 2009

We had an enjoyable cruise and learned a lot. Captain Bob has his own unique and inimitable teaching style!

We had planned to attend Trawler Fest in Stuart later this month, but our plans were preempted by Obama’s inauguration, to which we scored tickets at the last minute from our congresswoman. We will instead attend Trawler Fest in San Diego in February.

While dining at aptly-named Hurricane Harbor, we were caught by a surprise squall. Captain Bob expertly maneuvered us through Biscayne Bay to the safety of Marine Stadium north of the Rickenbacker Causeway.

An unforgettable experience. Thanks for all your hard work and good humor!

Sean and Louise – full-time RVers.

January 12 – 16, 2009

As we wanted to make the “America’s Great Loop” in two years, we decided that before buying a trawler we should attend the Trawler School. This was one of the best decisions we have taken while planning this common project of ours.

So, thank you to Capt. Bob for teaching us the anchorage, the mechanical demonstration, and the night navigation with all these flashing red, green, and yellow lights.

We appreciated also the stories about his experience while navigating all over places.

This was  a great experience for us. We learned enough to give us confidence to navigate in our future charter.

Thank you, Luc & Jocelyne – French Canadians

 

January 23, 2009

Great advice regarding trawlers. Unbelievable way to navigate. Captain Bob needs to start a video trawler school to carry his message to thousands in addition to the few that have been able to take his great school. Thanks for the opportunity to learn from the greatest!!

Ed & Mary – Woodstock, MD

 

January 27 – 29, 2009

Capt. Bob,

We have enjoyed the 2 day, 3 night cruise and trawler school. I know we have tested your patience during this time, but you made it thru. We learned quite a few things we weren’t sure about and now feel we could charter almost anywhere with confidence. Your instructions and on the job training was very professional and well presented.

Thanks, Bill and Mary – Wilmington, NC

February 2 – 5, 2009

Captain Bob,

Thank you for the learning and the patience. You have brought many topics to our attention we had not considered- decisions, decisions, decisions.

Although we experienced record cold temperatures, we still believe owning a trawler can be in our future, but we are not sure about the “pirate ship.” Chartering a trawler and trying a week or two on our own is a great idea and will be our next step.

Sorry you have not been feeling well, hope you feel better next week. Take care. We will stay in touch.

Dorothy and Bob

February 13 – 16, 2009

Captain Bob,

Great guy, great course, great cruise. Amazing amount of solid, practical information and wisdom. All the time we kept saying and thinking “Got to get this right, it’s very important.” One critical benefit that became clear and turned out to be the most important feature for us was your ability to tailor the course to our experiences and needs.

Yummy meals, excellent teacher, good fun …. Except the keel hauling ….

Dave & Nancy – Ithaca, NY

Captain Bob,

Our experiences were more than we hoped for. Many valued lessons will be great assets through our remaining years boating.

Wishing you the best!

February 20, 2009

Captain Bob,

We had a fantastic time. You have been a great teacher. I can’t begin to tell you how much we have learned on our trip. I think you should also be called Chef Bob. We both at elike a queen and a king. Thank you so much for everything. For me you have taken the fear out of boating. What a fun vacation. We will always remember Captain Bob. Please come and visit us anytime. Our door is always open.

Dave & Lisa – Tarpon Springs, FL

February 26, 2009

What a unique and wonderful experience. I can hardly believe how much I’ve learned and the hands-on practice has boosted my confidence tremendously. The choices of anchorages perfect. “Jimbo’s” was never to be forgotten. Our evening entertainment was very “enlightening” and the food was delicious.

Thank you for a special experience.

Elaine “Anchor Woman” and George – West Palm Beach, FL

March 5, 2009

4 wonderful days in my book, learning how to do it right. I have owned small boats all my life, but learned important new stuff from you every day. Wonderful trip exploring the area and staying in beautiful places like Boca Chita. I’ll find out what that means and let you know. Also liked how we had to work through a couple of minor urgencies – remember when you realized we had no reverse? Paula and I ate like royalty, especially liked the large whole fish and Florida lobster. Can’t wait to do a bareboat charter.  First time on a trawler – great experience. Lots of great information that will help us in the future. Looking forward to a bareboat experience – now this seems very doable.

Thanks! Had a great time.

Carey & Paula – Irmo, SC

We had a wonderful week. Beautiful scenery, great weather. From the prairies, we don’t see too much water, just lakes and rivers – nothing to compare to this.

Navigating was a little tough for me but I will work on that. Tig loved driving the boat and learned a lot – slow is the key.

Meals were outstanding, putting together gourmet meals in a small kitchen- we all need to learn from that.

Thank you so much for your hospitality, knowledge, stories, patience, and best of all your boat.

We wish you well Captain Bob.

Carol & Tiger – Calgary, AB, Canada

March 13 – 16, 2009

We didn’t know what to expect! The three day trip was a real eye-opener. The experience and knowledge of Captain Bob, aka “Master Chef” is second to none!

We learnt so much and “El Capitan” made everything so easy to understand with no mystery or magic.

We were made welcome the minute we stepped on board and the food was “beautiful!!”

A BIG Thank you!! to Captain Bob.

John & Sandy – Florida & UK

March 20, 2009

High seas adventures as we rushed to the hospital at the end of day in stormy skies. Good thing they didn’t have to remove my hand! Now you know all you need to know about a broken wrist.

Have a great time at Jimbo’s 82nd Party and remember “to err is human, but to arrr is pirate!”

“Every man is my superior in some way, in that, I learn of him.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Thanks for sharing your superior viewpoint on practical boating! Lots of fun and educational!

By the way, did we mention the great food?

Max & Bob – Atlanta, GA

 

March 23 -27, 2009

Great learning experience. Very informative and Captain Bob is a great cook. Got to see some places that we would never have found on our own. Thanks for the great week.

Steve & Gladys – Corinth, ME

 

May 7, 2009

What can I say – Capt. Bob – captain, teacher, chef, teacher, pirate, everyone’s man!

He teaches by experience – learn on your own “walk the plank if you screw up” which I did, but he is merciful, he did not bill me for my klutz-man-ship. Fun, fascinating, beautiful, adventurous, whether you charter, own or never use a trawler again. A great guy, a great experience.

Brian & Diane – Lancaster, PA

March 27 – 30, 2009

I would say we all had different expectations of what this trip would be like and each day our expectations converged toward the possibility of owning a boat as something we might really do.

We came with our 16 year old son and the Captain made us all feel comfortable using the navigation equipment and driving the boat. My son and husband were comfortable and by our final night I could actually see us doing this boating thing again.