Tag Archives: trawler school reviews

Docking Blindfolded … What a Confidence Builder!

Dear Captain Bob,

Thanks for a great time and lots of learning and tips in the trawler school classes. We are sail boaters and really appreciated the hands on approach learning about trawlers, It was just the right combination while being underway. Actually living on board for a few days gave us the true experience of living aboard a trawler. The meals were great. It was like being on vacation while in school.

We are nervous docking our own boat but under the supervision and instructions on Captain Bob’s trawler made it so easy John even docked blindfolded, what a confidence builder.

We have chartered and stayed in many places, however, we saw so many beautiful anchorage’s here it was like finding paradise right under our own nose. The Manatee’s and Dolphin’s were a real treat to see. I appreciated the fact Captain Bob taught us the history of the area. The story of Mrs. Honeywell ‘s ghost was spooky and Boca Chica Island was where she lived was just absolutely breath taking.
As a professor, I go to a lot of student graduations each year but Trawler Schools graduation was the best ever.

John & Ann Marie T.
Aka the Professor and Ginger
Wilmington, NC

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

We Learned, We Laughed, and Now and Then We Cowered (and other highlights from 2006 – 2007)

Dennis & Jennifer

12/05/05 – 12/10/05

We had a great time! The charming personality and good looks of our captain will be remembered until infinity! I learned more about GPS this week than 15 years with my boat! Thanks to Capt. Bob we will charter with confidence!

Bernard & Cecile

12/26/2005

Learned a lot on this 4 day trip. Will feel more confident when hubby will decide to charter a trawler on our next vacation! Relaxing, taking our mind off of difficult issues. Doing team work! Thanks Captain Bob.

Susan & Ed

We actually felt we can drive a trawler and plan to go shopping for one soon! Capt. Bob is terrific and we had a blast! Even learned a few cooking pointers, not to mention fish jokes and funny dances. What a terrific adventure!!

Bob & June

January 2006

While switching gas tanks Capt. Bob was nearly eaten by the engine! His prized shirt from Christmas was destroyed- not fun! Lobstering along the banks at Boca Chita – got 2! Ed was fondly known as “Capt. Coco” as he drank coco for breakfast; Susan known as “Sunshine” we actually feel we can drive a trawler and plan to go shopping for one soon. Capt. Bob is terrific, and we have had a blast, even learned a few cooking pointers not to mention fish jokes and funky dance. What a terrific adventure!

Susan & Ed, Charleston, SC

2/4/06 – 2/8/06

Hurricane harbor, very calm. Superbowl party at the Caribbean Club, the locals are wonderful! The food was great too! Boca Chita Key – what a fantastic place, the water was so clear and Capt. Bob fishing, swimming, and looking for lobsters right next to the sign. So many fish jokes. Bob woke up trying to think of more! Don’t ask questions that might get ahead of Capt. Bob, you could get demerits. Capt Bob … we need a trawler NOW!! We loved this! Capt. Bob – you totally ROCK!

2/ 13 – 2/18/2006

We learned, we laughed, and now and then we cowered – “what do you mean you don’t know? Pay attention! You’re not making efficient use of your platter! We won’t soon forget our mistakes. Capt. Bob is a great teacher, albeit unconventional. The Mermaid, the scenery, the fod, cocktail hour, what a ball we had! Good job and thanks, Captain Bob!

Joseph & Anne, Massachusetts

4/4/2006

Capt. Bob’s knowledge- he’ll save us bucks when we come to buy a trawler. A  great day of learning from a knowledgeable guy!

John & rose

3/20/2006

Every day, every anchorage was a new experience. Capt. Bob does a nice job of filling every day with meaningful “but fun!” events. All the local stops with good local food, shopping & views. Captain Bob delivered on his commitment. He made us believe that we really can have “the great life” – the easy, simple way. Thanks to Capt. Bob, a year from now Judy can also say she is retired and living aboard with her mate! We think that Capt. Bob could start a whole new fashion trend with his shorts!

Dick & Judy

4/9/2006

Events to remember: Capt. Bob parting the sea and calming the waves! The walking on water trick was kind of coold too. Dinners at Capt. Bob’s world famous restaurants all the way to the Keys & back. Capt. Bob, you are one of a kind … you will always be our captain! Thank you for a wonderful time! You guys are great!

Capt. Back Packer and Sandi Storm

4/24/2006

Boating can be as simple as it sounds – it just takes caution and common sense. And there is such a thing as the “perfect storm” and if you look for things long enough you will find them. We will remember mosquitoes at Boca Chita, grouper sandwiches, snorkeling on the reef, happy hour at the Marriott, topped off by a midnight swim and the longest 10 second storm of our lives. It was so exhilarating. In short, the most action packed 5 days ever – thanks Capt. Bob!

Gail & Gabe – Toronto, Canada

5/1 – 5/5/2006

As sailors, we’ve learned you can “keep it simple” and have a wonderful time. Following Capt. Bob’s sage advice, the KISS rule, common sense and a GPS make cruising on a trawler nirvana. His knowledge and experience will be put to good use as wel sell our 31’ Irwin and buy our 36’ – 40’ trawler. Thanks Capt. Bob for a great 4 days.

Mike & Kathy, San Antonio, TX

5/24 – 5/27/2006

Swimming! Greek restaurant! Dolphins singing Happy Birthday! Capt. Bob’s birthday cake with candle! Sunset! Waking up! Receiving certificate! Wow, such fun, learned a lot … we even know what boat is our next step … Capt. Bob, what can we say? Great cook, unorthodox but perfect teacher, funny & fun. Thank you for a great & true adventure!

Dennis & Terri Ann, Napa Valley, CA

5/30/2006

Perfect in every way except Thursday (rain). The wittiness of Capt. Bob always a laugh. We learned a lot from him. The salads and dinner were delicious. First night the beautiful lightning off Miami, and everything along the way, coming and going. Bob gives real good advice and suggestions regarding Trawlers. It’s good to talk to someone who knows his business.

Clarence & Rita

8/22 – 8/26/2006

Capt. Bob is unconventional and somewhat unorthodox, cuts out the fluff and gets right to the meat of things. “Bad to the bone.” Great advice on buying a boat to suit our needs and selling our boat.

Vicky & Brian

7/22/2006

Capt. Bob, wow, what can we say? A pirate, a cook, the master of ceremonies, a runner, a renegade, a financial advisor, a caring man, but above all- a captain extraordinaire!!!

Regarding the Trawler School Charters classes- they were presented in a simplistic, yet complete manner. The information about trawlers or trawlering will set us up to now feel confident to choose and commandeer our own trawler. Capt. Bob was informed about all types of trawlers and when we told him the boat we were looking at- he saved us $50 – 60,000 when we negotiate. Oh and lest I forget a new record on the Miami Mermaid, 7 bottles of wine in 1 evening.

Linda & Larry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

9/11/2006

Absolutely 4 perfect days fun in the sun and learned how to drive a trawler. Perfect Capt. Fabulous experience. Would highly recommend.

Miranda, Goldsboro, NC

9/25/2006

Captain Bob is a no nonsense instructor intent on teaching us what we need to know, and in the simplest manner. How to operate, maintain, and purchase a trawler.

His demeanor is that of a high seas pirate and we told him so, he seemed surprised that we had discovered something , and then he revealed the most wonderous, fascinating adventure from his past. I’ll let him tell his future charter clients or maybe he’ll just wait for you to notice you’re with a pirate. Capt. Bob promised to teach us everything about trawlers and he did that. Thank you Capt. Bob, we got our money’s worth. The food alone may have been worth it or maybe our favorite anchorage, No Name Harbor. We’ll cherish our memories of Pirate Bob and our high seas adventure. God Bless!

Margarita & Ken, Ohio

11/5 – 11/9/2006

Everything was an event and memorable with our unique and unforgettable Capt. Bob! We’ll be trawlering now with confidence thanks to Capt. Bob!!

Marianne & Dick, Falls Church, VA

11/10 – 11/11/2006

Capt. Bob, thank you for a great learning experience and fun too. It’s going to help a lot in looking for our boat.

Bud & Carol, Bradenton, FL

12/18 – 12/21/2006

Places to remember: Boca Chita Key- gorgeous! Marine Stadium at night with Miami’s lights.

Thanks Capt. Bob, for an unforgettable experience aboard the Miami Mermaid! I (Beth) appreciated the simplicity of your instructions. We had a memorable experience!!

Bart & Beth, Granville, Ohio

January 2007

Capt. Bob, thank you for taking some of my fear of the water away. You have been very sensitive to our needs. You have been very sensitive to our needs. Your variety of dinner with the touch of candles every night added a lot to the ambiance. Your laughs made us feel at home. Figure 8 I will never forget, and your eagerness to teach us everything you can made you a very special man. What else can I say? Great dancer, great chef, very clean, funny, and real human being. I’ll miss the bag lady, so sure of herself. You made Leah smile and enjoy herself – wow!

Leah & Chuck, Tucson, AZ

1/25 – 1/28/2007

Two sailors contemplating treason – buying a trawler, rather than a sailboat – yikes!

Fun birthday trip! We felt we were in capable hands. Loved the Garmin- I do have navigating confidence now. Thanks!

Paul & Lisa

2/12 – 2/15/2007

The most important thing I (Betty) learned “We’ve gotta have a cabin boy!” Doug: “Sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice.” Time spent on the water is not deducted from one’s lifespan.

Betty & Doug

3/19 – 3/22/2007

What a hoot! We actually learned something (a lot) and enjoyed every moment. Even changing oil was fun (as fun as that can be). Thanks to the great Galley Wench/Cabin Boy/Capt. Bob now we know we are not crazy for wanting a trawler and we really did learn a lot from you.

Mark & Genifer

5/21 – 5/24/2007

We are trying to decide whether to become “trawlers” so this was a great help. Under Capt. Bob’s guidance we feel confident to now charter a trawler. Keeping it simple – we learned a tremendous amount.

Susan & Carolyn, Lexington, KY