Tag Archives: trawler training school

I Had NO Idea What Pete Signed Us Up For

2-27-2017.            3-3-2017

Captain Bob,

I had no idea what Pete signed me up for. I guess with low expectations comes “GREAT” rewards.

Captain Bob has a gift of teaching, cooking,and entertaining. We learned so much, too much to list. Ate delicious food, and all the anchorage stops and scenery was just beautiful. My favorite? Sitting on the back of the Mermaid’s swim platform with Pete and our feet in the water was just heaven to us both. We don’t want to leave, but all good things must come to an end.

Thank you for everything.
Pete & Regina H.
Chelsea, MI

Rescue at Sea, Engine Trouble, High Seas Adventure

Dear Captain Bob,

We would like to thank you and the whole crew: Cabin Boy Bob, Captain Know It All, Galley cook, tutor & The Miami Mermaid. Just a great fantastic experience, and eye opening adventure. Spending 4 days 3 nights in Trawler school, we covered navigating in both rough and calm water, high winds, rain & sunshine- we had it all! We encountered a fuel line problem but by reading The Diesel Engine, as Captain Bob recommended before attending trawler school, we were able to trouble shoot the problem in less than 10 minutes. We were off and running.

We were involved in a live ocean rescue, three Parasailing men clinging onto a floating device for over an hour after a collision. They were starting to cramp up, and saw a shark nearby, luckily for them we spotted them and went to the rescue, pulled them on board and brought them to safety.  We passed our (MOB) man over board lesson.

One of our stops was at Key Biscayne at No Name Harbor; we ate at a wonderful Cuban restaurant.  We ordered Grouper and Snapper for lunch, it was great. Having 4 hours to ourselves,  we went into town, Cheryl being a tennis fan went to the Biscayne Sony Open, all the big names were playing but unfortunately  we had no time to see a match, she was bummed.

Through your trawler school and live aboard experience, we have a much better feel for trawler living and lifestyle. Also a much better feel how to find and buy the right trawler that will be suited for us. My wife, Cheryl, kept asking Captain Bob the whole trip, “What’s that other boat doing out there, what’s the other boat doing out there?” Ha Ha. We had a lot of fun and hope to see you somewhere on the high seas. ‘Til then, smooth and easy cruising!

Thanks
Paul and Cheryl
Reno Nevada
“The high desert Yacht Club”

Docking in High Wind Conditions

Captain Bob,

Thank you for such a wonderful voyage. You taught us the concepts and safety of running a Trawler. The confidence we gained is now going to allow us to move forward to purchase a trawler, the part you taught us about purchasing a trawler was worth the cost alone. The instructions on docking in high wind conditions and our night maneuvers experience were real confidence builders.

We enjoyed the anchorage at the Marina Stadium overlooking the million dollar view of the Miami Skyline. The food was delicious and the master stateroom wonderful to sleep in. More fish jokes, Please! We loved them all. Amazing tales. Good luck in the future, your friends always.

Monte & Susie Z.
Key Largo Fl

Overcoming a Blown Head Gasket – Twice!

2-13-14     Thru      2-15-14

Although a short trip, these 2 & 1/2 days were indeed memorable! With 40 years of sailboat experience, Gerri and I came with what we thought was a lot of knowledge. Captain Bob, you showed us a new world of Power – not just powerboats but your own personal power of intelligence and strength. We had a great tour of south Florida, seeing many things from the water for the first time. We had a great introduction to the world of “Stink Pots” and Trawlers. Overcoming a blown head gasket – twice – was awesome!!  Serving great meals was as well. Best of all was your own personality as you entertained us with your “Trawler Smarts”, your jokes and laughter.

As we were stuck in Hurricane Harbor with a blown head gasket, I couldn’t believe your troubleshooting skills and your personal strength to actually turn over that big engine and get it started!!!  Then at Sunset Marina, you did it again and you got us back to the Marina – AMAZING!!  Beyond the trip, your insights into trawler life and boat purchasing were well worth the price of admission!

All the best to the best,
Gerri & Ken
Potomac MD

Watch Your Wake, or You’ll Be Attending Your Wake

Dear Captain Bob                       2-9-14 —- 2-13-14

We had an amazing adventure on your trawler this past week, we would highly recommend your hands on training school to anyone looking to purchase a trawler now or in the future. We learned so much, and you are an excellent instructor when it comes to trawlers. Your hands on training, and leaving us at the helm ourselves, really made us very confident, not bad for someone with little boating experience! We’ve done it all: docking, anchoring, navigating, Diesel engine class, electrical, and most of all how to buy a trawler. Your 4 rules of the road, stay in your own lane, show your intent, the 360 degree rule and watch your wake or you’ll be attending your own wake. It worked. We made it back safe and sound. What a great cook! Overnight on the island of Boca Chita ( the best) anchoring at night in front of the amazing Miami skyline. Your little hide a way 100,000 BC cove. It was more than awesome! Thanks Captain Bob, many smiles as we look back.
Love
Jill & John W.
Phoenix, Arizona