Trawler School

Hi. Can anyone recommend a good "Trawler School" where I can get several days of hands-on instruction on a 40 to 46 foot trawler? I'd like to find something anywhere along the Gulf Coast or the eastern Florida coast. I want to get enough experience to qualify for some future bare-boat charters of trawlers in that size range.

I've owned and operated ski boats and deck boats on several lakes over the past twenty five years or so. But now my wife and I are interested in purchasing a trawler to enjoy in our retirement, which is just a few years out now. My plan is to charter a number of different types of trawlers to find out what works best for us. But, it appears that the charter companies are looking for more experience on bigger boats that I can claim.

Your feedback based on any personal experiences you may have with any Trawler Schools would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I did a five day school at Southwest Florida Yachts years ago I enjoyed it and feel i learned a lot. Another member of this site screen name Loafsandfishes was on the boat also
SWFY have a website you can get details there
Good luck!

There's a school in Stuart. Google Stuart Boat Schools and I'm sure they will appear.

It's called Chapman.

Trawler Training - Alaska Charters

Different location than you desire but solid training nonetheless in a beautiful environment. He is also a member here so you could send a PM(private message) to him here. Arctic Traveller is his screen name.

Second Southwest Florida Yachts, although it has been many years.

Marty

Yes, Steve and I shared a 5 day program at SW Florida Yacht School. Great hands on experience on a GB 36 classic. They had other bigger boats available at the time, also. Money well spent.

My wife and I just took 2 classes at SWFY. The captain instructor was great and both learned a lot . Would highly recommend to anyone.

Another vote for SWFYC. We didn't use their school but talked to people who did while we were chartering from them. They gave very positive recommendations. Very professional outfit and easy to work with. Plus the cruising grounds they're located in are wonderful.

Julie and I did a trawler school with Capt. Bob out of Ft. Lauderdale, three years ago.

Both of us being teachers, we felt that he really understood how to deal with our very different levels of experience and prior knowledge. He was also very affordable and in hindsight, it was just right, not too much, which would have been overwhelming or too little.

Richard
Trawler School Charters
Captain Robert L. Hamilton
USCG Licenced
Vessel Miami Mermaid
398 East Dania Beach Blvd #281
Dania Beach FL 33004
954-649-9611