Training captain wanted

I am near completion of the acquisition of my first proper trawler, and am interested in hiring a captain to provide some hands on training on my new boat. The boat is in the LaConnor marina so someone from around that area or Anacortes would probably be preferable.

I have boated all my life, but the largest boat I have owned was a 28’ Albin sport fisher (single diesel, bow thruster). I have done quite a bit of sailing on large keelboats, both round the bouys and offshore. The boat I am acquiring is 47’, twin diesel, bowthruster, 50,000lbs displacement. My son, age 34, would also accompany me for the training.

Any recommendations greatly appreciated.

John

Did you get this beauty?

Indeed, pending survey and sea trial. . .

Jknox, welcome to TF. That's a great looking boat and looks very capable of handling any of the seas you're likely to encounter.

That is a very nice boat. Enjoy!!!

Here is a link to the Yachtworld listing: https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1967/willard-marine-dover-pilothouse-repowered-3537664/?refSource=standard%20listing


It is a 1967 Willard build that was repowered with modern JD engines. I didn't think that fiberglass went that far back. Willard must have been at the head of the pack. I'll bet it is built hell for stout.

Curious, what is the cowl on the foredeck- ventilation below? And I haven't seen that kind of anchor windlass, although it looks very functional.

David

Thanks. As we say here in the PNW, she’s “Skookum” alright! The cover is an old style hatch, leading to a stairway to the foreword cabin. The windlass seems really stout, but we will be giving it a try during the sea trial for sure.

As for hiring a training captain.

Check with your insurance broker for recommendations and if you will qualify for a lower rate after the training. Most marine insurance brokers rely on a few training captains for clients that can't obtain insurance due to their inexperience. Contact previous clients to verify the captains instructing proficiency and demeanor. Make sure the trainer is a USCG licensed captain - ask to see the license.

There are many USCG licensed captains. Most are in the commercial sector. Not many captains have the communication skills, knowledge, patience and pleasure boating experience to train a novice boater.

Expect to spend a minimum of 8 hours (hopefully not in one session) actually behind the wheel of your boat practicing docking and other maneuvers. Ideally the mornings are spent docking when the wind is light and the afternoon is devoted to going over the boats systems, handling emergencies and other "book learning". 16 hours total training is typical, 10 to 12 hours practicing handling and 4 to 6 on systems depending on the boat owners proficiency and the complexity of the boat. Avoid the instructors that have the same preplanned program for all clients irregardless of the clients experience or boat.

A good instructor will go over your mechanical, electrical and electronics with you describing their function and maintenance requirements in addition to making you a good boat driver. They will also give you some pointers in case of failure of the more critical systems.

Additional hours can be scheduled for anchoring, going through locks or anything else that you want to learn. And if you moor the boat in LaConner, you will certainly want additional time docking in current.

I retired a few years ago from being a training captain - boat driving instructor after 25 loooong years! 5 years working for a yacht time share company and the rest independently. Most of my clients originated from insurance brokers and the rest referrals. I did not have a web presence with that business.

And sorry, I can't do just one more. I gave up my captains license.

Thanks. This is not being required by insurance, but is just my own feeling I could use some help. The broker has offered to do the training, and he too gave up his license some time ago, but I am not sure if that makes sense or not. I am gathering a few names. I agree with your description of how a good training should go. Thanks for the run down.

What is a reasonable fee for 12-16 hour course by a licensed Captain? I will need this as well so I want to add this to my budget when we move up soon. Thx.

Mark P said:

What is a reasonable fee for 12-16 hour course by a licensed Captain? I will need this as well so I want to add this to my budget when we move up soon. Thx.

Click to expand...

IMO, maybe as much as $100 per hour. It would be fantastic if you could take him for a night cruise, anchor and retrieve the anchor 3 or 4 times too.
Things at night look totally different especially if you travel the ICW or costal cruising and docking at night.
In my case, I enter at Haulover and on the way back to the dock, there are many unlighted navigational aids combine with those with a boat and no sense.
Learn to steer a compass course and your electronics.
Docking in the dark or semi dark can be very different.
Learn charting because sometimes the electronics may give you trouble.

Remember, the object is to build your confidence.
Neutral is a gear, use it as necessary.

Jknox0601 said:

Indeed, pending survey and sea trial. . .

Click to expand...

That is a might pretty boat.
Can we all go for a ride? CHUCKLE

Does the covered slip go with the boat or do you have the option of a long term lease? I say this because, I see that teak rail cap. Keeping it pretty can become addictive and expensive. On my Nordhavn46, I had a rail cap like that. I let it go gray and got so many negative comments, I finally had it refinished at great expense only to have the boat destroyed in a boat yard accident a couple of years later.
There are longer lasting external teak finishings than varnish. SMILE

These guys are excellent: https://www.captainchrisyachtservices.com/

Recb said:

These guys are excellent: https://www.captainchrisyachtservices.com/

Click to expand...

Wifey B: They are also 3000 miles from the OP. Really?

I could recommend many captains in South Florida but didn't do so since the air would be several times the fee. :lol:

I don't know what others charged but my fee was between $80 and $150 an hour.

I charged $100 if the client wanted 8 hours or less training. For 9 hours and up, I charged $80.

If I thought the client will be a PITA or hostile because he was being forced to get instruction by insurance, I charged $150. Hoping he will hire someone else.

100 or 150, still cheaper than replacing gelcoat or fixing a dock or some one else's boat. Well worth it and I will add it to my budget.

Mark P said:

100 or 150, still cheaper than replacing gelcoat or fixing a dock or some one else's boat. Well worth it and I will add it to my budget.

Click to expand...

So very true.

OldDan1943 said:

IMO, maybe as much as $100 per hour. It would be fantastic if you could take him for a night cruise, anchor and retrieve the anchor 3 or 4 times too.
Things at night look totally different especially if you travel the ICW or costal cruising and docking at night.
In my case, I enter at Haulover and on the way back to the dock, there are many unlighted navigational aids combine with those with a boat and no sense.
Learn to steer a compass course and your electronics.
Docking in the dark or semi dark can be very different.
Learn charting because sometimes the electronics may give you trouble.

Remember, the object is to build your confidence.
Neutral is a gear, use it as necessary.

Click to expand...

The goal of training new boaters is to get the boat owner to a point where he/she arrives at their first destination safely and be able to dock the boat without drama.

In the PO's case, since he has experience with the Albin, the goal would be to get him proficient and confident with twin engine handling, spend most of the time working on docking in a variety of situations, close quarters manuerving and getting out of tight situations.

I've never done a night cruise training. I don't expect newer boaters or boaters moving up in size to be traveling, docking or anchoring at night. I encourage clients to take it easy at the beginning and try difficult things once they have more time behind the wheel. I also expect clients to spend time practicing on their own what they learned while the training is fresh in their memory.

If Bob Meng is still training in the PNW, I would recommend him. He has been training new boaters full time for a long time so has a lot of experience with a variety of boats and situations.

I would still check with his past clients or insurance brokers for references.

A word about references. When I received a request for references in any of my businesses, I provided names of my most current, satisfied clients that were vocal in their praise. I would never give a name of a dissatisfied client.

Most of the big charter companies up there offer instruction programs. Northwest Explorations for one. Call around. You need someone who specializes in teaching and has a system for doing so.Another source of references is the US Power Squadron as an adjunct to their many classes.

djmarchand said:

That is a very nice boat. Enjoy!!!

I didn't think that fiberglass went that far back. Willard must have been at the head of the pack. I'll bet it is built hell for stout.

David

Click to expand...

Willard launched their first 36’ fiberglass boat in 1961. Well built for sure. Bill

No covered berth (yet, I am on waiting lists), but there are covers for the rails at the bow, so if I keep those on while not using the boat, it should last a lot longer. I will also be researching coatings that last longer. Thanks, John.

I have found a number of places that charter boats and offer training, but it is 9n their boats, and costs significantly more for that reason (you are renting the boat for the day, paying insurance etc. in addition to paying the captain). I want someone who will go with me in my boat and give me specific training to the vessel.

I have experience piloting boats at night in SF Bay, where there are background lights everywhere you look, and lots of traffic, not to mention lots if lighted and unlighted marks and buoys. Not to say I couldn’t get better at it, but it is not entirely foreign to me.

My biggest concern is getting the hang of twins, and of piloting a much heavier boat. I know that “slow is pro” and neutral is your friend. It is just going to take a bit of time to get the feel. My first inboard boat was a Farallon 25, single screw, no bow thruster. You should have seen me the first month or so trying to get into our tight slip, or maneuver around all the boats at the bait receiver. Pretty comical! Then I figured out what the boat would NOT do (back in a straight line, for example) and got used to working with the forces I had. By the time I sold her, I felt very confident maneuvering around almost anywhere.

Jknox0601 said:

I have found a number of places that charter boats and offer training, but it is 9n their boats, and costs significantly more for that reason (you are renting the boat for the day, paying insurance etc. in addition to paying the captain). I want someone who will go with me in my boat and give me specific training to the vessel.

Click to expand...

Have you actually discussed your exact needs with them directly? If not within their business by referral? And again, the Power Squadron and USCG Aux are goos sources for referrals.

Mark P said:

What is a reasonable fee for 12-16 hour course by a licensed Captain? I will need this as well so I want to add this to my budget when we move up soon. Thx.

Click to expand...

My rate is $125/hour for training. I start with dockside/cold iron checks and go from there.

That is an amazing boat, I hope it works out for you!

I found half days work best as most people are burned out in 4 hours unless cruising.

psneeld said:

I found half days work best as most people are burned out in 4 hours unless cruising.

Click to expand...

That seems reasonable. Give the owner a chance to review what he learned, write questions for additional clarification and for the next session

That is a BEAUTIFUL boat!

I'm surprised this did not pop up twice in the first three posts:

Jack & Mary De Friel Kirkland WA
www.yachtdeliveriesnw.com