Need extra deck hand?

[JRZ1]

I'm considering purchasing a trawler sometime in the next 2-3 years to spend a significant amount of time cruising on. Only boating so far has been in run abouts on inland waters. Got a lot of learning and shopping to do. Went to Trawlerfest in Baltimore and plan to take my wife to Ft. Lauderdale in March. Thinking about 45-60' +/- boats including Nordhavns, Selenes and may try and go to Europe to visit Cormorant factory in Poland (really intrigued by the design of their 55/60s). Scheduled for a trawler school next summer but if anyone with a boat needs an able bodied 58 yr old to ride along on a trip and give a hand, let me know.

Would love the real world experience, a chance to see what it's actually like running and operating one of these boats and an opportunity to start building a resume for insurance etc.. I'd be happy to contribute to trip expenses. I'm on east coast of the US but can fly just about anywhere to meet. Realize both sides would have to be comfortable with each other and the situation before committing so happy to chat a bit whenever. I'm semi-retired so schedule is very flexible over balance of year and into January. My son races cars so just need to check his schedule into next year past January as he's starting a new series in February and I want to be able to make the first few of his races. Thanks!

 

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard.

 

[TBill36]

Good plan. When you do purchase a larger vessel, you probably won't be able to get insurance without having previous experience. You may want to contact an insurance company now and ask what you need as far as documentation, since it sounds like you are planning on it in advance.

 

[JRZ1]

Thanks. Yes, I spoke with one company a little while back and they said I would need courses and/or seat time so trying to knock out both (both to meet the requirement but also to learn necessary skills). I'll also plan to do a couple of charters after finishing some of the other training. Haven't determined new or used boat but if new, I'll have some time to continue to build the resume. Won't formalize purchase plans until end of next year.

 

[rgano]

Let me add my welcome, and I think you have come to the right place to approach this idea in a calm and logical manner.

 

[salish]

I'm considering purchasing a trawler sometime in the next 2-3 years to spend a significant amount of time cruising on. Only boating so far has been in run abouts on inland waters. Got a lot of learning and shopping to do. Went to Trawlerfest in Baltimore and plan to take my wife to Ft. Lauderdale in March. Thinking about 45-60' +/- boats including Nordhavns, Selenes and may try and go to Europe to visit Cormorant factory in Poland (really intrigued by the design of their 55/60s). Scheduled for a trawler school next summer but if anyone with a boat needs an able bodied 58 yr old to ride along on a trip and give a hand, let me know.

Would love the real world experience, a chance to see what it's actually like running and operating one of these boats and an opportunity to start building a resume for insurance etc.. I'd be happy to contribute to trip expenses. I'm on east coast of the US but can fly just about anywhere to meet. Realize both sides would have to be comfortable with each other and the situation before committing so happy to chat a bit whenever. I'm semi-retired so schedule is very flexible over balance of year and into January. My son races cars so just need to check his schedule into next year past January as he's starting a new series in February and I want to be able to make the first few of his races. Thanks!

Coincidentally my wife, and I are looking for crew ( retired couple preferred) Anacortes WA to Ketchikan AK departing May 1st ish.
We have a Nordhavn 46.

 

[billdomb]

welcome to visit if in the Palm Beach area and we're in port
bill domb
wmdomb@verizon.net

 

[Dean Russell]

If you settle on a Nordhavn, check with SD Captains.

 

[RichardXH]

I'm considering purchasing a trawler sometime in the next 2-3 years to spend a significant amount of time cruising on. Only boating so far has been in run abouts on inland waters. Got a lot of learning and shopping to do. Went to Trawlerfest in Baltimore and plan to take my wife to Ft. Lauderdale in March. Thinking about 45-60' +/- boats including Nordhavns, Selenes and may try and go to Europe to visit Cormorant factory in Poland (really intrigued by the design of their 55/60s). Scheduled for a trawler school next summer but if anyone with a boat needs an able bodied 58 yr old to ride along on a trip and give a hand, let me know.

Would love the real world experience, a chance to see what it's actually like running and operating one of these boats and an opportunity to start building a resume for insurance etc.. I'd be happy to contribute to trip expenses. I'm on east coast of the US but can fly just about anywhere to meet. Realize both sides would have to be comfortable with each other and the situation before committing so happy to chat a bit whenever. I'm semi-retired so schedule is very flexible over balance of year and into January. My son races cars so just need to check his schedule into next year past January as he's starting a new series in February and I want to be able to make the first few of his races. Thanks!

Looks like we are on the same track. Haven’t started the Insurance pathway yet but soon will. Develop a plan based on what they come back with for a 50’ish foot boat. It’s odd as in the Overland Truck space there is no insurance, just 3rd party. They saying in our world is don’t buy anything you can’t walk away from.

 

[mmullins]

In reference to posts #3 and #4, I'm curious what insurance companies required proof of experience? I've used several insurance companies during my "bigboat" career and have never been asked about my experience. Maybe it's more of a dollar amount? I tend to buy on the low end of the spectrum. My 5 "big boats" together don't add up to what many people pay for one boat.

 

[JRZ1]

I spoke to a fairly popular broker who gave me that advice to build resume. Think she said they typically will insure if new boat is no more than 15’ longer than the longest you’ve operated but past that they may want certifications and or sign off by a certified captain. I want to take some courses regardless just to build knowledge

 

[Bmarler]

In reference to posts #3 and #4, I'm curious what insurance companies required proof of experience? I've used several insurance companies during my "bigboat" career and have never been asked about my experience.

That’s very surprising. Virtually every insurance company will base coverage on experience.
I’ve never had to come up with proof, just verbal was good enough as I’ve been boating my entire life.

 

[JRZ1]

That could be enough if you simply told them you’ve operated larger boats. I can’t say that so likely have more prep to do. All good. I’d be doing it anyway.

 

[Knewman]

Coincidentally my wife, and I are looking for crew ( retired couple preferred) Anacortes WA to Ketchikan AK departing May 1st ish.
We have a Nordhavn 46.View attachment 169470

Salish ….. I (think) I sent you a personal message.

 

[OldDan1943]

No one checks to see if you are telling the truth.

 

[rgano]

That’s very surprising. Virtually every insurance company will base coverage on experience.
I’ve never had to come up with proof, just verbal was good enough as I’ve been boating my entire life.

I think insurance companies can see your entire boating history. If you started off relatively small and moved up in steps, you are not likely to get quizzed about experience by a new insurance company because they probably already know.

 

[fgarriso]

Welcome Aboard !
You are starting with a 60?

 

[Bacchus]

Jim,
You might be able to find a delivery Capt someplace close by or at least E coast that would welcome some help on delivery(s). A crew member not expecting a pay check could be a plus. Best if close by and you both could meet & get comfortable with each other.

 

[slowgoesit]

In reference to posts #3 and #4, I'm curious what insurance companies required proof of experience? I've used several insurance companies during my "bigboat" career and have never been asked about my experience. Maybe it's more of a dollar amount? I tend to buy on the low end of the spectrum. My 5 "big boats" together don't add up to what many people pay for one boat.

I was told by one broker that they only time they check up on the insured's stated experience is in the event of a claim. If, at that point, you can't provide the proof that you have the experience you claimed . . . they might legitimately deny payment of the claim . . . .
Moral of the Story, if you claim experience, you'd better have the proof to back it up!

 

[JRZ1]

Welcome Aboard !
You are starting with a 60?

Haven't decided but think something in the 50-60 range is likely where I will want to be from a space perspective. Still defining mission and other things that could change that. Can't see going lower than 45 or higher than 65.

 

[JRZ1]

Jim,
You might be able to find a delivery Capt someplace close by or at least E coast that would welcome some help on delivery(s). A crew member not expecting a pay check could be a plus. Best if close by and you both could meet & get comfortable with each other.

That's a good suggestion. Already have a little dialogue with one guy that delivers boats. Only complication is my calendar is going to be busy first couple months of the year with my son's racing.

 

[Dean Russell]

If you have jumped though the hoops and have the required insurance, taking on a crew member usually does not require insurance approval of their CV. If you are leaving the boat to a delivery captain or other person, the insurance will defiantly want to approve the captain. I have done it twice and both times the insurer knew the captains and after submission of CV approved them immediately.