Who would one look to hire to get training on their personal boat? Not looking for a license, just to be comfortable and efficient running a 50-60 footer. Preferably get enough training to single hand. And how much time do you think would be necessary to safely operate a boat that size without a captain? TIA.
These days it's all about getting the right paperwork, no option. The old days with a Yachtmasters I could drive a huge Superyacht, todays law says I'm not covered for pushing a broom. Check out all your State's Laws.
There are a couple of schools, one in South Florida, where captains train you for a few days, but my preference is as you suggested, a captain on your own boat. I'd suggest several days to get started but then your first few cruises to be with the captain where gradually he lets you do more of it on your own. The big question is what is your current level of boating experience?
Then I'd also recommend some formal "book" training prior to the captain so you learn some basics they can build on.
Don't call your insurance company and say, hey, I know nothing, please insure me. They'll ask you for information and then decide to insure you or not. Then read all they send you to make sure all is OK (which you should always do w/any insurance policy). As far as not knowing anything. Get to a USCG boating safety type course to see what's available in your area. Good way to get your feet wet https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/boating-safety-courses.php Also, read up on boat navigation, youtube, etc. as soon as and as much as you can. Then ask some people who run boats near your marina to see if someone is around to help you out...you'll find someone good eventually. You can also ask a similar question on other fishing websites' regional page. One thing I'd recommend early is don't get a slip where there's a heavy current...a strong current will make your docking, etc. exponentially more difficult and you don't need that during your formative year(s). Have fun and make sure you have all the safety gear necessary, EPIRB mostly.
Let me add that your dockmaster should be able to get you in touch with captains to train or run with you.
Great advice, the "bible" is Chapman's Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling... but there are plenty of other books like it. Tons of information that will stand you in good stead as a learning foundation to build on.
As to the "time question", it depends a lot on the type of "missions" you'll be doing with your boat and on basic talent, previous experiance and the type of boat you'lle be running. So I can't really comment. Maybe this helps though: I generally get along well with machinery and hat 10 year plus experience on a 34 foot dayboat, albeit on a mid size lake. To learn how to operate and dock my 58 foot boat (shafts, bowthruster only) I took a captain for about 10hrs over 3 days and he put me through all the typical docking and departing procedures in different wind and weather conditions (South of France in April). After that I was able to operate the boat safely by myself even if that meant that I'd stay in port when others went out. To feel absolutely confident in all honestly, it took me another year. Great expieriance learning it all and very satisfying. Seeking a pro to teach is absolutely sensible.
I know this is an old thread. I just joined the forum. I have no experience in large boats and I’m looking to buy a 40-50’. I’m thinking of hiring a captain to help me get up to speed on docking and such. How much would I expect to pay for one? My son is a captain or very large tug boats pushing barges. Should I expect him to be able to run something this small?
Your son should be a big help teaching you about the mechanics of your boat, but probably not the best to teach you how to operate it. There's a good chance your insurance company will require you to use a captain for at least your first season. Before I retired I charged $400 per day or $200 for a 3 hour docking lesson but that may have changed as I'm out of the game for several years now. If you let us know where in Florida you're located I or someone else can probably give you a recommendation for a good teaching captain. P.S. That captain or the folks here can probably give you good advice on choosing a boat.