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Crewing question

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by NewGuy, Jun 20, 2017.

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  1. NewGuy, Jun 20, 2017
    #1
    NewGuy

    NewGuy New Member

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    I'm getting really close to buying a live aboard and I want to be able to handle the boat myself or possibly with one friend helping. With that said, I don't have enough open water experience to set off by myself. My question is, "is it acceptable to hire a professional captain short term to teach me the ropes"? I'm thinking 90 to 180 days kind of thing.
  2. Ken Bracewell, Jun 20, 2017
    #2
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    It's done all the time. There are guys that specialize in doing just that.
    I'm sure you can search this forum and find all kinds of answers to how it's done, and how to submit the experience to your insurer so that they'll accept you without a captain.
  3. NewGuy, Jun 21, 2017
    #3
    NewGuy

    NewGuy New Member

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    Thanks Ken,

    I'll do a little more reading on it. Also thanks for mentioning insurance. I never even considered what they might require.
  4. Norseman, Jun 21, 2017
    #4
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    The insurance company does have a say:
    I worked for a guy with a 70' express cruiser: At first he drove it by himself but kept running into things. The insurance company required him to have a licensed Captain onboard at all times the boat was moving.
    He hired me to run his boat from then on. Private use only, but the insurance company required a licensed Captain for vessels 70' or above. The owner argued that his boat was 69'11" but they didn't budge :cool:
  5. NewGuy, Jun 21, 2017
    #5
    NewGuy

    NewGuy New Member

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    As I explained in another thread, I've been a boater for, well, a long time. :D It's why I'm just smart enough to have a pro show me the ropes. Doing a bit of reading and it doesn't look as if obtaining a license is terribly hard and,,, I'm certain I could learn a few things taking a course and having a pro to help.

    Running into things? No way!!!
  6. Norseman, Jun 21, 2017
    #6
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Wasn't talking about you.
    Alsways good to get a few lessons before going solo.
    Not hard to get a license, but a pain in the butt to memorize a bunch of stuff, the drug testing, the TWIC card, documenting sea time, etc.
    Did all that twice, let my first ticket expire. Bad idea.:confused:
  7. 30West, Jun 23, 2017
    #7
    30West

    30West Member

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    I used to drive big boats often, grew up working at marinas and charter, taught sailing, and had a yacht maintenance business. 30 years went by and I bought my first boat, hired a captain to help me bring it home (mostly to avoid Canadian taxes), was glad I did. Best way to learn is read and read all you can about boat handling, then practice, practice. Having a captain or experienced boater alongside as you practice will save you a lot of money in repairs. Once you feel comfortable, you are more dangerous than when you were nervous, keep practicing. Try docking single engine every so often, it will keep you humble about your abilities!
  8. NewGuy, Jun 23, 2017
    #8
    NewGuy

    NewGuy New Member

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    I knew you weren't talking about me and I was just having fun. I'm as human as the next guy. I was docking a friends 105' house boat on a very windy day and ended up "bumping" the dock. (No damage other than my pride) Didn't think I would ever be allowed to live that down.

    I would still like to pursue a captains license for my own satisfaction if nothing else but I spoke with my insurance carrier and based on my experience with them, (no claims in a very long time) they said the license wasn't needed as far as they were concerned.

    I also have another avenue open, a friend of a friend is a captain and he suggested that with a couple weeks of working with me he'd have no problems with giving me a "captains warranty" unless there was glaring issue.
  9. olderboater, Jun 23, 2017
    #9
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Yes, all these people who think docking a single engine trawler is difficult, haven't tried a huge single engine houseboat in wind. Even pontoon boats can be very difficult.

    We got licenses for our own purpose. Then got carried away and keep upgrading them. Still we enjoy the learning aspect. Working with another captain is extremely helpful if that other captain is experienced and good at training.
  10. NewGuy, Jun 23, 2017
    #10
    NewGuy

    NewGuy New Member

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    That's the part I look forward to. I may be an old dog but I learn new tricks daily. ;)
  11. Norseman, Jun 23, 2017
    #11
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    /\/\..This../\/\