New Boater

Exactly what this started with. Different styles, both good as long as the teachers are. Funny thing, I once was working with a Federal agent who compared me to a drill sergent. Being Viet Nam era I was taken aback until he explained that they've changed and are now low key, don't get excited and give more personal attention in an attempt to bring the enlistees along rather than wash them out.

Capt. of a 28 footer? Now that would be boring.

I honestly don't think an owner could digest everything in one 3 hr session. I usually think it takes 2 days and not back to back....... one day to go over all of the maintanence needed, how systems work (granted a 28' has few of these), where all of their seacocks, pumps, strainers and everything else is, go over some rules of the road, navigation...... and some docking......then answer all of the questions they have..........The next time I usually let them run the boat, take it out of the slip, assess how they're coming along, work on any deficiencies they have....... questions, anchoring......

KEEP IN MIND, this all depends on the owner. Some of them, it took 2 hours and they instantly got everything...........but for your general new boater with no knowledge........

I have one owner that bought a 27' centerconsole for their first boat and insisted I run it as Captain for the first 2 years. They paid me a full day everytime we went out and tipped. They would never use the boat without me. Then they finally decided to start using it themselves. I think they just didn't want to be bothered with getting the boat ready and putting it away and stuff.......

Heck, I'm at this 20 years (over 50 in total) and I'm still trying to digest everything.

That's the dependence I try to avoid. I'll take up to a maximum of 3 boats per year like that (prefer 1 or 2), but I save that for bigger boats, except for a couple smaller that only go out a few times per season. Boats like that 27 I'll usually pass on to another captain.

Heck I'd take a 100 boats like the 27' if I could. Super nice easy going people. They'd tip me an additional $100-200 each time in addition to paying me a full day. They'd only go out when it's nice and calm, 3' seas or less to fish. Why run a 75' to make the same money, when I could run the 27' and have a nice easy day.........

I'll keep you in mind IF I even have a business this year.

Well, I just gave my first lessons for the season. A felllow I met on the Forums purchased a 50 VSC up in my area. He was coming off a 31 SR. I gave him (3) 3 hour lessons. The first was just the sea trial, the second and 3rd were spent docking, teaching him about his boat and his electronics and familiarizing him with the bay here so he can find his way out without running aground. I'd say I threw in an extra 6 or 7 hours helping with little stuff and making sure things went all right with the transfer. Tomorrow he sets off for the Chesapeake and both he and I are confident he can handle it fine. Now, I'm sure I could have banged him for 3 full days and probably more, but after 3 hours or so he was shot (he's now docked that boat over 30 times with strong winds), and this way he (hopefully) knows he was treated right. Again, different styles of teaching, but I think this fellow got exactly what he needed. Had we made it a whole day affair at the pace we set I think he would have learned less even if I taught more.

I don't bang anyone for anything. When they are comfortable, off they go. But the difference there is he has experience with a boat with the same propulsion and style already. So he's moving up with a similar boat. Some people get it right away, and others need more time.......Try doing 3 3hour classes with someone that's moving up from a 40' express to a 70' Hatteras MY. It won't work with most people as they're two totally different animals......

I generally recommend more than 3 lessons for a boat over 32', but this boat is leaving my area and the owner had fairly good experience. He needed to be comfortable docking and know to operate the boat, use the electronics, learn where all systems are and how to check them. It'd be great if, when he gets home, he hires a captain for a while or at least uses the boat enough to really imbed what he's learned and learn more. He's pretty hands on though so I think he'll be fine. Personally I think that on most boats over 46' there should be a captain or well qualified crew on board when ever she moves and managing it, but you know how it is. Some of these guys think they can operate the Queen Mary because they can afford it.

Wise words..

I have not taught much on boats except for the occasional delivery with the owner onboard. (Small stuff..39' to 44' stinkypotters and a few sailboats in the same size-range)

That being said, I have been teaching flying to all kinds of folks..From the very beginner flying the drivers seat for the first time to a seasoned Captains trying to check out on the B-747.

Wise words from the NYCAP guy: Cut them loose asap or if there is no talent or interest in developing a talent or minimum skills, give 'em directions to the nearest golf-course.