Owner/ Operator opinion?

I don’t know obviously but I do think the bell curve begins a steep rise after 70’.

Yeah, I too would guess the rise would start changing at 70' or so.

FWIW, I don't know anyone who hires a captain routinely to run a 50' boat. Depends on the boat, of course, and the owner's experience, but after a training period I'd guess most 50-60' boats can be owner-operated easily enough... assuming family crew when appropriate... as for boats that don't lend themselves toward single-handing.

-Chris

For sportfish boats in my area, it's pretty common to have a paid captain for boats over 55 ft, but honestly I think it's more to do with the finances of the owner than the size of the boat. Guys with big bucks buy the 55 ft. and up sportfishers to tournament fish and a full-time captain can be a big advantage when you're fishing for money.

Not to mention, running a sporty from the flybridge for many hours can be a lonely gig. Lots of owners would rather socialize with guests than be stuck on the bridge. My dock neighbor owns a 46 Merritt and the paid captain is at the helm 80 percent of the time.

All very true. I am an enigma as an owner/operator of my 62' Viking. I grew up fishing, mated for my dad, and love running the boat while offshore. But, as I am getting older, I am starting to see some benefits of hiring a captain as to enjoy life on the mezzanine, lol. When I do get over it, I will probably just move on to more of a hybrid cruiser, as I just have a hard time having other people run my boats.

I thought it was a requirement to have a cert captain on a boat more than 70 Ft Insurance etc ...

I can see with charters for sure that's interesting. i heard this at a conference years ago with the insurance firms round table discussions.

Yes, indeed. When someone else is running the boat and you have no experience, that's one issue. And if you have experience and someone else is running your boat, that's another issue. When I travel in the passenger seat of a car, I have a lot of questions for the driver because I have a driver's license. Sometimes I can't help myself from commenting

I self Cap’n my 54’ flybridge M/Y; but year 1 had a Cap’n with me for first 7trips/80 hrs …I ran the boat , but he was over my shoulder. I’m on year 6, have been to Bahamas, Keys, through Okochobee, up ICW to Nantucket. We are pals and I generally take him when it’s my first time anywhere he’s been a lot - like first time crossing Gulf Stream and learning how to check into Bahamas, or long legs like Cape May- NYC…..

I earned my 6-Pack and have a Yacht Controller which really helps me single hand with my wife or pals throwing ropes to dock hands.

Owner operator here. I sub out most items and I also value keeping my knowledge level up so that when I’m far from home port, I’m self-sufficient in a pinch. Do I enjoy washing the boat? Meh. Sometimes?

I think it's also dependent on location. I am in Seattle. I run/own an 80'. I am pretty familiar with a large % of the vessels in the 70-85' range in the area, and I can't think of a single one that is not operated by its owner. Now, once we get to 90' I know a handful of owner/operators, but vast majority are hired captains.