At your service.
I am available for in-water relocations and deliveries, instruction, and day cruises. How I can help you?
Delivery and Relocation –
Click Here to visit the Deliveries and On-water Relocation page for more info including my qualifications.
Bought a new, or new to you, boat and need it moved from there to here? That’s what I do. I relocate vessels all over the Great Lakes and beyond, and can deliver your boat to you no matter where that is.
My fees are competitive with other Captains. Deliveries are $395 per day and I cover my own food and drink expenses. The owner covers all travel expenses, including lodging if necessary, for me to get to the boat and home again on the receiving end.
Fuel, haul and launch, docking, and break down or repair costs will be paid by the vessel’s owner, as well as any captain costs on layover days. Please see the Deliveries page for more detailed info.
Handling and Safety Instruction –
Click Here to Visit the Boating Lessons and General Learning page for more info.
Aimed at new boaters, less experienced boaters, or owners moving to larger or twin-engined vessels. Handling and safety instruction is $195 for a two-hour session and $395 for four hours. Most people start out with a four-hour session and then follow up with one or more two hour sessions if they feel they need more time.
Handling and Safety instruction covers these topics on your boat in your slip or with your trailer –
- Safety Equipment Inspections and Recommendations
- Bilge and Mechanical Inspections
- Trailer Launch and Recovery (when appropriate)
- Initial Start-up Safety and Procedures
- Docking and Slip Access
- Refueling and Pumpout Operations
- Marina and Tight Quarters Maneuvering
- Open Water Handling and Safety
- Anchoring and Ground Tackle
- Proper Tie-up in with Your Boat in Your Slip
My course takes place on your own boat, with your own gear, in your own slip. That way, you get the personalized hands-on training on the vessel you will actually be operating. No room full of students or broken down, unfamiliar boats – you learn what you need where you need it.
Marine Surveys and Pre-Purchase Inspections –
Visit the Marine Surveys and Pre-Purchase Inspection page for more info.
It’s pretty easy to use out of date photos that show a boat looking it’s best when you want to sell a boat that’s looking it’s worst.
If you find your dream boat in West Michigan and don’t live nearby, you can hire a marine professional to perform a pre-purchase inspection and verify the vessel’s condition, seaworthiness, and value.
Once the boat’s condition has been verified and you know it’s the boat you want to buy, the next step is to commission a complete marine survey. A survey examines the boat’s structural and mechanical condition, looking for hidden problems that could lead to costly repairs or dangerous conditions.
Do not buy a used boat without getting it surveyed first. Hire a pro to check it out
Vessel Purchase Guidance and Acquisition Services
Yep, that’s a mouthful. Short version – I do all the work it takes to help you buy your next boat. Long version – go Here.
Think of me as a broker in reverse.
You want to buy a new boat, but, you’re not sure what you want. And, once you do figure that out, you don’t have time to go look at 19 different vessels in 10 different ports, taking time off to ask an army of salespeople the same questions over and over while climbing around engine compartments in your nice, clean shirt.
That’s where I come in.
As a marine professional who has worked in sales, has been captain, mechanic, and rigger, and has run upwards of 100 different makes, models, and sizes of boats and yachts over the last 5 years alone, I can help you figure out what best fits your wants, needs, and expectations.
Once we have the choices narrowed down, I will act as your agent, traveling to each of the vessels for sale that best fit your needs and expectations, ensuring it is the boat represented in the sales media, performing a sea trial when possible, and inspecting it to ensure it is a good choice – all to prevent you from wasting your valuable time and effort.
Once we’ve worked together to find the boat or boats that are most likely to hit your target, then – if you’re ready – you can fly, drive, or take the train to see it in person and decide if it’s the right boat for you.
I do all of the heavy lifting while you save all the time and effort. I’ll even negotiate a price for you if you wish.
Please see the Purchase Guidance and Acquisition Services page for more detailed info.
Captain Your Vessel –
Would you like to take the family or friends out and spend time enjoying their company instead of running the boat? Let me drive while you relax and enjoy the ride, or a swim while someone else worries about the anchor. Half-day (3 hours give or take) trips are available for $195, and full-day (6 hours, if we remember to come back) trips are for $375.
Or, if you aren’t sure how long you want to be out there, you can hire me for as long as you need for $50 per hour. However, there is a minimum charge of $150.
Personalized Guidance for New Boaters –
Looking to purchase a new or used boat and don’t know where to start? Already bought a boat and want to know what gear you need? Just looking for some knowledge and guidance? I can help. I have been helping new boaters get comfortable for more than 30 years. Half-day, full-day, or hourly rates are the same as for Instruction and Handling, or $50 per hour with a $95 minimum for the first hour.
Please contact me for more information about any of the listed services, or if you would like help or info on something that isn’t listed here.