Chapmans Seamanship School in FL?

[Eddieclemons]

Yes, No, or alternative ways to learn?

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[Walter P]

Great way to start. We have lots of expert folks on this forum. Perhaps some of them may want to
give you some suggestions..

Walt

 

[Bugsy]

Friend of mine took a course at Chapmans in Stuart. He reported that the entire class was very upset with the instructor's lack of training skills. He said the money he expended was wasted. He suggested that some online providers were far more effective.

 

[Freeebird]

There is no substitute for seat time. Read the Chapman's Piloting book, and then I'll have you handling the boat like a pro by the time we get back to Nashville.

 

[Chasemmc]

I can vouch for Randy. He delivered my boat from Stuart to Chattanooga with me on board to learn how to handle my first boat, a 56' MY. He was able to show an old dog how to handle such a large first boat.

Nothing like docking and locking to drill home what to do.

I have gotten so good, that only 15 of my dock mates rush to my slip to throw over fenders.

Seriously, He is very patient, articulate, and an effective teacher.

Just beware, he likes to eat out a lot. I mean a lot. No really, a lot.

 

[Freeebird]

I can vouch for Randy. He delivered my boat from Stuart to Chattanooga with me on board to learn how to handle my first boat, a 56' MY. He was able to show an old dog how to handle such a large first boat.

Nothing like docking and locking to drill home what to do.

I have gotten so good, that only 15 of my dock mates rush to my slip to throw over fenders.

Seriously, He is very patient, articulate, and an effective teacher.

Just beware, he likes to eat out a lot. I mean a lot. No really, a lot.

You ran off all but 15 of your dock mates?

Thanks for most of the kind words, but how does one, “eat out a lot”, on a boat trip?

I seem to recall a number of meals onboard, but maybe you’re talking about eating out on the back deck, or maybe that open air restaurant where I turned on the good ole boy and got us a slip where there wasn’t one. That also got you your first lesson in docking a 56’ boat on a 40’ dock. That really was a fun trip, even though you... that really was a fun trip. I can’t for the life of me figure out why I’m the only one who likes you.

Oh yeah, you might win free driving lessons in late October when the leaves change in, “The Gorge”. I’ll keep you posted.

 

[Byresch]

I was also older when I bought my first boat and hired a licensed commercial fisherman to teach me. The way he taught me to dock and everything I've never had any problems, I'd recommend that way to anyone. Those people know how to dock a boat since they do it everyday in any kind of weather. He taught be the GPS, to read the map and navigate by sight (my preferred way), and all kinds of useful stuff about my boat. I've taken classes but there is nothing like having a qualified captain check you out and teach you on your own boat.

 

[Rich60175]

Excelent information. I was looking at the Chapman class also but was shying away from it for my wife. I'll definitely go the route of hiring a skilled Captin for the both of us when were ready.

 

[Eddieclemons]

While I love the Captain idea, I currently don't own a boat. The week long Chapmans Seamanship 1000 class has a lot of independent Google reviews that are current and very positive. Thanks for all the responses.

 

[Chasemmc]

I'm used to no one liking me. Its very freeing not having to wonder about ones popularity. I'm all in on the fall color run. To repeat: Randy is very careful with boat, willing to jump in to fix the inevitable unexepected equipment failures, a patient teacher, and pretty entertaining to be around.

 

[Freeebird]

While I love the Captain idea, I currently don't own a boat. The week long Chapmans Seamanship 1000 class has a lot of independent Google reviews that are current and very positive. Thanks for all the responses.

I think I would look into a Power Squadron boater safety course if you just want to become more familiar with the basics. I’m sure one is offered locally, and that would save you a good bit of money.

The class will be less expensive, and you’ll actually get a discount on your boat insurance. I’ve thought about taking one for the insurance savings alone as get exactly zip for having a 100T Master and 50+ years of on the water experience. That makes zero sense to me, but that’s just how it works.

 

[Freeebird]

I'm used to no one liking me. Its very freeing not having to wonder about ones popularity. I'm all in on the fall color run. To repeat: Randy is very careful with boat, willing to jump in to fix the inevitable unexepected equipment failures, a patient teacher, and pretty entertaining to be around.

Thanks again for the kind words, and for anyone who hasn’t figured out that I’m just messing with you about nobody liking you, I think you’re a great guy. I mean you remind me of me, so what’s not to like?

Hopefully Hales Bar still has their redneck, Fall Color Festival in late October. It’s a hoot. You’d be surprised what all you can get to eat on a stick.

 

[Chasemmc]

I might be thinner, but you definitely have more hair.

Boats fueled up, liquor cabinet is fully stocked (but as I recall it was difficult to get you to drink), and all three heads work so bring on the 'possum on a stick'

 

[Walter P]

As I said in my previous post, there are lots of knowledgeable people on this forum. IMO Randy is one
of the best. Of course there are others as well such as Pascal, who I have a lot of respect for the way
he takes care of other people's boats etc. There are many more but I personally know both of these
guys and would vouch for them. Pascal I believe has his schedule pretty full with his gig with the Lazarra
as well as transforming his old Hat into an old New Hatt.

Randy, you should consider offering a regular service of teaching folks hands on in their own boats. Yeh,
I know you already do that but I mean new "larger" Hatteras' owners who do not require long distance
deliveries. Simply fly to their area, stay on their boat and eat as much as you want..(I know you really
are not a drinker......not much anyway), teach the new boat owner the "ropes", get paid and fly home
fat and happy. Life's good when you're doing something you enjoy and get paid for doing it.

Walt

 

[Freeebird]

Thanks, Walt. The only time drinking causes me issues is when you HOF guys are involved, and I have nowhere to be and nothing to drive.

I’ve helped a few locals avoid embarrassing themselves (this is Sea Ray country), but my being in Tennessee limits my options for 1-2 day scenarios. Once Ryan flies the nest, I plan to do more deliveries. As you said, there’s nothing better than being paid for something you would do for free. I’ve been running the rivers since I was 10, and I discovered the ocean when I was in my early 20’s. New water is getting hard to come by these days, but even familiar water never gets old.

Sorry for the derails, Eddie.

 

[Eddieclemons]

I have enjoyed all the comments and the side conversations. I just don't wont to be totally lost when Randy arrives. I was hoping to do some learning in the mean time since we hadn't planned on buying something till spring unless something just knocks us off our feet. I have been watching several boats and I haven't seen one sell yet, so that makes me move really slow. Thanks again,