April 15th, 2012
Capt. Bob – what a character! And pirate! And teacher!
This was an amazing way to learn about being on a boat. I was reluctant- my husband was gung-ho so we found Capt. Bob and scheduled our trip. I am confident we can charter a boat in many locations to build our knowledge and experience.
He uses a great teaching technique – show you, let you do it, corrects you when necessary. Invaluable if you are going to go it alone.
The scenery was beautiful. He is a good cook, and allowed us time to be alone which made it feel like our boat and our time. We especially enjoyed the sunset and the skyline of Miami.
Ask lots of questions. He is a WEALTH of information and his knowledge is invaluable.
Thanks for a fabulous 4 days Capt. Bob!
Tricia & Scott “Ferg”
Keene, NH
1. Stay in your own lane
2. Be a Cock a doodle doo
3. 360 – look around
4. Wake – turn into it @ 45 degrees. Look OVER YOUR SHOULDER FIRST!
Tags: Capt. Bob Hamilton, hands-on trawler training, trawler charter review, trawler school, trawler school charters, trawler school dania beach, trawler school review
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April 8th, 2012
This was a confidence builder. Now it is not “I think I can” but “I can!” The whole idea of learning that the boat is a trawling island that takes us to point A + B without necessarily docking, but anchoring was enlightening. The class sessions were very informative, just be prepared for an occasional “Hell No” or maybe even a “Hell Yes?”
We have learned much about “Captain Know-it-all” (chart-plotter) and how to depend on it with additional navigation skills that do not involve celestial navigation or longitude, latitude.
The anchorages were magnificent and normally quite quiet (we did experience some additional mosquito buzzing and a fire boat that visited the area way after hours). It was a great week that makes us anticipate our own adventure on our trawler! Thanks Captain Bob (oh, the food was wonderful and the cabin a delight – but those thanks go to cabin boy Bob).
Tags: Capt. Bob Hamilton, trawler charter review, trawler handling, trawler navigating, trawler school charters, trawler school review
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March 25th, 2012
Captain Bob,
Your charter and trawler school was the perfect gift for Jeff’s 60th birthday. We both learned a lot about navigation, chart plotting, diesel engines, electrical systems and how to buy a trawler. On top of that, we ate well and saw sights in and around Miami that we never knew existed. We are already talking about taking a “bareboat” charter next year.
Jeff is extremely impressed that you taught me how to navigate, use a chart plotter and drive the “Miami Mermaid” under a bridge with another boat passing through as well.
Thank you so much for a wonderful time and a perfect present for Jeff.
Jeff & Doris, Chapin, SC
Tags: Capt. Bob, Capt. Bob Hamilton, trawler navigation, trawler school, trawler school review
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March 21st, 2012
February 8, 2012
Captain Bob – you are a hoot- your stories are worth the price, and the knowledge, tips, and confidence building, priceless, especially the simulated engine failure.
We enjoyed the food and friendship. Your manatee scrubbing was amazing – to see such a large, friendly sea creature beside our boat for 20 minutes was just amazing.
Despite a little rain we accomplished everything we wanted. Your tips on boat buying are invaluable. We have owned boats before and now wish we had met you first. Continued success in your trawler school.
Best wishes,
“Ruler” John and Pat
Tags: Capt. Bob Hamilton, hands-on trawler training, learn about trawlers, trawler buying tips, trawler engine failure, trawler school, trawler school charters, trawler school review
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March 21st, 2012
Feb. 27 – March 1st, 2012
Chris and I enjoyed our days and nights on the “Miami Mermaid.” Captain Bob gave us some valuable lessons on piloting a trawler. We came to “School” not knowing what to expect. We left with enough confidence to charter a trawler on our own in order to get some more hands-on experience.
The weather was perfect, the meals- delicious, and the companionship unforgettable!
Thanks for the memories and the manatees, Capt. Bob.
John and Chris
Tags: charter a trawler, piloting a trawler
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September 27th, 2011
Dear Capt. Bob,
We had a fantastic experience with you on the Miami Mermaid. Thank you for giving us a real “hands-on” look at operating a trawler and navigating our way through the Intercoastal Waterway. We both feel like we learned so much. And we had fun, too! Thanks for showing us to stop & smell the roses. Your food was very good and very healthy, too. You’ve got a great thing going. We will speak of you fondly for many years! Thanks again for everything,
Captain Mark & “Sunshine”
Tags: hands-on trawler training, icw navigation, trawler school charters, trawler school review
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August 24th, 2011
Made port yesterday, Thanksgiving, after a great few days learning the “Art of Trawlering.” Capt. Bob does a great job of teaching you “what you need to know.” We have been contemplating the trawler lifestyle as a potential retirement option in a few years. This course was just what we needed to get a taste of what it is, and what it is not, plus gaining the confidence to go to the next step of a bareboat charter. The ports of call are great, and all offer a different aspect of trawler cruising.
The added treat of a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner at “Chez Susan” with all the trimmings and then some, was a great way to end up our adventure. We will definitely be making the next step toward out own “final solution!”
Thanks for everything! (Sorry about lightening your pockets after dinner!)
Take care Capt. Bob & Susan,
Roger & Lynn
Rochester, NY & Atlanta, GA
November 2010
To see the original log entry as written by the guests, click here
Tags: trawler school charters, trawler school dania beach, trawler school fl, trawler school review
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August 22nd, 2011
There is Bushido, the “way” of the Samurai.
There is Karate, the “way” of the empty hand.
Then there is Capt. Bob’s “way,” the true way to learn seamanship, boating, and the trawler way. Matilde and I decided to get a trawler & began searching. We believed that it would take a year to find the perfect one. So, we, in May of 2010 engaged a Trawler School Charter for 15-Nov-2010, believing our training would be done far ahead of our trawler purchase. Ha! We found our boat in July, and Capt. Bob’s book was a Godsend, an invaluable guide during our purchase. Now, what to do with our Trawler School Charter? Cancel? No. We decided that ICW training would be valuable as we intended to make our first long trip from Houston, TX to the Bahamas.
Little did we know that ICW training would be 10 times as valuable as we thought! In fact, one of the many benefits of Capt. Bob’s training is that it greatly facilitated communications between Matilde & me (each of us has difficulty accepting instruction from the other). The highlights for me were the training segments on Electronics (I have not been able to get from the instruction manuals how to operate our chartplotter – I now feel completely comfortable with electronic navigation). Anchoring, engine (air, water, fuel – so simple really, and now I can outthink problems), electrics (now I am completely confident with 120 & 12V alternating and direct current systems and how they interact on a trawler).
But, here’s the icing on the cake: Capt. Bob suggested that before crossing the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas we do what he calls the “Little Loop,” Houston to the Big Ditch by the ICW, Big Ditch to Okeechobee, to Atlantic ICW, to Miami, to Key West, To Big Ditch, to Houston. Ideal! all near the service & spares we might need to shake down our vessel and prepare for foreign exploits. It has been a great experience for us, and meeting Capt. Bob’s charming Susan was a joy! Getting to know the “Way” of Captain Bob has been the best use of our time and money that we can imagine.
Thank you Capt.!
Phil & Matilde
To see the original log entry as written by the guests, click here
Tags: hand-on trawler training, trawler school charters, trawler school review
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August 22nd, 2011
Hey Bob,
Thanks for the birthday Mermaid & card – the cake, champagne and flowers weren’t bad either!! The weather was great and the food good. I know so much more now then I did then.
Sandra
An excellent introduction to Southern Florida waters and what a “Big Boat” experience is all about. Boca Chita was a trip! Thanks Capt. Bob.
John
To see the original log entry as written by the guests, click here
Tags: cruising south fl, learn about trawlers, trawler school, trawler school review
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August 15th, 2011
Captain Bob,
Being a long-time boater and boat-owner – starting off ironically in the Miami area in the 60’s & 70’s I thought I was “Mr. Know-it-all” when it came to boating!
Always dreaming of living on a boat nad exploring different parts of the world, while living in our home on the water. Now – how to convince my wife of almost 40 years? We married young – she was 19 and I was 21 … may take some outside help? After reading about Captain Bob and his “Miami Mermaid” in PassageMaker m agazine – I gave the Captain a call. Suffice it to say, we both learned a lot, ever after a life-time of boating experience!
Captain Bob filters out what you really need to know in a common-sense, not too techy fashion. Even if you’re not interested in living onboard a trawler (or for that matter any other floating home). We would highly recommend going onboard for the scenery, historical and entertainment value! My wife is now much more informed and confident regarding handling a large boat and the Captain’s method of “Hands-on” and “hands-off-do-it-yourself” teaching was terrific! She is just upset to learn she’s not the only “sunshine” on these cruises 
! We could write a whole book on the places we visited and all that we learned. If you’re looking for a “final-solution” you will find it on the Miami Mermaid w/you Captain Bob!
Thanks again, Rudi (aka “The Flying Dutchman”) and Debbie
To see the original log entry as written by the guests, click here
Tags: Capt. Bob Hamilton, Hand-on learning, Miami Mermaid, trawler school review
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