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!

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).

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

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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