July 16th    —-     July 24th 2016

Key West bound. We Made it!

Ahoy Captain Bob,

Two weeks before our Feb charter we had to cancel due to medical reasons. We thought we had lost our entire payment, instead Captain Bob called us and offered us a more than fair deal by giving us a one year extension that allowed us the opportunity for the Dania Beach to Key West trip. We’d like to take the time to thank you- many companies wouldn’t have even considered any type of option like this.

Originally our charter was to serve 3 purposes:
(1) receiving information on what make, model & size trawler to consider.
(2) offer Irene hands on experience, training & confidence.
(3) Improving my very rusty sailing skills and apply them to power boating.

#1 The medical issue did in fact prompt us to move forward and buy our trawler, 1987 38′ Marine Trader, trunk style in which we closed on May 5th. Our training definitely satisfied the remaining other reasons #2 and #3. Cruising from Hollywood beach to Boca Chita Key, then on to Key Largo, and next to Islamorada definitely sharpened my piloting skills. Captain Bob’s teaching skills on the chart plotter, navigating along with Irene, gave her a tremendous boost in which we ended up bonding together like a real experienced cruising team.

Drink stops at the Caribbean Club where they filmed Key Largo, ordered smoked Wahoo, then the Big Chill for extra large shrimp boiled in Old Bay and conch fritters. Next anchorage was Lorelei’s where we welcomed respites, smoked fish dip, cracked conch. Our next anchorage, the nicest beach in the Florida Keys: Bahia Honda. Celebrated my surprise 66th Brithday, cake and all, got to watch Captain Ron. What a treat for an old sailor, man it was the best. The Captain gave me a $100.00 bill look alike wallet what a gift and it will be very cool to pull it out in front of my friends, Can’t wait.

Thank you so much for the opportunity and we hope to keep in touch with each other we will send you updates on our own trawlering adventures. Scott

Captain Bob thank you for being who you are and making this learning adventure so simple. This is coming from a retired teacher’s point of view, we had so much fun. Your humor is the best. Your U Tube pick a tune is something we’ll play all the time now. Irene

We are now Trawler Scholars!
Scott & Irene
Collageville PA