10-14-2013 – 10-18-2013
Captain Bob,

Our time on the Miami Mermaid was so great! We were educated in all aspects of trawlers, boating and buying. Learning to navigate and read charts was very valuable and fun for me and Debbi finding all the spots we visited on our trip. It has made us very confident and will be useful on our boat in the future.

All the beautiful places we visited (especially Boca Chita Key) will be treasured memories. We hope that the future holds many more.

Captain Bob loved my special homemade “Apple Pie” and we loved his cooking and candle light dinners.

All and all we give Captain Bob’s Trawler school a big fat “10”, we are so glad we had the chance to navigate this adventure.

Jon & Debbi
Indianapolis In.

7-8-2013 – 7-12-2013
Great food, Captain Bob

What an excellent galley slave. We liked how he made us feel like we were alone on our own boat. Spending 3 days 4 nights was a great way to see how life would be on a Trawler. We have a lot more confidence navigating the boat and certainly a lot more knowledge of the boat’s systems.

Had a great time, Good luck.

J.D. & Deb
Depauw, In.

#3

Captain Bob,                   4-21-2013 – 4-25-2013

When we look back from one week ago and think about our expectations were for trawler school. Rick and I agree that these 4 days with you far surpassed what we expected. I’m amazed at how much time we spent at the helm….Alone! What a confidence builder.

The meals were all delicious and our classes were all enthusiastic and informative, you certainly know how to wake up sleepy students for your 9:00am class.

So much great advice on how to go about our trawler search. We certainly have a great start. Thanks for having lots of hot Coffee ready every morning when we awoke.

All the best
Sara & Rick
Hillsborough, NC

#4
Dear Captain Bob             6-24-2013 – 6-28-2013

We thoroughly enjoyed Trawler school this week. We are experienced sailors, but we had no experience on a trawler or the Intercostal waterway. While it may take Jeff a little while to distinguish between Sedans, Trunks ect. But I can tell the difference between all 4 models! We enjoyed being on a trawler and learning how to handle one. We really appreciate the knowledge we have gained about Trawlers.

Thank you for all the classes you provided and for the special “class” for us that was unexpected!! We are sure you will remember us as the ones that vacuumed out our bilge onboard our boat. A good bilge is a dry bilge.Thanks for everything.

Jeff & Darlene
Long Beach CA.

#5

Captain Bob                                      11-4–2013 – 11-8-2013

With 30 years of sailing experience behind me, my goal was to gain the knowledge and experience to make an educated decision, which type of the four Trawlers would suit me best. The time spent handling the Miami Mermaid and navigating the Intracostal water ways was a new experience for me.Trawler School has answered all my questions!

I was also impressed with the great meals that you prepared. If you ever decide to take up a second line of work, there are several restaurant’s in the area that could/would welcome you to there staff.

It was a pleasure to make up the anchor bridles for the Miami Mermaid. I did not think that there was anything about anchoring that I could show or do for you.

Looking forward to spending some time with you and Trawler school with my significant other when we are in town.

My very best wishes.
Your first Mate
John
Andros Island, Bahamas

#6
Captain Bob                          5/13/2013 – 5/17/2013

Due to a lousy flight I arrived at Trawler school in  a terrible mood. took till the next morning till all was gone and all was good. We have considering purchasing a trawler for some time. The training is making that decision that much easier. It’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks. We certainly learned a lot from Captain Bob. Will recommended him and the Miami Mermaid to anyone thinking about Trawlering. What a wonderful experience.

Captain Bob We will keep you updated on our quest to finding a Grand Banks.

Thank you
John & Pamela
Catawissa  Pa

#7

Hey Captain Bob          4-28-2013 – 5-2-2013

Great time, beautiful sights, new horizons – thanks for opening a new chapter in our lives. We will think of you many times in our years of trawlering ahead. Atta boy Captain Bob!

Pat
Captain Bob

What a great course. You took a couple of very green sailors wantabes and turned us into future boaters. We now know how to navigate, read charts, the engine room, electronics, how to stay in your own lane! Docking, anchoring and so much more. Wonderful food and camaraderie and a joke a minute. Thanks so much for giving us confidence to think we can really do this on our own.

Best of luck
Kathy
Tallahassee FL

#8      4-21-2013 – 4-25-2013

Captain Bob

Thanks so much for the instruction’s on electronics and all the other important information. We had a wonderful time.

It was great to see Miami all lit up at night. All the anchorages were especially breathtaking. We came because although we’re ancient, were considering buying and living on a trawler. We hope to see you again.

Best of luck
Alan & Barbara
Palm Beach FL

#9
Dear Captain Bob,                         4-15-2013 – 4-19-2013

Our mission to learn how to feel confident piloting and navigating a Trawler… Mission accomplished!! When my husband told me he wanted to attend Trawler school in Florida to learn more about handling and navigating a trawler, my first thought was… Ugh Boring!

Well I was so wrong. Captain Bob turned what could have been dull lessons into fun adventures. Within 2 hours from the first step aboard the Miami Mermaid we both were taking turns at the helm navigating the intercoastal going South. The next few days included boat classes on docking, navigating with charts, electrical and of course the engine room class. . We both feel totally prepared for bare-boat charting and even possibly purchasing a trawler in the future.

Highlights: Fish and shark jokes, docking blindfolded, grilled lobster on Key Biscayne, No Name Harbor, Super yummy food all home cooked on board, a new $2,000. vacuum flush toilet, perfect weather, night navigating, The Miami sky line at night, Our roommate Pee Wee Herman & Ariel the little Mermaid??? Much, Much more. Why did the Pirate wear an eye patch? Cuz he couldn’t afford an IPAD!!!

PS, Since completing our course, we have done two bareboat charter trip in the British Virgin Islands. The training we received from Captain Bob has given us the confidence to pursue these adventures. Thank you Captain & The Miami Mermaid

Bruce & Cydne
Mandeville LA

#10

Captain Bob            10-12-2013 – 10-15-2013

Excellent time, Great training, watch out for the fish jokes.

All in all great time. 2 days 3 nights (solo) Trawler training course.

Thank you
Jim D
Marco Island FL