Tag Archives: trawler school

I was Reluctant, My Husband was Gung-Ho 4-10-2012

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!

The Perfect Birthday Present

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

We accomplished everything we wanted

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

Cruising Southern Florida & Learning about Trawlers

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

We Learned, We Laughed, and Now and Then We Cowered (and other highlights from 2006 – 2007)

Dennis & Jennifer

12/05/05 – 12/10/05

We had a great time! The charming personality and good looks of our captain will be remembered until infinity! I learned more about GPS this week than 15 years with my boat! Thanks to Capt. Bob we will charter with confidence!

Bernard & Cecile

12/26/2005

Learned a lot on this 4 day trip. Will feel more confident when hubby will decide to charter a trawler on our next vacation! Relaxing, taking our mind off of difficult issues. Doing team work! Thanks Captain Bob.

Susan & Ed

We actually felt we can drive a trawler and plan to go shopping for one soon! Capt. Bob is terrific and we had a blast! Even learned a few cooking pointers, not to mention fish jokes and funny dances. What a terrific adventure!!

Bob & June

January 2006

While switching gas tanks Capt. Bob was nearly eaten by the engine! His prized shirt from Christmas was destroyed- not fun! Lobstering along the banks at Boca Chita – got 2! Ed was fondly known as “Capt. Coco” as he drank coco for breakfast; Susan known as “Sunshine” we actually feel we can drive a trawler and plan to go shopping for one soon. Capt. Bob is terrific, and we have had a blast, even learned a few cooking pointers not to mention fish jokes and funky dance. What a terrific adventure!

Susan & Ed, Charleston, SC

2/4/06 – 2/8/06

Hurricane harbor, very calm. Superbowl party at the Caribbean Club, the locals are wonderful! The food was great too! Boca Chita Key – what a fantastic place, the water was so clear and Capt. Bob fishing, swimming, and looking for lobsters right next to the sign. So many fish jokes. Bob woke up trying to think of more! Don’t ask questions that might get ahead of Capt. Bob, you could get demerits. Capt Bob … we need a trawler NOW!! We loved this! Capt. Bob – you totally ROCK!

2/ 13 – 2/18/2006

We learned, we laughed, and now and then we cowered – “what do you mean you don’t know? Pay attention! You’re not making efficient use of your platter! We won’t soon forget our mistakes. Capt. Bob is a great teacher, albeit unconventional. The Mermaid, the scenery, the fod, cocktail hour, what a ball we had! Good job and thanks, Captain Bob!

Joseph & Anne, Massachusetts

4/4/2006

Capt. Bob’s knowledge- he’ll save us bucks when we come to buy a trawler. A  great day of learning from a knowledgeable guy!

John & rose

3/20/2006

Every day, every anchorage was a new experience. Capt. Bob does a nice job of filling every day with meaningful “but fun!” events. All the local stops with good local food, shopping & views. Captain Bob delivered on his commitment. He made us believe that we really can have “the great life” – the easy, simple way. Thanks to Capt. Bob, a year from now Judy can also say she is retired and living aboard with her mate! We think that Capt. Bob could start a whole new fashion trend with his shorts!

Dick & Judy

4/9/2006

Events to remember: Capt. Bob parting the sea and calming the waves! The walking on water trick was kind of coold too. Dinners at Capt. Bob’s world famous restaurants all the way to the Keys & back. Capt. Bob, you are one of a kind … you will always be our captain! Thank you for a wonderful time! You guys are great!

Capt. Back Packer and Sandi Storm

4/24/2006

Boating can be as simple as it sounds – it just takes caution and common sense. And there is such a thing as the “perfect storm” and if you look for things long enough you will find them. We will remember mosquitoes at Boca Chita, grouper sandwiches, snorkeling on the reef, happy hour at the Marriott, topped off by a midnight swim and the longest 10 second storm of our lives. It was so exhilarating. In short, the most action packed 5 days ever – thanks Capt. Bob!

Gail & Gabe – Toronto, Canada

5/1 – 5/5/2006

As sailors, we’ve learned you can “keep it simple” and have a wonderful time. Following Capt. Bob’s sage advice, the KISS rule, common sense and a GPS make cruising on a trawler nirvana. His knowledge and experience will be put to good use as wel sell our 31’ Irwin and buy our 36’ – 40’ trawler. Thanks Capt. Bob for a great 4 days.

Mike & Kathy, San Antonio, TX

5/24 – 5/27/2006

Swimming! Greek restaurant! Dolphins singing Happy Birthday! Capt. Bob’s birthday cake with candle! Sunset! Waking up! Receiving certificate! Wow, such fun, learned a lot … we even know what boat is our next step … Capt. Bob, what can we say? Great cook, unorthodox but perfect teacher, funny & fun. Thank you for a great & true adventure!

Dennis & Terri Ann, Napa Valley, CA

5/30/2006

Perfect in every way except Thursday (rain). The wittiness of Capt. Bob always a laugh. We learned a lot from him. The salads and dinner were delicious. First night the beautiful lightning off Miami, and everything along the way, coming and going. Bob gives real good advice and suggestions regarding Trawlers. It’s good to talk to someone who knows his business.

Clarence & Rita

8/22 – 8/26/2006

Capt. Bob is unconventional and somewhat unorthodox, cuts out the fluff and gets right to the meat of things. “Bad to the bone.” Great advice on buying a boat to suit our needs and selling our boat.

Vicky & Brian

7/22/2006

Capt. Bob, wow, what can we say? A pirate, a cook, the master of ceremonies, a runner, a renegade, a financial advisor, a caring man, but above all- a captain extraordinaire!!!

Regarding the Trawler School Charters classes- they were presented in a simplistic, yet complete manner. The information about trawlers or trawlering will set us up to now feel confident to choose and commandeer our own trawler. Capt. Bob was informed about all types of trawlers and when we told him the boat we were looking at- he saved us $50 – 60,000 when we negotiate. Oh and lest I forget a new record on the Miami Mermaid, 7 bottles of wine in 1 evening.

Linda & Larry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

9/11/2006

Absolutely 4 perfect days fun in the sun and learned how to drive a trawler. Perfect Capt. Fabulous experience. Would highly recommend.

Miranda, Goldsboro, NC

9/25/2006

Captain Bob is a no nonsense instructor intent on teaching us what we need to know, and in the simplest manner. How to operate, maintain, and purchase a trawler.

His demeanor is that of a high seas pirate and we told him so, he seemed surprised that we had discovered something , and then he revealed the most wonderous, fascinating adventure from his past. I’ll let him tell his future charter clients or maybe he’ll just wait for you to notice you’re with a pirate. Capt. Bob promised to teach us everything about trawlers and he did that. Thank you Capt. Bob, we got our money’s worth. The food alone may have been worth it or maybe our favorite anchorage, No Name Harbor. We’ll cherish our memories of Pirate Bob and our high seas adventure. God Bless!

Margarita & Ken, Ohio

11/5 – 11/9/2006

Everything was an event and memorable with our unique and unforgettable Capt. Bob! We’ll be trawlering now with confidence thanks to Capt. Bob!!

Marianne & Dick, Falls Church, VA

11/10 – 11/11/2006

Capt. Bob, thank you for a great learning experience and fun too. It’s going to help a lot in looking for our boat.

Bud & Carol, Bradenton, FL

12/18 – 12/21/2006

Places to remember: Boca Chita Key- gorgeous! Marine Stadium at night with Miami’s lights.

Thanks Capt. Bob, for an unforgettable experience aboard the Miami Mermaid! I (Beth) appreciated the simplicity of your instructions. We had a memorable experience!!

Bart & Beth, Granville, Ohio

January 2007

Capt. Bob, thank you for taking some of my fear of the water away. You have been very sensitive to our needs. You have been very sensitive to our needs. Your variety of dinner with the touch of candles every night added a lot to the ambiance. Your laughs made us feel at home. Figure 8 I will never forget, and your eagerness to teach us everything you can made you a very special man. What else can I say? Great dancer, great chef, very clean, funny, and real human being. I’ll miss the bag lady, so sure of herself. You made Leah smile and enjoy herself – wow!

Leah & Chuck, Tucson, AZ

1/25 – 1/28/2007

Two sailors contemplating treason – buying a trawler, rather than a sailboat – yikes!

Fun birthday trip! We felt we were in capable hands. Loved the Garmin- I do have navigating confidence now. Thanks!

Paul & Lisa

2/12 – 2/15/2007

The most important thing I (Betty) learned “We’ve gotta have a cabin boy!” Doug: “Sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice.” Time spent on the water is not deducted from one’s lifespan.

Betty & Doug

3/19 – 3/22/2007

What a hoot! We actually learned something (a lot) and enjoyed every moment. Even changing oil was fun (as fun as that can be). Thanks to the great Galley Wench/Cabin Boy/Capt. Bob now we know we are not crazy for wanting a trawler and we really did learn a lot from you.

Mark & Genifer

5/21 – 5/24/2007

We are trying to decide whether to become “trawlers” so this was a great help. Under Capt. Bob’s guidance we feel confident to now charter a trawler. Keeping it simple – we learned a tremendous amount.

Susan & Carolyn, Lexington, KY