Tag Archives: trawler school dania beach

The Worst Part Was Capt. Bob’s Cooking

5-9 – 5-12-2016

Thank you so much for the fantastic trip. We learned far more than we thought we would in such a short amount of time. The worst part was Captain Bob’s cooking, it was better than mine and now I have to hear about it.

Your knowledge of trawlers is so extensive and your warm personally made the trip very enjoyable.
Best Wishes  & Blessings,
Allison & Phil
Orlando FL

17 ft. Cuban Raft Discovered Adrift off Elliot Key, FL

A Dania Beach charter captain discovered a large well equipped 17′ Cuban raft filled with provisions and equipped with a 4 cylinder Russian diesel engine off of Eliot Key on Wednesday, May16th, 2012.

Captain Bob Hamilton, on board the Miami Mermaid, owner of Trawler School Charters, a boat handling Trawler school based in Dania Beach, FL,

Cuban raft adrift off Elliot Key, found by Capt. Robert Hamilton.

Cuban raft adrift off Elliot Key, found by Capt. Robert Hamilton.

was not sure whether anyone was still on board the obviously homemade craft when he first encountered it at a distance. Hamilton believes that at least 11 people used the raft to sail to Florida. According to Hamilton, there were 8 adult sized oars, 2 child sized oars and a baby basket on the craft. There was also canned food and 15 gallons of diesel fuel, 10 gallons of water, hypodermic needle’s and a IV bag on board. The location was reported to the USCG and pictures of the raft were e-mailed. “The passenger on board obviously planned well for their voyage” and either unloaded on a Fl Key Island or picked up by another boat for hopefully a safe arrival for all on board, said Hamilton.
Capt. Bob Hamilton of Dania Beach, FL finds Cuban raft adrift off of Elliot Key, FL.

Capt. Bob Hamilton of Dania Beach, FL finds Cuban raft adrift off of Elliot Key, FL.

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!

Trawler School Charters: Learning the Art of Trawlering

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