New Boat Owner Orientation

Starting at $350 • Up to 2 Hours

Buying a boat is exciting, but for many new owners it can also feel overwhelming. This hands-on orientation session is designed to help you better understand your boat, basic systems, local waters, and everyday ownership questions in a relaxed and practical environment.

This is not a captain’s course or mechanical inspection. The goal is to help new owners become more comfortable, confident, and familiar with their vessel and the boating lifestyle around Destin and the Emerald Coast.

Who This Is For

New boat owners

Owners stepping into a larger or more advanced boat

Families who want a better understanding of their vessel

Boat owners moving to the Destin or Emerald Coast area

Owners who want hands-on guidance without the pressure of a formal boating class

What We Cover

Basic vessel systems overview

Bilge pumps and float switches

Battery switches and breakers

Basic electronics and navigation operation

GPS and chart plotter basics

Basic trolling motor operation

Fueling guidance and fuel dock procedures

Cleaning and storage recommendations

Dock preparation and basic docking tips

Anchoring basics and anchor setup

Local boating considerations and hazards

Sandbars, shallow areas, and local waterways

Basic on-the-water familiarization

Learn Your Boat With Confidence

Many new owners leave the dealership or marina with questions they never had the chance to ask. This session gives you the opportunity to walk through your boat in a calm, real-world setting while learning the basics that make ownership less stressful and more enjoyable.

You can ask questions, learn at your own pace, and gain a better understanding of how your vessel operates both at the dock and on the water.

Local Knowledge Matters

Boating around Destin and the Emerald Coast comes with unique conditions including heavy boat traffic, shallow areas, wind, current, and busy fuel docks during peak season.

This orientation helps new owners better understand the local boating environment while building confidence in everyday operation and ownership.

Additional time available upon request depending on vessel size and session goals.

Rates vary depending on vessel size, location, and session length.

Learn to dock and handle your boat with confidence

If you feel unsure docking, maneuvering, or controlling your boat at low speed, this session is designed to fix that—fast.

What We’ll Work On

• Docking fundamentals and approach control

• Low-speed maneuvering and throttle control

• Reverse and tight-space handling

• Understanding how your boat actually responds

• Real-time coaching while you’re at the helm

What You’ll Walk Away With

• Confidence docking without panic

• Better control in tight spaces

• A clear understanding of how your boat moves

• The ability to stay calm and in control around other boats

👉 This is where boating starts to feel easy instead of stressful

What Makes This Different

This isn’t a classroom or generic boating course.

You’ll be on your boat, in your environment, with hands-on instruction the entire time—so the skills translate immediately the next time you leave the dock.

What to Expect

We go step-by-step.

No rushing.
No pressure.

You’ll understand what the boat is doing before you’re ever in a situation where you need to react quickly.

Who This Is For

• New boat owners

• Anyone uncomfortable docking

• Boaters who avoid tight or busy areas

• Anyone who wants to feel more in control

Session Details

• Length: 2 hours

• Location: Your boat (marina, dock, or ramp)

• Price: $300

Travel and larger or more complex vessels may require additional time and adjusted pricing.

Learn to confidently handle your boat in tight spaces, around docks, and in real-world marina conditions.

If docking makes you nervous or inconsistent, this session is designed to fix that through repetition and controlled practice.

What We’ll Work On

• Proper docking approach and setup

• Low-speed control using forward, neutral, and reverse

• Managing momentum without overcorrecting

• Steering and throttle coordination in tight spaces

• Understanding how wind and current affect your boat

• Backing and reverse control

What You’ll Walk Away With

• Confidence approaching and docking your boat

• Better control at low speeds

• A clear understanding of how your boat reacts

• A repeatable docking process you can rely on

What Makes This Different

This is hands-on training on your actual boat.

You stay at the helm while I guide you step-by-step through real docking situations so you build confidence that carries over immediately.

What to Expect

We go step-by-step.

No rushing.
No pressure.

You’ll learn how the boat responds and build control through repetition in real conditions.

Who This Is For

• New boat owners

• Anyone uncomfortable docking in marinas

• Boaters who want to improve precision and control

Session Details

Length: 3 hours
Location: Your boat (marina or ramp)
Price: $450

Travel and larger or more complex vessels may require additional time and adjusted pricing.

Custom Boat Coaching

$175 per hour
2-hour minimum

Overview

This option is built for boaters who want something more flexible than a standard lesson. Every session is tailored to your boat, your experience level, and what you actually want to work on. Whether you just bought a boat, need a refresher, or want to sharpen specific skills, this is hands-on coaching designed around you.

Most clients start with the 2-hour lesson, then use this option for follow-up sessions.

What We Can Cover

Close-quarters maneuvering
Slow-speed boat control
Boat control at idle speed
Wind and current awareness
Electronics and systems overview
Basic navigation and safety
General confidence building on the water

How It Works

We meet at your boat and go over your goals before getting underway. From there, everything is hands-on. You will be driving, making decisions, and building real confidence while I guide you through it. Sessions move at your pace and focus on what matters most to you.

Who This Is For

New boat owners
Boaters who want extra practice beyond a standard lesson
Anyone uncomfortable docking or handling their boat
Anyone who wants one-on-one help specific to their setup

Important Notes

$175 per hour with a 2-hour minimum
Training is conducted on your boat
Scheduling is based on availability and weather
Fuel, marina fees, or extended travel may be additional

Private Captain Services – Destin & Surrounding Areas

Starting at $150 per hour (2-hour minimum)
Half-day and full-day rates available

Custom pricing base on vessel size, trip type, and itinerary

Licensed USCG 100 GT captain providing private captain services for personally owned vessels along the Emerald Coast.

This service is designed for boat owners who want a professional at the helm, whether you are navigating busy areas like Destin Harbor or Crab Island, or simply want to relax and enjoy your time on the water while your vessel is operated safely and confidently.

Who This Is For

Owners of larger cruisers and center consoles
Boat owners who want to enjoy the day without being at the helm
Situations where extra confidence is needed in tight or high traffic areas
Owners who want a professional onboard while still having the option to ask questions and pick up real world experience along the way

Enjoy the Day, Leave the Handling to Me

If you would rather relax and enjoy your time on the water, this service allows you to step back while your vessel is professionally operated.

Whether you are heading to Crab Island, cruising the harbor, or spending the day on the water with friends and family, I handle navigation, docking, and overall operation so you can focus on the experience.

You can stay as involved or hands off as you like, while still gaining a better understanding of how your boat handles in real conditions.

What I Help With

Safe and confident vessel operation
Docking and maneuvering in tight spaces
Navigating Destin Harbor, East Pass, and surrounding waters
Managing wind, current, and boat traffic
Real world handling based on local conditions

Vessel Types

Typically working with:

40 ft to 70 ft cruisers
Larger center consoles
Premium recreational vessels

Additional Details

Owner must be onboard at all times. This is not a charter service and no passengers are paying for the trip.

Rates vary depending on vessel size, complexity, and scheduling.