Our Hired License Captain Experience

We previously owned twin engines, 24′ Yamaha 240SX from July 2010 –  April 2013 and 35′ Regal Sport Coupe from April 2013 – April 2022. Both without claims or incidents. Regardless, to our past boating experiences we opted to hire a licensed Captain for our repositioning from West Palm Coast, FL to Georgetown, MD with all the “new to us” systems onboard.

Our acquisition was delayed by a month or so due to seller’s documentation. The Florida hurricane season was just around the corner.

Our first pick Captain was non-committable at the time of inquiry. When he was able to commit, we had already moved on in hiring a licensed Captain. 

Our second pick Captain was unavailable but referred us to the licensed Captain we hired. 

Upon our contract hire, we had many email exchanges, phone conversations and status updates concerning the survey and sale. For his own familiarity, we even offered for him to stay onboard 2 days prior to our repositioning so he could become acquainted with the vessel. Fortunately, he resided nearby and came onboard for a few hours to assist Jacques with maintenance requirements, such as fuel polishing, oil changes, etc. Early in the morning of our grand voyage his wife graciously dropped him off. 

To best recap, our experience I would say, it’s like walking down the street and simply asking a stranger if they would like to go on a trip with you. Even though our LOA is 51′, we’re ultimately strangers in tight quarters. If you can’t relate this then just imagine as a kid your least favorite grandparent coming for an extended visit, expecting perfection and criticizes everything you do. Still can’t relate, then imagine it’s your in-laws who have something to say over everything you do and endlessly dose you with all their wisdom nonstop.

Based on our experience, I would summarize…

Benefits

• Another person onboard to share helm duty.
• Assisted and guided with fuel polishing and oil changes.
• During our first overnight ocean crossing in rough waters offered reassurance that everything was fine. 
• Route planning and familiarity.

Downfalls

• A copy of our boat listing was given before agreeing to the job. Yet he daily complained about our depth requirement and speed. We suspect all the places previously stayed or favorites weren’t doable for us.
• Apparently not to be a boat owner with intolerance to weather. A few delays caused him deep endless sighs and stress.
• Apparent not to be a boat owner when asked not to wear shoes onboard.
• Captain would regularly speak about how he wanted to retire but his in demand requests kept him busy. That said, every opportunity he would distribute his business cards and only wore his shirt advertisement (even to dinner). Even interjet himself with conversations we were having with other boaters and professionals to give a business card. We understand self promoting but this was excessive!
• Confused as to who the actual owners were! We were treated like crew staff.
• Due to local weather conditions, we were forced to anchor out one night. It was then that we realized he’s never anchored out nor familiar with what to do.
• For comfort purposes, we kept the air conditioning on. Yet, he would profusely just be dripping in sweat and leave puddles everywhere. Really gross nor did he ever clean it up. 
• Lacked pilothouse electronic knowledge.
• Neither of us are daily alcohol drinkers. This topic was poached by him during our initial interview with mention of no alcohol onboard or drinking while underway, his requirement. Not an issue for us, as we don’t drink nightly. We were shocked by his nightly requirement. Since there was no alcohol onboard, we suspect this was a deciding factor for marina stays. 
• Not familiar with Nordhavns, regardless of his claims.
• Onboard vibe does not equate to normal guests onboard or residential service workers. 
• Our only privacy onboard was the two times he would go do his laundry or get off board to phone his wife.
• There were several occasions rather than abort his determination which posed an issue with our vessel and other vessels. Huge difference between an Owner and Operator.
• Unprofessional!!! Had I heard what he said to Jacques in the “Marriage Savers” his deboarding in Norfolk, VA would not have been at his leisure pace.

There’s the classic phrase, “do I say, not as I do”. As our confidence grew and the Captain was put into the same situation this catchy classic phrase was evident.

Good to Know

• Captain for hire should provide you with a copy of their Merchant Mariner Credentials, resume and training outline.
• Depending on past ownership and the vessel, your insurance company may request a training Captain. Ours did not, but we still opted to hire one.
• Merchant Mariner Credentials looks much like a USA passport booklet.
• Most Captains for hire are not insured! Therefore will request to be added to your insurance policy as “Paid Part-Time Crew”.
• Most Captains charge a daily flat rate plus any charges incurred from the time they leave their residence (airfare, laundry, lodging, meals. mileage, etc). 
• Only a Captain for hire is required to have a license.
• Past training courses (like ABC, navigation, etc) may qualify you for an insurance discounted rate.
• Some Captains require that you do their laundry. Fortunately, he did not.
• Upon completion, the Captain for hire will provide you with a checklist of completion.
• Your yacht salesperson may offer some limited helm experience for you at no additional cost.

What We Would Do Differently?

• Asked about his ratio of delivery and training business.
• Beyond asking about his familiarity with Nordhavn, we should have called on those references.
• Called past employers and references.
• Interview more Captains. Apparently, the three standard rules weren’t enough.
• Reduce daily training hours. One can only absorb so much information daily.
• Shortened his hire and time onboard. 
• Take the time to enjoy dinner by ourselves.

After years (10+) of being “trawler dreamers” based on his attitude he certainly negatively tainted our experience and journey. Neither of us would recommend his services!