1 Boat & Trailer Basics

This module is designed as both a refresher and for brand new boaters who will be trailering with some frequency. This is a land-based lesson and runs 1.5 hours in duration. You will meet your instructor at a predetermined location where backing the towing vehicle and trailer will be practical. This module begins in the boat, with a review of required and recommended equipment. It then moves to a review and explanation of the safety systems in the boat, such as the blower, bilge, and spark arrestor. Once this is complete, we continue with a walk around the tow vehicle and trailer. During this time, we will speak about the physical parts as well as the essential systems, such as the lights and brakes. After this, the real fun begins. For the balance of the lesson, your instructor will work through backing exercises with you at the wheel. When the lesson is complete, you still may not feel like a captain, but you will be ready to head to the boat ramp.

$150 · 2 hours

2 Close Quarters & Docking skills

This module covers a lot of material in what amounts to approximately 3 hours. The lesson starts with creating a sound departure plan and progresses into close quarters and open-water maneuvering. Drills include: Radius turns, pivot turns, bringing the boat on plane, backing the boat, crossing waves, holding station and docking both up and down wind. All of this will be covered, as well as maintaining a proper lookout and avoiding collisions. At the conclusion, you will have gained a great deal of confidence and be on your way to safer boating.

$200 · 3 hours

3 Docking and Boat Handling

At approximately 3 hours in length, this lesson is all about boating in perhaps the most stressful area—around the dock. Your instructor will have you depart the immediate, confined area to a place where you can review and practice drills concerning situational awareness, clear departure, and proper lookout—all while pivoting and holding the boat in upwind and downwind situations. Once you have that mastered, it’s back to the dock, where you will be coached through repeated landings from desirable and undesirable angles. Our goal is to make sure you are comfortable with your skills and can handle whatever the typical day may bring your way.

$200 · 3 hours

4 Open Water Boat Handling

During this 3-hour lesson, you will really get to know how your boat handles at speed. You’ll learn situational awareness, being predictable, collision avoidance, balancing and trimming your boat, crossing waves and wakes, and even have a few man overboard drills for good measure. Completion of this module will leave you feeling confident while operating your boat on plane at a reasonable cruising speed. Of course, when we head to the dock, we will use the opportunity to review and practice your docking skills as well. At the conclusion of this lesson, you will have gained a great deal of confidence in your boating skills and be ready to Carpe Diem!

$200 · 3 hours

5 Advanced Open Water Boat Handling

Your 3 hour lesson on the open water will concentrate on situational awareness, collision avoidance, trimming your boat, crossing waves, emergency preparedness, and man overboard drills. This module will teach you the skills to determine where, when, and how to safely navigate up on plane while at speed. On today’s congested waterways, there are many times when boating on plane and at speed is unadvised. However, when you find that open stretch of water and plenty of room to run, you need the skills taught in this lesson. When all is said and done, you will be on your way to a lifetime of confident, fun, and safe boating.

$200 · 3 hours

6 Water Sports Operations

Before you place your loved ones in the water, make sure you know the do's and don’ts of towing your water sports enthusiasts. This lesson is not about the skills or success of the participant, but the monumental task of keeping everyone safe as they enjoy their sport. Once you put a body in the water, things become very complex very quickly. Add multiple bodies and you better have some skills. Our instructors will go over preparing the boat and gear, proper communication with your crew, guests, and participants, as well as through proper speeds and turns, how to safely retrieve your precious cargo, and stow your gear. This lesson is best taught to three people: the driver, the spotter and the participant. Armed with the skills and confidence from this lesson you will be the first on the water every weekend shredding the wake!

$200 · 3 hours

Charter Service (Your boat)

Enjoy the day on your boat while one of our instructors tour you around the lakes. You create the agenda and our operator will take care of the rest. Time is tracked by hour. Rate displayed is for inland lakes only and does not include Lake Michigan.

3 Options