Newbie needs an Instructor

B

BenDiss

Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2009
RO Number
31831
Messages
467
Looks like I'll take delivery on 4/23 or my new (to me) 40' Formula. Coming from small boats, I need some formal instruction. I like the idea of on-boat half-day sessions. I see lots of websites for this service, but I'd have to imagine that there's people local to us.

Recommendations?
 
Call Captain Ray Losito. 201-704-0620 (Tell him Rommer said to call and I get a free round of drinks the next time I'm on his boat ;) )

Unlike others he'll take the time to explain things in human terms.
 
I wish I was in your neck of the woods, I could teach you all the wrong things to do ;)
Seriously,good move, and I did read you are a pilot, so you should be fine. Make friends at the dock, you will be amazed at the education you will receive from the old salts at the dock.
You have already expressed that you are humble and have the desire to learn, that carries a lot of weight with experienced boaters. While you are going through this learning curve you will hear conflicting information. Boater Ed is a great place to post these conflicts so you get the real picture.

Nothing about boating is black and white, there are more shades of gray than the gray hairs on my head.

Best of luck and your boat is sweet, happy sailing.

Walter
 
I recently purchased a boat and capt flemming did the delivery with 3 hour lesson. I also had a boat before. IMO his method of boat handling actually makes things more difficult then it needs to be. Just talking with/getting advice from Butch at PBM marina was more helpful for me.
 
Matt

Your advice is priceless. Why do some people insist on putting things in the most difficult terms possible to express a simple point? (I'm guessing it has to do with inflating their own self worth.)

Please, I'm not trying to start a war between Captains. I have my Masters ticket as well but teaching others how to handle a boat is not something I want to do. You have to have the right mindset to be willing to listen to the student as well as be able to explain in simple terms what needs to explained. Captain Ray excels in both areas.
 
You are in good hands with Butch as an instructor.
 
I saw Don give a free docking demo, and he was way too ruff with the boat, slamming it in and out of gear. That may work for some, but I'm of the slow and steaady mentality.

MJK
 
Captain Fleming gave me the three hour tour when I first got my Chaparral. Personally, I was not a fan of his method of docking. I agree that he is more agressive than I care to be. And, maybe it's just me, but I think he's a little full of himself. I very seldom use the wheel for docking and despite what he said about the outdrives being too close together for effective engine only maneuvering, it's working pretty well for me.
 
Thanks everyone for your comments.

So, Don's got a pretty website, but not a lot of fans. What about Ray? Who else has used Ray?
 
Are you buying this boat from a dealer or private? Many if not most dealers offer captain training with the purchase even on used boats. When I bought my boat two years ago they arranged for a captain to bring to boat back to my marina it use included in the price he was to stay until I was comfortable docking and using the boat. Do to a storm coming I pushed up the delivery date and the captain wasn't available and I never bothered to have him come afer. I would ask if this could be arranged for you.
 
Dave- It's used, from a dealer, but it's in Michigan so they're going to ship it here.

Thanks.

-Ben
 
He also does most of the dealer trainings for Ginny in Haverstraw.

In the spirit of full disclosure I consider him a friend but he is great at what he does.
 
I bought my 2004 new from Staten Island Yacht Sales, like Dave mentioned they gave me free lessons with my boat at their facility three weekends in a row before I took delivery. After the third lesson, (I must of sucked) they offered as many lessons as I need till I feel comfortable( I thought that was cool and really gave me a good feeling about them).

Point being here is that each time I had a different instructor, the last guy made all the pieces come together and I still think of those simple words every time I dock.

"Walter, think of you boat as a shopping cart you use in the supermarket" Your hands at the back of the cart represent your motors. If you want to move the front of your cart to the right you would pull with your right hand (reverse starboard motor) and push with your left hand (forward with port motor).

Think of your as a shopping cart, worked for me.

Walter
 
PS,
They also give you a Captain to bring your boat home to your port. The boat was tied up in a tight spot, the captain asked "do you want me to pull it out"? I said, unless you are going to be with me every time I am in a jam, sure, pull it out, otherwise WTF, do or die!
 
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