NEW BOAT OWNERS
Just bought a boat? Here's what to do first.
The paperwork's signed and the keys are in your pocket. What comes next is the part nobody hands you at closing: what your policy requires, the trip home, learning her at your own slip, and your first season. It goes better in the right order, and this is the order I walk every new boat owner through.
Or give me a call at (248) 497-5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
NEW BOAT OWNERS
Just bought a boat? Here's what to do first.
The paperwork's signed and the keys are in your pocket. What comes next is the part nobody hands you at closing: what your policy requires, the trip home, learning her at your own slip, and your first season. It goes better in the right order, and this is the order I walk every new boat owner through.
Or give me a call at (248) 497-5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
NEW BOAT OWNERS
Just bought a boat? Here's what to do first.
The paperwork's signed and the keys are in your pocket. What comes next is the part nobody hands you at closing: what your policy requires, the trip home, learning her at your own slip, and your first season. It goes better in the right order, and this is the order I walk every new boat owner through.
Or give me a call at (248) 497-5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
USCG Master 100 GRT
GREAT LAKES & INLAND WATERS
USCG Master 50 GRT
NEAR COASTAL
Commercial Towing Assistance
Endorsement
B.S. Mechanical Eng.
U of M Dearborn
Past Commodore
Ford Yacht Club · 2004–2006
USCG Master 100 GRT
GREAT LAKES & INLAND WATERS
USCG Master 50 GRT
NEAR COASTAL
Commercial Towing Assistance
Endorsement
B.S. Mechanical Eng.
U of M Dearborn
Past Commodore
Ford Yacht Club · 2004–2006
WHERE TO START
Most new owners do the fun part first.
They take her out on the first nice Saturday and sort out the rest as it comes up: the condition in the policy they never read, the slip they've never backed into, the partner nobody showed the lines. None of it is a disaster. It's just the expensive way to learn a boat, and usually the most public one.
The list below is short, and nothing on it is complicated. Know what your policy requires before you run her. Decide how she gets home. Learn her on your own water, bring the person beside you in early, and put the first season on the calendar.
WHERE TO START
Most new owners do the fun part first.
They take her out on the first nice Saturday and sort out the rest as it comes up: the condition in the policy they never read, the slip they've never backed into, the partner nobody showed the lines. None of it is a disaster. It's just the expensive way to learn a boat, and usually the most public one.
The list below is short, and nothing on it is complicated. Know what your policy requires before you run her. Decide how she gets home. Learn her on your own water, bring the person beside you in early, and put the first season on the calendar.
WHERE TO START
Most new owners do the fun part first.
They take her out on the first nice Saturday and sort out the rest as it comes up: the condition in the policy they never read, the slip they've never backed into, the partner nobody showed the lines. None of it is a disaster. It's just the expensive way to learn a boat, and usually the most public one.
The list below is short, and nothing on it is complicated. Know what your policy requires before you run her. Decide how she gets home. Learn her on your own water, bring the person beside you in early, and put the first season on the calendar.
WHO IT'S FOR
Where you're starting from
The list is the same for everyone. What comes first depends on the boat you just bought.
The First Boat
Everything is new at once: the boat, the rules of the road, the marina, the radio. The boater safety course covers the rules. It doesn’t cover your boat, or docking her in a crosswind. Start with coaching on your own boat before habits have time to set. Read: what the boater safety course leaves out.
The Bigger Boat
You know how to run a boat, just not this one yet. More weight, more windage, maybe two engines where you had one, and possibly a condition on your policy that says you don’t run her alone until a captain signs off. Read: moving up to a bigger boat.
The Boat That Isn't Home Yet
She’s across the lake, in another state, or in Florida, and she has to get to your slip. That trip is the best classroom you’ll ever get on her, as long as you’re aboard for it. Read: the first 50 miles on a new-to-you boat.
WHO IT'S FOR
Where you're starting from
The list is the same for everyone. What comes first depends on the boat you just bought.
The First Boat
Everything is new at once: the boat, the rules of the road, the marina, the radio. The boater safety course covers the rules. It doesn’t cover your boat, or docking her in a crosswind. Start with coaching on your own boat before habits have time to set. Read: what the boater safety course leaves out.
The Bigger Boat
You know how to run a boat, just not this one yet. More weight, more windage, maybe two engines where you had one, and possibly a condition on your policy that says you don’t run her alone until a captain signs off. Read: moving up to a bigger boat.
The Boat That Isn't Home Yet
She’s across the lake, in another state, or in Florida, and she has to get to your slip. That trip is the best classroom you’ll ever get on her, as long as you’re aboard for it. Read: the first 50 miles on a new-to-you boat.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
The order I’d take it in
01
Check what your policy requires
If this boat is a good deal bigger than your last one, look in the binder for a captain’s warranty: a condition that you don’t run her alone until a licensed captain has trained you and signed off. Get the number of hours in writing, and ask whether the carrier wants the captain approved first. I send your underwriter my credentials on a one-page form before we start, and I run the hours as coaching, not a ride-along. Here’s how my insurance check rides and sign-offs work.
02
Decide how she gets home
03
Learn her on your own water
04
Bring your first mate in early
05
Put the first season on the calendar
WHAT TO DO FIRST
The order I’d take it in
01
Check what your policy requires
If this boat is a good deal bigger than your last one, look in the binder for a captain’s warranty: a condition that you don’t run her alone until a licensed captain has trained you and signed off. Get the number of hours in writing, and ask whether the carrier wants the captain approved first. I send your underwriter my credentials on a one-page form before we start, and I run the hours as coaching, not a ride-along. Here’s how my insurance check rides and sign-offs work.
02
Decide how she gets home
03
Learn her on your own water
04
Bring your first mate in early
05
Put the first season on the calendar
WHAT TO DO FIRST
The order I’d take it in
01
Check what your policy requires
If this boat is a good deal bigger than your last one, look in the binder for a captain’s warranty: a condition that you don’t run her alone until a licensed captain has trained you and signed off. Get the number of hours in writing, and ask whether the carrier wants the captain approved first. I send your underwriter my credentials on a one-page form before we start, and I run the hours as coaching, not a ride-along. Here’s how my insurance check rides and sign-offs work.
02
Decide how she gets home
03
Learn her on your own water
04
Bring your first mate in early
05
Put the first season on the calendar
GETTING HER HOME
Three ways to get her home
GETTING HER HOME
Three ways to get her home
GETTING HER HOME
Three ways to get her home
TESTIMONIALS
From two new owners
Tom has an outstanding curriculum to get brand new power boaters comfortable, knowledgable, competent and safety conscious with their new boat. He is very patient and thorough, and I can tell he loves what he does. I highly, highly recommend this captain to get you comfortable with your new boat!
Craig Kelly
"Moving from an outboard to my first Sea Ray cruiser was a big jump, especially with no experience on Lake Erie. Captain Tom Ketelhut helped me bring the boat from Cleveland to Detroit and was a total pro. When the swells picked up, he stayed calm and walked me through I/O handling and navigation right in the middle of the chop. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor to get us home safely. I highly recommend him"
Paul Cooper
TESTIMONIALS
From two new owners
Tom has an outstanding curriculum to get brand new power boaters comfortable, knowledgable, competent and safety conscious with their new boat. He is very patient and thorough, and I can tell he loves what he does. I highly, highly recommend this captain to get you comfortable with your new boat!
Craig Kelly
"Moving from an outboard to my first Sea Ray cruiser was a big jump, especially with no experience on Lake Erie. Captain Tom Ketelhut helped me bring the boat from Cleveland to Detroit and was a total pro. When the swells picked up, he stayed calm and walked me through I/O handling and navigation right in the middle of the chop. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor to get us home safely. I highly recommend him"
Paul Cooper
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed, and I've been the new owner too.
The first time I bought a boat, I'd already spent six years working in a marina, and there were still questions I didn't think to ask. Every new owner is missing something the buying process didn't hand them. Usually it's the order to take things in. I hold a USCG Master 100 GRT license for the Great Lakes and Inland Waters and a 50 GRT Near Coastal Master, both with the Commercial Assistance Towing endorsement. Everything I do for a new owner comes with paper: an agreement and an itemized estimate for a delivery, my credentials to your underwriter before we start, a written plan left aboard after coaching, and a signed letter at the end of insurance hours. If you just closed on a boat, or you're about to, call me before the first run. Most of this list sorts itself out in one conversation.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed, and I've been the new owner too.
The first time I bought a boat, I'd already spent six years working in a marina, and there were still questions I didn't think to ask. Every new owner is missing something the buying process didn't hand them. Usually it's the order to take things in. I hold a USCG Master 100 GRT license for the Great Lakes and Inland Waters and a 50 GRT Near Coastal Master, both with the Commercial Assistance Towing endorsement. Everything I do for a new owner comes with paper: an agreement and an itemized estimate for a delivery, my credentials to your underwriter before we start, a written plan left aboard after coaching, and a signed letter at the end of insurance hours. If you just closed on a boat, or you're about to, call me before the first run. Most of this list sorts itself out in one conversation.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed, and I've been the new owner too.
The first time I bought a boat, I'd already spent six years working in a marina, and there were still questions I didn't think to ask. Every new owner is missing something the buying process didn't hand them. Usually it's the order to take things in. I hold a USCG Master 100 GRT license for the Great Lakes and Inland Waters and a 50 GRT Near Coastal Master, both with the Commercial Assistance Towing endorsement. Everything I do for a new owner comes with paper: an agreement and an itemized estimate for a delivery, my credentials to your underwriter before we start, a written plan left aboard after coaching, and a signed letter at the end of insurance hours. If you just closed on a boat, or you're about to, call me before the first run. Most of this list sorts itself out in one conversation.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
USCG Merchant Mariner Credential
USCG Merchant Mariner Credential
USCG Merchant Mariner Credential — active since 2009
USCG Merchant Mariner Credential — active since 2009
USCG MARINER REFERENCE NUMBER
USCG MARINER REFERENCE NUMBER
2913289
Any active U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential can be verified directly with the USCG National Maritime Center. Use the Mariner Reference Number above to confirm my credentials independently.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
I haven't closed yet. Is it too early to call?
No, it’s the best time. Purchase help covers the sea trial, the survey report, and the questions to ask your insurance broker while you can still walk away.
Does my insurance company need to know about a captain?
Yes, whether I'm delivering the boat or coaching you on it. Your carrier needs the captain's credentials on file, and some want to approve the captain before the first hour counts. I send your underwriter a one-page credential submission with my Mariner Reference Number, and most carriers process it in a day or two.
Yes, whether I'm delivering the boat or coaching you on it. Your carrier needs the captain's credentials on file, and some want to approve the captain before the first hour counts. I send your underwriter a one-page credential submission with my Mariner Reference Number, and most carriers process it in a day or two.
The boat is in another state. Can you get her home?
Yes. Over the water where it's practical, or with a transport company covering the overland part and me running the water legs on either end. If she's in Florida, that's familiar ground: I cover Florida year-round and run the route between Florida and the Great Lakes regularly.
Yes. Over the water where it’s practical, or with a transport company covering the overland part and me running the water legs on either end. If she’s in Florida, that’s familiar ground: I cover Florida year-round and run the route between Florida and the Great Lakes regularly.
I've owned boats before. Do I still need coaching?
Often, yes. About half the people I coach are experienced boaters, many of them moving up to something bigger or more complex. Experience helps, but muscle memory built on a smaller boat is slightly wrong on a bigger one, and the dock is where it shows.
Often, yes. About half the people I coach are experienced boaters, many of them moving up to something bigger or more complex. Experience helps, but muscle memory built on a smaller boat is slightly wrong on a bigger one, and the dock is where it shows.
Can my partner learn alongside me?
Yes, and I'd encourage it. First Mate Coaching runs alongside your own, and on an owner-assisted delivery it comes with the trip. A boat that two people know how to run is a safer boat, and a quieter one at the dock.
Yes, and I'd encourage it. First Mate Coaching runs alongside your own, and on an owner-assisted delivery it comes with the trip. A boat that two people know how to run is a safer boat, and a quieter one at the dock.
What does it cost?
It depends on the boat and what you need, so I quote it after a short call. Deliveries run on a day rate with expenses itemized separately, and you see the estimate before we leave the dock. Coaching is built around your boat and your gaps, not a fixed package.
It depends on the boat and what you need, so I quote it after a short call. Deliveries run on a day rate with expenses itemized separately, and you see the estimate before we leave the dock. Coaching is built around your boat and your gaps, not a fixed package.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
I haven't closed yet. Is it too early to call?
No, it’s the best time. Purchase help covers the sea trial, the survey report, and the questions to ask your insurance broker while you can still walk away.
Does my insurance company need to know about a captain?
Yes, whether I'm delivering the boat or coaching you on it. Your carrier needs the captain's credentials on file, and some want to approve the captain before the first hour counts. I send your underwriter a one-page credential submission with my Mariner Reference Number, and most carriers process it in a day or two.
Yes, whether I'm delivering the boat or coaching you on it. Your carrier needs the captain's credentials on file, and some want to approve the captain before the first hour counts. I send your underwriter a one-page credential submission with my Mariner Reference Number, and most carriers process it in a day or two.
The boat is in another state. Can you get her home?
Yes. Over the water where it's practical, or with a transport company covering the overland part and me running the water legs on either end. If she's in Florida, that's familiar ground: I cover Florida year-round and run the route between Florida and the Great Lakes regularly.
Yes. Over the water where it’s practical, or with a transport company covering the overland part and me running the water legs on either end. If she’s in Florida, that’s familiar ground: I cover Florida year-round and run the route between Florida and the Great Lakes regularly.
I've owned boats before. Do I still need coaching?
Often, yes. About half the people I coach are experienced boaters, many of them moving up to something bigger or more complex. Experience helps, but muscle memory built on a smaller boat is slightly wrong on a bigger one, and the dock is where it shows.
Often, yes. About half the people I coach are experienced boaters, many of them moving up to something bigger or more complex. Experience helps, but muscle memory built on a smaller boat is slightly wrong on a bigger one, and the dock is where it shows.
Can my partner learn alongside me?
Yes, and I'd encourage it. First Mate Coaching runs alongside your own, and on an owner-assisted delivery it comes with the trip. A boat that two people know how to run is a safer boat, and a quieter one at the dock.
Yes, and I'd encourage it. First Mate Coaching runs alongside your own, and on an owner-assisted delivery it comes with the trip. A boat that two people know how to run is a safer boat, and a quieter one at the dock.
What does it cost?
It depends on the boat and what you need, so I quote it after a short call. Deliveries run on a day rate with expenses itemized separately, and you see the estimate before we leave the dock. Coaching is built around your boat and your gaps, not a fixed package.
It depends on the boat and what you need, so I quote it after a short call. Deliveries run on a day rate with expenses itemized separately, and you see the estimate before we leave the dock. Coaching is built around your boat and your gaps, not a fixed package.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
I haven't closed yet. Is it too early to call?
No, it’s the best time. Purchase help covers the sea trial, the survey report, and the questions to ask your insurance broker while you can still walk away.
Does my insurance company need to know about a captain?
Yes, whether I'm delivering the boat or coaching you on it. Your carrier needs the captain's credentials on file, and some want to approve the captain before the first hour counts. I send your underwriter a one-page credential submission with my Mariner Reference Number, and most carriers process it in a day or two.
Yes, whether I'm delivering the boat or coaching you on it. Your carrier needs the captain's credentials on file, and some want to approve the captain before the first hour counts. I send your underwriter a one-page credential submission with my Mariner Reference Number, and most carriers process it in a day or two.
The boat is in another state. Can you get her home?
Yes. Over the water where it's practical, or with a transport company covering the overland part and me running the water legs on either end. If she's in Florida, that's familiar ground: I cover Florida year-round and run the route between Florida and the Great Lakes regularly.
Yes. Over the water where it’s practical, or with a transport company covering the overland part and me running the water legs on either end. If she’s in Florida, that’s familiar ground: I cover Florida year-round and run the route between Florida and the Great Lakes regularly.
I've owned boats before. Do I still need coaching?
Often, yes. About half the people I coach are experienced boaters, many of them moving up to something bigger or more complex. Experience helps, but muscle memory built on a smaller boat is slightly wrong on a bigger one, and the dock is where it shows.
Often, yes. About half the people I coach are experienced boaters, many of them moving up to something bigger or more complex. Experience helps, but muscle memory built on a smaller boat is slightly wrong on a bigger one, and the dock is where it shows.
Can my partner learn alongside me?
Yes, and I'd encourage it. First Mate Coaching runs alongside your own, and on an owner-assisted delivery it comes with the trip. A boat that two people know how to run is a safer boat, and a quieter one at the dock.
Yes, and I'd encourage it. First Mate Coaching runs alongside your own, and on an owner-assisted delivery it comes with the trip. A boat that two people know how to run is a safer boat, and a quieter one at the dock.
What does it cost?
It depends on the boat and what you need, so I quote it after a short call. Deliveries run on a day rate with expenses itemized separately, and you see the estimate before we leave the dock. Coaching is built around your boat and your gaps, not a fixed package.
It depends on the boat and what you need, so I quote it after a short call. Deliveries run on a day rate with expenses itemized separately, and you see the estimate before we leave the dock. Coaching is built around your boat and your gaps, not a fixed package.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Tell me what you bought.
Every new owner's list is a little different: the boat, the water, the policy, the person beside you. Tell me where you're starting, and I'll tell you what comes first. The conversation is free.
Or give me a call at (248)-497-5791. If I’m on the water, I’ll call you back same day.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Tell me what you bought.
Every new owner's list is a little different: the boat, the water, the policy, the person beside you. Tell me where you're starting, and I'll tell you what comes first. The conversation is free.
Or give me a call at (248)-497-5791. If I’m on the water, I’ll call you back same day.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Tell me what you bought.
Every new owner's list is a little different: the boat, the water, the policy, the person beside you. Tell me where you're starting, and I'll tell you what comes first. The conversation is free.
Or give me a call at (248)-497-5791. If I’m on the water, I’ll call you back same day.
Explore
©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved
Explore
©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved
Explore
©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved