SERVICE AREA
Captain Services in Algonac, Michigan
USCG-licensed vessel deliveries, captain's coaching, and First Mate training for Algonac and Harsens Island boat owners — at the historic cradle of American powerboating.
SERVICE AREA
Captain Services in Algonac, Michigan
USCG-licensed vessel deliveries, captain's coaching, and First Mate training for Algonac and Harsens Island boat owners — at the historic cradle of American powerboating.
SERVICE AREA
Captain Services in Algonac, Michigan
USCG-licensed vessel deliveries, captain's coaching, and First Mate training for Algonac and Harsens Island boat owners — at the historic cradle of American powerboating.
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 WE OPERATE
Home Waters
Algonac sits at the upper end of the St. Clair River delta, where the river splits into the channels that feed into Lake St. Clair. It's a small city — maybe 4,000 people — but it has a boating history that punches far above its weight. This is where Chris-Craft was born. The Algonac Harbour Club marina sits on the original Chris-Craft factory site, and the Antique & Classic Boat Show held there each June draws antique mahogany hulls from across the Great Lakes. If you keep your boat in Algonac, on Harsens Island, or anywhere along the St. Clair Flats delta, you're in operating territory I cover regularly. The river runs are routine, and the delta is one of the most distinctive cruising grounds in the Great Lakes. The character here is different from anywhere else in SE Michigan. The Flats are quiet — North America's largest freshwater delta, 75% of Harsens Island is a nature sanctuary, and the cruising experience is more about wildlife and scenery than urban energy. It's a destination people travel to, not just live in.
WHERE WE OPERATE
Home Waters
Algonac sits at the upper end of the St. Clair River delta, where the river splits into the channels that feed into Lake St. Clair. It's a small city — maybe 4,000 people — but it has a boating history that punches far above its weight. This is where Chris-Craft was born. The Algonac Harbour Club marina sits on the original Chris-Craft factory site, and the Antique & Classic Boat Show held there each June draws antique mahogany hulls from across the Great Lakes. If you keep your boat in Algonac, on Harsens Island, or anywhere along the St. Clair Flats delta, you're in operating territory I cover regularly. The river runs are routine, and the delta is one of the most distinctive cruising grounds in the Great Lakes. The character here is different from anywhere else in SE Michigan. The Flats are quiet — North America's largest freshwater delta, 75% of Harsens Island is a nature sanctuary, and the cruising experience is more about wildlife and scenery than urban energy. It's a destination people travel to, not just live in.
WHERE WE OPERATE
Home Waters
Algonac sits at the upper end of the St. Clair River delta, where the river splits into the channels that feed into Lake St. Clair. It's a small city — maybe 4,000 people — but it has a boating history that punches far above its weight. This is where Chris-Craft was born. The Algonac Harbour Club marina sits on the original Chris-Craft factory site, and the Antique & Classic Boat Show held there each June draws antique mahogany hulls from across the Great Lakes. If you keep your boat in Algonac, on Harsens Island, or anywhere along the St. Clair Flats delta, you're in operating territory I cover regularly. The river runs are routine, and the delta is one of the most distinctive cruising grounds in the Great Lakes. The character here is different from anywhere else in SE Michigan. The Flats are quiet — North America's largest freshwater delta, 75% of Harsens Island is a nature sanctuary, and the cruising experience is more about wildlife and scenery than urban energy. It's a destination people travel to, not just live in.
WHAT I DO
What I do for Algonac and Harsens Island boat owners.
The full menu of services applies. The most common engagements:
WHAT I DO
What I do for Algonac and Harsens Island boat owners.
The full menu of services applies. The most common engagements:
WHAT TO KNOW
What you should know about boating from Algonac.
A few things I'd tell any new owner keeping a boat on the river.
01
The delta has three main channels.
The St. Clair River splits into the North Channel, Middle Channel, and South Channel as it enters Lake St. Clair through the delta. Each channel has its own depth profile, scenery, and access. The Middle Channel has a notoriously shallow outlet to Lake St. Clair that catches cruising boats. The North Channel is longer but cleaner. The South Channel (the Freighter Cut) is the main shipping route and the most direct.
02
Harsens Island is its own world.
03
Walpole Island is across the line.
04
The St. Clair Flats are a wildlife area.
05
The river current is moderate but constant.
WHAT TO KNOW
What you should know about boating from Algonac.
A few things I'd tell any new owner keeping a boat on the river.
01
The Trenton Channel runs fast.
It's the narrow western channel between Grosse Ile and the Michigan shore, and the current can be deceptive — especially when Detroit Edison's Trenton Channel power plant water flow shifts. New owners regularly underestimate how much the current is doing for them on the way out and against them on the way back. It's the single most common thing we work on in coaching sessions.
02
Lower Detroit River freighter traffic is constant.
03
Lake Erie weather changes fast.
04
The bridges have schedules.
WHAT TO KNOW
What you should know about boating from Algonac.
A few things I'd tell any new owner keeping a boat on the river.
01
The Trenton Channel runs fast.
It's the narrow western channel between Grosse Ile and the Michigan shore, and the current can be deceptive — especially when Detroit Edison's Trenton Channel power plant water flow shifts. New owners regularly underestimate how much the current is doing for them on the way out and against them on the way back. It's the single most common thing we work on in coaching sessions.
02
Lower Detroit River freighter traffic is constant.
03
Lake Erie weather changes fast.
04
The bridges have schedules.
Local marinas and ports.
I work with owners based at:
MARINAS (NOT LIMITED TO)
If your boat lives at any of these — or you're considering one — I can speak to the specifics from direct experience.
Local marinas and ports.
I work with owners based at:
MARINAS (NOT LIMITED TO)
If your boat lives at any of these — or you're considering one — I can speak to the specifics from direct experience.
Local marinas and ports.
I've delivered boats to and from most of the marinas on and around Grosse Ile, including:
MARINAS (NOT LIMITED TO)
If your boat lives at any of these — or you're considering one — I can speak to the specifics from direct experience.
WHAT TO KNOW
Why Algonac and Harsens Island owners hire a professional captain.
A few reasons that come up most often:
01
The delta is genuinely different water.
Owners moving to the Algonac/Harsens Island area from Lake St. Clair or the open river often need a season to adjust to the delta's character. Coaching specifically on the delta — including channel selection, slow-no-wake compliance, and approach to the more rural marinas — is one of the most useful engagements I take on for new arrivals here.
02
You bought the boat somewhere else.
03
You're running south to Lake St. Clair or the Detroit River.
04
Insurance asked for a captain.
EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM
The First Mate Coaching Package
Deck leadership, dock lines, VHF radio, trip planning, and what to do in the terrifying event that your own captain has been injured or suffers a medical emergency. Your decisions and actions as the First Mate matter.
Let OCS bolster your knowledge and confidence. The only program of its kind on the Great Lakes.
WHAT TO KNOW
Why Algonac and Harsens Island owners hire a professional captain.
A few reasons that come up most often:
01
The delta is genuinely different water.
Owners moving to the Algonac/Harsens Island area from Lake St. Clair or the open river often need a season to adjust to the delta's character. Coaching specifically on the delta — including channel selection, slow-no-wake compliance, and approach to the more rural marinas — is one of the most useful engagements I take on for new arrivals here.
02
You bought the boat somewhere else.
03
You're running south to Lake St. Clair or the Detroit River.
04
Insurance asked for a captain.
EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM
The First Mate Coaching Package
Deck leadership, dock lines, VHF radio, trip planning, and what to do in the terrifying event that your own captain has been injured or suffers a medical emergency. Your decisions and actions as the First Mate matter.
Let OCS bolster your knowledge and confidence. The only program of its kind on the Great Lakes.
WHAT TO KNOW
Why Algonac and Harsens Island owners hire a professional captain.
A few reasons that come up most often:
01
The delta is genuinely different water.
Owners moving to the Algonac/Harsens Island area from Lake St. Clair or the open river often need a season to adjust to the delta's character. Coaching specifically on the delta — including channel selection, slow-no-wake compliance, and approach to the more rural marinas — is one of the most useful engagements I take on for new arrivals here.
02
You bought the boat somewhere else.
03
You're running south to Lake St. Clair or the Detroit River.
04
Insurance asked for a captain.
EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM
The First Mate Coaching Package
Deck leadership, dock lines, VHF radio, trip planning, and what to do in the terrifying event that your own captain has been injured or suffers a medical emergency. Your decisions and actions as the First Mate matter.
Let OCS bolster your knowledge and confidence. The only program of its kind on the Great Lakes.
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed, with 36 years of context you can put to work.
The St. Clair River corridor — including Algonac and the delta — is in the regular working rotation. Three years on the Ford Yacht Club Board of Directors, Commodore from 2004 to 2006. Currently President of the Ford Yacht Club Past Commodores. My office is on Grosse Ile, about 60 miles south of Algonac by water. I hold a USCG Master 100 GRT license for the Great Lakes and Inland Waters, plus a 50 GRT Near Coastal Master, both with Commercial Towing endorsement. USCG Mariner Reference Number 2913289. If you're keeping a boat in Algonac, on Harsens Island, or anywhere along the delta, let's talk.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed, with 36 years of context you can put to work.
The St. Clair River corridor — including Algonac and the delta — is in the regular working rotation. Three years on the Ford Yacht Club Board of Directors, Commodore from 2004 to 2006. Currently President of the Ford Yacht Club Past Commodores. My office is on Grosse Ile, about 60 miles south of Algonac by water. I hold a USCG Master 100 GRT license for the Great Lakes and Inland Waters, plus a 50 GRT Near Coastal Master, both with Commercial Towing endorsement. USCG Mariner Reference Number 2913289. If you're keeping a boat in Algonac, on Harsens Island, or anywhere along the delta, let's talk.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed, with 36 years of context you can put to work.
The St. Clair River corridor — including Algonac and the delta — is in the regular working rotation. Three years on the Ford Yacht Club Board of Directors, Commodore from 2004 to 2006. Currently President of the Ford Yacht Club Past Commodores. My office is on Grosse Ile, about 60 miles south of Algonac by water. I hold a USCG Master 100 GRT license for the Great Lakes and Inland Waters, plus a 50 GRT Near Coastal Master, both with Commercial Towing endorsement. USCG Mariner Reference Number 2913289. If you're keeping a boat in Algonac, on Harsens Island, or anywhere along the delta, let's talk.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only work with Algonac boats?
No. Algonac and Harsens Island are regular territory but I work with owners across SE Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Will you come to my marina for coaching?
Yes. All coaching is conducted on your boat, in your home waters. For Algonac and Harsens Island slips, I come to you.
What size vessel do you handle?
My USCG license covers vessels up to 100 Gross Register Tons. Most coaching work in this area is on 30- to 60-foot cruisers and sportfish.
Can you help me run between Algonac and Lake St. Clair or the Detroit River?
Yes — that's a common delivery for Algonac owners. The transit through the delta and down through the lake to the Detroit River corridor is a substantial run with its own timing and channel considerations. I run it regularly.
Can you help me with the upbound run to Lake Huron?
Yes — the upbound transit from Algonac through Marine City, St. Clair, and Marysville to Port Huron and the Bluewater Bridge is a run I make regularly. Current and traffic are the main considerations.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only work with Algonac boats?
No. Algonac and Harsens Island are regular territory but I work with owners across SE Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Will you come to my marina for coaching?
Yes. All coaching is conducted on your boat, in your home waters. For Algonac and Harsens Island slips, I come to you.
What size vessel do you handle?
My USCG license covers vessels up to 100 Gross Register Tons. Most coaching work in this area is on 30- to 60-foot cruisers and sportfish.
Can you help me run between Algonac and Lake St. Clair or the Detroit River?
Yes — that's a common delivery for Algonac owners. The transit through the delta and down through the lake to the Detroit River corridor is a substantial run with its own timing and channel considerations. I run it regularly.
Can you help me with the upbound run to Lake Huron?
Yes — the upbound transit from Algonac through Marine City, St. Clair, and Marysville to Port Huron and the Bluewater Bridge is a run I make regularly. Current and traffic are the main considerations.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only work with Algonac boats?
No. Algonac and Harsens Island are regular territory but I work with owners across SE Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Will you come to my marina for coaching?
Yes. All coaching is conducted on your boat, in your home waters. For Algonac and Harsens Island slips, I come to you.
What size vessel do you handle?
My USCG license covers vessels up to 100 Gross Register Tons. Most coaching work in this area is on 30- to 60-foot cruisers and sportfish.
Can you help me run between Algonac and Lake St. Clair or the Detroit River?
Yes — that's a common delivery for Algonac owners. The transit through the delta and down through the lake to the Detroit River corridor is a substantial run with its own timing and channel considerations. I run it regularly.
Can you help me with the upbound run to Lake Huron?
Yes — the upbound transit from Algonac through Marine City, St. Clair, and Marysville to Port Huron and the Bluewater Bridge is a run I make regularly. Current and traffic are the main considerations.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Let's talk about your boat.
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell me about your vessel, your waters, and what you're working toward.
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?
Let's talk about your boat.
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell me about your vessel, your waters, and what you're working toward.
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?
Let's talk about your boat.
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell me about your vessel, your waters, and what you're working toward.
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
USCG Mariner Reference #2913289
Explore
©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved
USCG Mariner Reference #2913289
Explore
©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved
USCG Mariner Reference #2913289