SERVICE AREA
Captain Services in Harrison Township, Michigan
USCG-licensed vessel deliveries, captain's coaching, and First Mate training for Harrison Township boat owners — at the heart of Lake St. Clair's marina community.
SERVICE AREA
Captain Services in Harrison Township, Michigan
USCG-licensed vessel deliveries, captain's coaching, and First Mate training for Harrison Township boat owners — at the heart of Lake St. Clair's marina community.
SERVICE AREA
Captain Services in Harrison Township, Michigan
USCG-licensed vessel deliveries, captain's coaching, and First Mate training for Harrison Township boat owners — at the heart of Lake St. Clair's marina community.
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
Harrison Township is, by any practical measure, the busiest boating community on Lake St. Clair. The combination of Belle Maer Harbor, Beacon Cove, Markley Marine, MacRay Harbor, Lake St. Clair Metropark Marina, and a half-dozen smaller facilities means more slips concentrate here than anywhere else on the lake. The Clinton River canal system runs through the township, putting many homes within yards of the water. If you keep your boat in Harrison Township, you're in regular operating territory for me. Lake St. Clair as a whole is one of the waters I run most often, and the Harrison Township marinas are where the lake's recreational boating community is most concentrated. The character here is different from the Grosse Pointe shoreline a few miles south. Harrison Township boating is more relaxed, more family-oriented, more rooted in the marina-as-community model than the yacht-club model. The dock parties are real, the conversation between boats is constant, and the culture rewards being a good neighbor on the docks.
WHERE WE OPERATE
Home Waters
Harrison Township is, by any practical measure, the busiest boating community on Lake St. Clair. The combination of Belle Maer Harbor, Beacon Cove, Markley Marine, MacRay Harbor, Lake St. Clair Metropark Marina, and a half-dozen smaller facilities means more slips concentrate here than anywhere else on the lake. The Clinton River canal system runs through the township, putting many homes within yards of the water. If you keep your boat in Harrison Township, you're in regular operating territory for me. Lake St. Clair as a whole is one of the waters I run most often, and the Harrison Township marinas are where the lake's recreational boating community is most concentrated. The character here is different from the Grosse Pointe shoreline a few miles south. Harrison Township boating is more relaxed, more family-oriented, more rooted in the marina-as-community model than the yacht-club model. The dock parties are real, the conversation between boats is constant, and the culture rewards being a good neighbor on the docks.
WHERE WE OPERATE
Home Waters
Harrison Township is, by any practical measure, the busiest boating community on Lake St. Clair. The combination of Belle Maer Harbor, Beacon Cove, Markley Marine, MacRay Harbor, Lake St. Clair Metropark Marina, and a half-dozen smaller facilities means more slips concentrate here than anywhere else on the lake. The Clinton River canal system runs through the township, putting many homes within yards of the water. If you keep your boat in Harrison Township, you're in regular operating territory for me. Lake St. Clair as a whole is one of the waters I run most often, and the Harrison Township marinas are where the lake's recreational boating community is most concentrated. The character here is different from the Grosse Pointe shoreline a few miles south. Harrison Township boating is more relaxed, more family-oriented, more rooted in the marina-as-community model than the yacht-club model. The dock parties are real, the conversation between boats is constant, and the culture rewards being a good neighbor on the docks.
WHAT I DO
What I do for Harrison Township boat owners.
The full menu of services applies. The most common engagements:
WHAT I DO
What I do for Harrison Township boat owners.
The full menu of services applies. The most common engagements:
WHAT TO KNOW
What you should know about boating from Harrison Township.
A few things specific to running this water.
01
The Clinton River canal system has its own quirks.
If your slip is in the Clinton River canal system rather than directly on the lake, the approach involves transiting the river to the lake. Bridge timings, slow-no-wake zones, and the channel through the river mouth all matter. Knowing your specific approach — and the timing of any bridge openings — is part of running out of Harrison Township.
02
Lake St. Clair Metropark traffic is real.
03
Anchor Bay is the protected option to the north.
04
The lake's character offshore is what it is.
05
Powerloading is illegal at Michigan DNR ramps.
WHAT TO KNOW
What you should know about boating from Harrison Township.
A few things specific to running this water.
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 Harrison Township.
A few things specific to running this water.
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 yacht clubs.
I work with owners based at:
MARINAS (NOT LIMITED TO)
If your boat lives at any of these — or you're considering one of them — I can speak to the dockage, the approaches, and the specifics of getting in and out from direct experience.
Local marinas and yacht clubs.
I work with owners based at:
MARINAS (NOT LIMITED TO)
If your boat lives at any of these — or you're considering one of them — I can speak to the dockage, the approaches, and the specifics of getting in and out from direct experience.
Local marinas and yacht clubs.
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 of them — I can speak to the dockage, the approaches, and the specifics of getting in and out from direct experience.
WHAT TO KNOW
Why Harrison Township owners hire a professional captain.
A few reasons that come up most often:
01
The boat just got bigger.
Harrison Township is one of the most active step-up communities on Lake St. Clair — owners regularly move from a 28-footer to a 36-footer, then to a 45-footer over time. Each step changes the docking math and the lake math.
02
You want your spouse or partner ready.
03
You bought the boat somewhere else.
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 Harrison Township owners hire a professional captain.
A few reasons that come up most often:
01
The boat just got bigger.
Harrison Township is one of the most active step-up communities on Lake St. Clair — owners regularly move from a 28-footer to a 36-footer, then to a 45-footer over time. Each step changes the docking math and the lake math.
02
You want your spouse or partner ready.
03
You bought the boat somewhere else.
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 Harrison Township owners hire a professional captain.
A few reasons that come up most often:
01
The boat just got bigger.
Harrison Township is one of the most active step-up communities on Lake St. Clair — owners regularly move from a 28-footer to a 36-footer, then to a 45-footer over time. Each step changes the docking math and the lake math.
02
You want your spouse or partner ready.
03
You bought the boat somewhere else.
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.
Lake St. Clair is one of the waters I run most often, and the Harrison Township marinas are part of regular working territory. Three years on the Ford Yacht Club Board of Directors, Commodore from 2004 to 2006. Currently President of the Ford Yacht Club Past Commodores. 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 Harrison Township, let's talk.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed, with 36 years of context you can put to work.
Lake St. Clair is one of the waters I run most often, and the Harrison Township marinas are part of regular working territory. Three years on the Ford Yacht Club Board of Directors, Commodore from 2004 to 2006. Currently President of the Ford Yacht Club Past Commodores. 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 Harrison Township, let's talk.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed, with 36 years of context you can put to work.
Lake St. Clair is one of the waters I run most often, and the Harrison Township marinas are part of regular working territory. Three years on the Ford Yacht Club Board of Directors, Commodore from 2004 to 2006. Currently President of the Ford Yacht Club Past Commodores. 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 Harrison Township, let's talk.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only work with Harrison Township boats?
No. Harrison Township is 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 Harrison Township 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 Harrison Township is on 28- to 55-foot cruisers and sportfish.
Can you help me run from Harrison Township to other Lake St. Clair destinations?
Yes — including runs to Anchor Bay, the Harsens Island delta, the Canadian shoreline, and across to the eastern side of the lake. Trip planning consultation and route coaching are common engagements.
How does insurance coverage work?
I provide my USCG credentials and Mariner Reference Number 2913289 to your carrier, and the carrier issues a rider or written confirmation. Most carriers process it in a day or two.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only work with Harrison Township boats?
No. Harrison Township is 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 Harrison Township 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 Harrison Township is on 28- to 55-foot cruisers and sportfish.
Can you help me run from Harrison Township to other Lake St. Clair destinations?
Yes — including runs to Anchor Bay, the Harsens Island delta, the Canadian shoreline, and across to the eastern side of the lake. Trip planning consultation and route coaching are common engagements.
How does insurance coverage work?
I provide my USCG credentials and Mariner Reference Number 2913289 to your carrier, and the carrier issues a rider or written confirmation. Most carriers process it in a day or two.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only work with Harrison Township boats?
No. Harrison Township is 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 Harrison Township 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 Harrison Township is on 28- to 55-foot cruisers and sportfish.
Can you help me run from Harrison Township to other Lake St. Clair destinations?
Yes — including runs to Anchor Bay, the Harsens Island delta, the Canadian shoreline, and across to the eastern side of the lake. Trip planning consultation and route coaching are common engagements.
How does insurance coverage work?
I provide my USCG credentials and Mariner Reference Number 2913289 to your carrier, and the carrier issues a rider or written confirmation. Most carriers process it in a day or two.
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