OUR SERVICES

36 years of experience. At your disposal.

Sometimes you need someone who has spent decades in the marine industry to sit down with you, think through your situation, and give you a straight answer. Whether you're buying a boat, planning a voyage, or navigating something you've never dealt with before, Captain Tom brings the kind of real-world knowledge that only comes from time on the water and time in the industry.

OUR SERVICES

36 years of experience. At your disposal.

Sometimes you need someone who has spent decades in the marine industry to sit down with you, think through your situation, and give you a straight answer. Whether you're buying a boat, planning a voyage, or navigating something you've never dealt with before, Captain Tom brings the kind of real-world knowledge that only comes from time on the water and time in the industry.

OUR SERVICES

36 years of experience. At your disposal.

Sometimes you need someone who has spent decades in the marine industry to sit down with you, think through your situation, and give you a straight answer. Whether you're buying a boat, planning a voyage, or navigating something you've never dealt with before, Captain Tom brings the kind of real-world knowledge that only comes from time on the water and time in the industry.

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

— WHAT'S INCLUDED

What We Can Help With

Consulting engagements are open-ended by design. There's no fixed curriculum and no predetermined outcome. You bring the question, Captain Tom brings the experience.

Boat purchases

Pre-purchase evaluation, what to look for at survey, understanding what a vessel's condition and history actually mean, and whether a deal is worth making.

Travel planning

Route planning for extended voyages on the Great Lakes, ports of call, timing considerations, weather windows, and what to expect along the way.

Seamanship questions

Anything you've been unsure about but haven't had a knowledgeable resource to ask.

Vessel systems and maintenance

Understanding what your boat needs, how to read a service record, and how to have informed conversations with your marina or mechanic.

General guidance

If you're new to boating or stepping into unfamiliar territory, Captain Tom can help you get oriented and make better decisions from the start.

EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM

Add Coaching to Your Delivery

If you're new to the vessel, moving up to a larger boat, or simply want to sharpen your skills, Captain Tom can integrate on-water coaching into the delivery itself; covering docking, boat handling, anchoring, trip planning, or any combination of the Captain's Coaching modules. First Mate Coaching is also available for a spouse, partner, or regular crew member who wants to take a more active and confident role on board.

HOW IT WORKS

How It Works

Our delivery process is simple and transparent:

Reach Out

Tell us what you're working through and we'll determine whether a consulting engagement is the right fit.

Connect

Captain Tom sits down with you, in person or remotely, to understand your situation in full before offering any direction.

Get Answers

You leave the conversation with clear, honest guidance grounded in decades of hands-on marine industry experience.

HOW IT WORKS

How It Works

Our delivery process is simple and transparent:

Reach Out

Tell us what you're working through and we'll determine whether a consulting engagement is the right fit.

Connect

Captain Tom sits down with you, in person or remotely, to understand your situation in full before offering any direction.

Get Answers

You leave the conversation with clear, honest guidance grounded in decades of hands-on marine industry experience.

— ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM

Professionally licensed to provide you with the trustworthy and dependable guidance that will enhance your own skills and safety.

I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. Thirty-six years in the automotive and marine supply industry. Thinking like a mechanical engineer about why boats behave the way they do.


I've run every mile of water from Lake Erie to Lake Huron — the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and I've spent years coaching fellow boaters who were too proud to ask for help.


Whether you're on a 20-foot pontoon or a 65-foot sportfish, it's just me, your boat, your waters, until you're completely confident.

Tom Ketelhut

Owner, Offshore Captain Services

— ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM

Professionally licensed to provide you with the trustworthy and dependable guidance that will enhance your own skills and safety.

I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. Thirty-six years in the automotive and marine supply industry. Thinking like a mechanical engineer about why boats behave the way they do.


I've run every mile of water from Lake Erie to Lake Huron — the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and I've spent years coaching fellow boaters who were too proud to ask for help.


Whether you're on a 20-foot pontoon or a 65-foot sportfish, it's just me, your boat, your waters, until you're completely confident.

Tom Ketelhut

Owner, Offshore Captain Services

— ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM

Professionally licensed to provide you with the trustworthy and dependable guidance that will enhance your own skills and safety.

I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. Thirty-six years in the automotive and marine supply industry. Thinking like a mechanical engineer about why boats behave the way they do.


I've run every mile of water from Lake Erie to Lake Huron — the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and I've spent years coaching fellow boaters who were too proud to ask for help.


Whether you're on a 20-foot pontoon or a 65-foot sportfish, it's just me, your boat, your waters, until you're completely confident.

Tom Ketelhut

Owner, Offshore Captain Services

READY TO GET STARTED?

Have a question worth asking?

There's no script here. Just an experienced captain who has seen a lot and is glad to help you think it through.

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?

Have a question worth asking?

There's no script here. Just an experienced captain who has seen a lot and is glad to help you think it through.

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?

Have a question worth asking?

There's no script here. Just an experienced captain who has seen a lot and is glad to help you think it through.

Or give me a call at 248.497.5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.

©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved

USCG Mariner Reference #2913289

©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved

USCG Mariner Reference #2913289

©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved

USCG Mariner Reference #2913289