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OUR SERVICES
Boat Delivery Across Michigan and the Great Lakes
Boat Delivery Across Michigan and the Great Lakes
I move boats over the water for owners across Michigan and the Great Lakes. A newly purchased boat headed to her home port, a summer slip to a winter one, a run that would otherwise mean a trailer and a thousand miles of road. Boat delivery is the bulk of what I do, from Lake Erie to Lake Huron and well beyond.
Most runs start or end on the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie or Lake Huron, and the long ones go to and from Florida. Just bought a boat in another state? Start with what to do first as a new owner.
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
— WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your boat. Your destination.
In the hands of a licensed professional.
Every delivery is handled with the full weight of professional mariner credentials behind it; not a favor, not a hobbyist, but a licensed captain operating under a formal agreement that protects you, your vessel, and your insurance coverage.
01
Vessel Delivery
Point-to-point boat and yacht delivery between any two ports on the Great Lakes or inland waters. Your boat arrives safely, handled by a USCG-licensed captain, documented from departure to arrival.
02
Seasonal Relocation
Moving your boat between your summer and winter home doesn't have to be a logistical headache. Captain Tom handles the transit professionally so you can focus on the season ahead.
03
Spring Launch & Fall Haul-Out Support
The start and end of every boating season come with a long list of details… Let an experienced captain make sure nothing gets missed. From pre-cruise checks to proper lay-up, your vessel is in good hands.
04
Coordination with your marina and third parties
Every delivery includes the documentation and communication your marina and insurer require; including a credential submission package built specifically for insurance underwriting departments.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERING
Get Coaching During Your Delivery with Owner-Assisted Delivery!
Owner-assisted delivery combines the two services most boat owners hire a captain for — a safe over-water delivery and structured on-water coaching — into one trip. You're aboard for the run.
You're at the helm when it makes sense. Every docking, every anchoring, every leg becomes a coaching session in real conditions, on your boat.
— WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your boat. Your destination.
In the hands of a licensed professional.
Every delivery is handled with the full weight of professional mariner credentials behind it; not a favor, not a hobbyist, but a licensed captain operating under a formal agreement that protects you, your vessel, and your insurance coverage.
01
Vessel Delivery
Point-to-point boat and yacht delivery between any two ports on the Great Lakes or inland waters. Your boat arrives safely, handled by a USCG-licensed captain, documented from departure to arrival.
02
Seasonal Relocation
Moving your boat between your summer and winter home doesn't have to be a logistical headache. Captain Tom handles the transit professionally so you can focus on the season ahead.
03
Spring Launch & Fall Haul-Out Support
The start and end of every boating season come with a long list of details… Let an experienced captain make sure nothing gets missed. From pre-cruise checks to proper lay-up, your vessel is in good hands.
04
Coordination with your marina and third parties
Every delivery includes the documentation and communication your marina and insurer require; including a credential submission package built specifically for insurance underwriting departments.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERING
Get Coaching During Your Delivery with Owner-Assisted Delivery!
Owner-assisted delivery combines the two services most boat owners hire a captain for — a safe over-water delivery and structured on-water coaching — into one trip. You're aboard for the run.
You're at the helm when it makes sense. Every docking, every anchoring, every leg becomes a coaching session in real conditions, on your boat.
— WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your boat. Your destination.
In the hands of a licensed professional.
Every delivery is handled with the full weight of professional mariner credentials behind it; not a favor, not a hobbyist, but a licensed captain operating under a formal agreement that protects you, your vessel, and your insurance coverage.
01
Vessel Delivery
Point-to-point boat and yacht delivery between any two ports on the Great Lakes or inland waters. Your boat arrives safely, handled by a USCG-licensed captain, documented from departure to arrival.
02
Seasonal Relocation
Moving your boat between your summer and winter home doesn't have to be a logistical headache. Captain Tom handles the transit professionally so you can focus on the season ahead.
03
Spring Launch & Fall Haul-Out Support
The start and end of every boating season come with a long list of details… Let an experienced captain make sure nothing gets missed. From pre-cruise checks to proper lay-up, your vessel is in good hands.
04
Coordination with your marina and third parties
Every delivery includes the documentation and communication your marina and insurer require; including a credential submission package built specifically for insurance underwriting departments.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERING
Get Coaching During Your Delivery with Owner-Assisted Delivery!
Owner-assisted delivery combines the two services most boat owners hire a captain for — a safe over-water delivery and structured on-water coaching — into one trip. You're aboard for the run.
You're at the helm when it makes sense. Every docking, every anchoring, every leg becomes a coaching session in real conditions, on your boat.
One requirement before any departure: the insurance rider that puts the captain on your policy.
HOW IT WORKS
The Delivery Process
Our delivery process is simple and transparent:
Plan
We start with a conversation about your vessel, your timeline, and your destination, then put everything in writing with a formal Vessel Delivery Agreement before anyone sets foot on deck.
Prepare
You’ll complete a Vessel Readiness Checklist covering safety equipment, mechanical condition, and documentation so the boat is ready to go when Captain Ketelhut arrives.
Depart
Captain Tom takes command and executes the delivery with professional judgment at every turn, managing weather, conditions, and any unexpected developments along the way. Curious what that actually looks like? Here’s a delivery day, hour by hour.
Arrive
Your vessel reaches its destination safely, with the full delivery documented from start to finish. If you've added coaching, you step off the boat a more capable captain than when you stepped on.
If conditions change underway (weather, mechanical issues, unforeseen delay) Captain Tom handles them with professional judgment. His sole obligation is getting your vessel to its destination safely. He reserves the right to halt a delivery if, in his professional assessment, the vessel or conditions present unacceptable risk. That's not a hedge — it's what you're paying for.
HOW IT WORKS
The Delivery Process
Our delivery process is simple and transparent:
Plan
We start with a conversation about your vessel, your timeline, and your destination, then put everything in writing with a formal Vessel Delivery Agreement before anyone sets foot on deck.
Prepare
You’ll complete a Vessel Readiness Checklist covering safety equipment, mechanical condition, and documentation so the boat is ready to go when Captain Ketelhut arrives.
Depart
Captain Tom takes command and executes the delivery with professional judgment at every turn, managing weather, conditions, and any unexpected developments along the way. Curious what that actually looks like? Here’s a delivery day, hour by hour.
Arrive
Your vessel reaches its destination safely, with the full delivery documented from start to finish. If you've added coaching, you step off the boat a more capable captain than when you stepped on.
If conditions change underway (weather, mechanical issues, unforeseen delay) Captain Tom handles them with professional judgment. His sole obligation is getting your vessel to its destination safely. He reserves the right to halt a delivery if, in his professional assessment, the vessel or conditions present unacceptable risk. That's not a hedge — it's what you're paying for.
SUCCESSFUL VOYAGES
Recent deliveries
Three runs, written up after the boat was tied up: the route, the weather and the calls made along the way.
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed. Fully credentialed. Handling your vessel like it's my own.
When someone hands me the keys to their boat for a delivery, they’re handing over what’s often their second-largest asset. I don’t take that lightly. Every delivery I run is handled under a formal written agreement, documented start to finish, and backed by USCG credentials your insurance carrier will recognize on sight.
I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. 36 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 delivered boats across the Great Lakes and beyond. That includes Florida, where I run boat deliveries across the state year-round. Whether you’re moving a newly purchased vessel home or relocating between seasonal slips, your boat will arrive the way it left: safely, professionally, and on schedule.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed. Fully credentialed. Handling your vessel like it's my own.
When someone hands me the keys to their boat for a delivery, they’re handing over what’s often their second-largest asset. I don’t take that lightly. Every delivery I run is handled under a formal written agreement, documented start to finish, and backed by USCG credentials your insurance carrier will recognize on sight.
I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. 36 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 delivered boats across the Great Lakes and beyond. That includes Florida, where I run boat deliveries across the state year-round. Whether you’re moving a newly purchased vessel home or relocating between seasonal slips, your boat will arrive the way it left: safely, professionally, and on schedule.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Professionally licensed. Fully credentialed. Handling your vessel like it's my own.
When someone hands me the keys to their boat for a delivery, they’re handing over what’s often their second-largest asset. I don’t take that lightly. Every delivery I run is handled under a formal written agreement, documented start to finish, and backed by USCG credentials your insurance carrier will recognize on sight.
I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. 36 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 delivered boats across the Great Lakes and beyond. That includes Florida, where I run boat deliveries across the state year-round. Whether you’re moving a newly purchased vessel home or relocating between seasonal slips, your boat will arrive the way it left: safely, professionally, and on schedule.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my insurance covers a delivery captain?
Every underwriter has slightly different requirements, but most need three things: the captain's USCG Mariner Reference Number, copies of the active licenses, and a written request from you adding the captain to the policy as a named operator or rider. Offshore Captain Services provides a formal Professional Mariner Credential Submission document you can send directly to your carrier. Most riders are approved in 1–2 business days.
What size vessels can you deliver?
Anything up to 100 gross tons on the Great Lakes and inland waters, or up to 50 gross tons on near coastal waters — those are the formal limits of the USCG license. In practical terms, that covers virtually every recreational and light commercial vessel, from 30-foot cruisers through 65-foot sportfish.
How far in advance should I book a delivery?
The earlier the better, especially during the shoulder seasons when everyone is trying to move boats at the same time. For spring deliveries, reach out in February or March. For fall relocations, book by August. Last-minute requests are sometimes possible but much harder to schedule around weather.
What happens if the weather turns bad mid-delivery?
The Captain reserves the sole right to halt or delay a delivery at any point if, in his professional judgment, conditions are unsafe or the vessel is unfit to continue. That's not a hedge — it's exactly what you're paying a licensed professional to do. When that happens, the boat is moored safely, the owner is notified, and we resume when conditions allow.
Do you pick up a boat I just purchased in another state?
Yes. Whether the boat is in Florida, Maryland, or anywhere else in the continental U.S., we can discuss the right approach — over-the-water delivery where practical, or coordinating with a transport company for the overland portion and handling the water segments on either end.
What if there's a mechanical issue during the delivery?
Captain Tom is a licensed mariner, not a marine mechanic — and that distinction matters. If a mechanical issue arises, the daily delivery rate continues while repairs are arranged or parts are sourced. This is standard across the industry and is spelled out clearly in the delivery agreement before any work begins.
Do I need to be on the boat during the delivery?
Not required, and most owners aren't. You're welcome to join as a learning opportunity if you'd like — many owners use the delivery as an extended coaching session — but most simply meet the boat at the destination.
What documentation do I get at the end?
A full trip log covering departure and arrival times, fuel burn, weather conditions, any incidents or notable events, and any recommendations for maintenance or follow-up. This also becomes part of the vessel's service history, which matters when you go to sell.
Do you deliver boats anywhere in Michigan?
My home water runs from Lake Erie to Lake Huron, which covers the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and the Michigan ports on both lakes. I also run longer passages: up to the Straits, across to Chicago, or down the Erie Canal and the ICW to Florida. If you're not sure whether your route is one I cover, ask. The answer is usually yes.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my insurance covers a delivery captain?
Every underwriter has slightly different requirements, but most need three things: the captain's USCG Mariner Reference Number, copies of the active licenses, and a written request from you adding the captain to the policy as a named operator or rider. Offshore Captain Services provides a formal Professional Mariner Credential Submission document you can send directly to your carrier. Most riders are approved in 1–2 business days.
What size vessels can you deliver?
Anything up to 100 gross tons on the Great Lakes and inland waters, or up to 50 gross tons on near coastal waters — those are the formal limits of the USCG license. In practical terms, that covers virtually every recreational and light commercial vessel, from 30-foot cruisers through 65-foot sportfish.
How far in advance should I book a delivery?
The earlier the better, especially during the shoulder seasons when everyone is trying to move boats at the same time. For spring deliveries, reach out in February or March. For fall relocations, book by August. Last-minute requests are sometimes possible but much harder to schedule around weather.
What happens if the weather turns bad mid-delivery?
The Captain reserves the sole right to halt or delay a delivery at any point if, in his professional judgment, conditions are unsafe or the vessel is unfit to continue. That's not a hedge — it's exactly what you're paying a licensed professional to do. When that happens, the boat is moored safely, the owner is notified, and we resume when conditions allow.
Do you pick up a boat I just purchased in another state?
Yes. Whether the boat is in Florida, Maryland, or anywhere else in the continental U.S., we can discuss the right approach — over-the-water delivery where practical, or coordinating with a transport company for the overland portion and handling the water segments on either end.
What if there's a mechanical issue during the delivery?
Captain Tom is a licensed mariner, not a marine mechanic — and that distinction matters. If a mechanical issue arises, the daily delivery rate continues while repairs are arranged or parts are sourced. This is standard across the industry and is spelled out clearly in the delivery agreement before any work begins.
Do I need to be on the boat during the delivery?
Not required, and most owners aren't. You're welcome to join as a learning opportunity if you'd like — many owners use the delivery as an extended coaching session — but most simply meet the boat at the destination.
What documentation do I get at the end?
A full trip log covering departure and arrival times, fuel burn, weather conditions, any incidents or notable events, and any recommendations for maintenance or follow-up. This also becomes part of the vessel's service history, which matters when you go to sell.
Do you deliver boats anywhere in Michigan?
My home water runs from Lake Erie to Lake Huron, which covers the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and the Michigan ports on both lakes. I also run longer passages: up to the Straits, across to Chicago, or down the Erie Canal and the ICW to Florida. If you're not sure whether your route is one I cover, ask. The answer is usually yes.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my insurance covers a delivery captain?
Every underwriter has slightly different requirements, but most need three things: the captain's USCG Mariner Reference Number, copies of the active licenses, and a written request from you adding the captain to the policy as a named operator or rider. Offshore Captain Services provides a formal Professional Mariner Credential Submission document you can send directly to your carrier. Most riders are approved in 1–2 business days.
What size vessels can you deliver?
Anything up to 100 gross tons on the Great Lakes and inland waters, or up to 50 gross tons on near coastal waters — those are the formal limits of the USCG license. In practical terms, that covers virtually every recreational and light commercial vessel, from 30-foot cruisers through 65-foot sportfish.
How far in advance should I book a delivery?
The earlier the better, especially during the shoulder seasons when everyone is trying to move boats at the same time. For spring deliveries, reach out in February or March. For fall relocations, book by August. Last-minute requests are sometimes possible but much harder to schedule around weather.
What happens if the weather turns bad mid-delivery?
The Captain reserves the sole right to halt or delay a delivery at any point if, in his professional judgment, conditions are unsafe or the vessel is unfit to continue. That's not a hedge — it's exactly what you're paying a licensed professional to do. When that happens, the boat is moored safely, the owner is notified, and we resume when conditions allow.
Do you pick up a boat I just purchased in another state?
Yes. Whether the boat is in Florida, Maryland, or anywhere else in the continental U.S., we can discuss the right approach — over-the-water delivery where practical, or coordinating with a transport company for the overland portion and handling the water segments on either end.
What if there's a mechanical issue during the delivery?
Captain Tom is a licensed mariner, not a marine mechanic — and that distinction matters. If a mechanical issue arises, the daily delivery rate continues while repairs are arranged or parts are sourced. This is standard across the industry and is spelled out clearly in the delivery agreement before any work begins.
Do I need to be on the boat during the delivery?
Not required, and most owners aren't. You're welcome to join as a learning opportunity if you'd like — many owners use the delivery as an extended coaching session — but most simply meet the boat at the destination.
What documentation do I get at the end?
A full trip log covering departure and arrival times, fuel burn, weather conditions, any incidents or notable events, and any recommendations for maintenance or follow-up. This also becomes part of the vessel's service history, which matters when you go to sell.
Do you deliver boats anywhere in Michigan?
My home water runs from Lake Erie to Lake Huron, which covers the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, and the Michigan ports on both lakes. I also run longer passages: up to the Straits, across to Chicago, or down the Erie Canal and the ICW to Florida. If you're not sure whether your route is one I cover, ask. The answer is usually yes.
Worth reading before we talk
READY TO GET STARTED?
Ready to schedule your delivery?
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell us about your vessel, your timeline, and your destination.
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?
Ready to schedule your delivery?
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell us about your vessel, your timeline, and your destination.
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?
Ready to schedule your delivery?
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell us about your vessel, your timeline, and your destination.
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