What We Do

At Ask a Captain, we provide expert, real-world boating guidance designed to make you a safer, more confident, and more capable boater—no matter your experience level. We support boaters through every stage of the journey, from choosing the right vessel to handling high-pressure moments on the water. Our goal is simple: to give you the knowledge and confidence of a seasoned captain so you can enjoy boating without the stress, guesswork, or costly mistakes.

We help you avoid expensive surprises by reviewing listings, identifying red flags, estimating repair costs, comparing models, and helping you determine whether a boat is truly right for your needs. With unbiased, captain-level advice, you get a clear understanding of value, safety, and long-term ownership costs before you buy.

We provide hands-on instruction in real conditions—currents, wind, tides, and traffic—so you gain the skills and confidence to handle your boat safely and smoothly. Training covers docking, close-quarters maneuvering, anchoring, navigation, ICW operations, local hazards, and trim and throttle control. Every session is customized to your boat, your skill level, and the waters you use most.

Your boat doesn’t come with a manual that explains real-world boating. We fill the gap with practical guidance on maintenance, safety equipment, fueling, trailering, route planning, electronics setup, tidal awareness, and the essentials every boater needs to know to operate confidently and avoid preventable problems.

Whether you’re running the ICW, planning a day trip to a new inlet, or preparing for a long coastal run, we help you map safe routes, read local conditions, understand markers, avoid shallow zones, and prepare your vessel for the journey. You’ll know exactly what to expect before you leave the dock.

Boating can change in an instant. We help you prepare for and respond to high-stress situations by teaching calm, captain-level decision-making:

• Docking in strong currents or heavy wind: Learn how to assess current flow, use spring lines, time your approach, and maintain control of your vessel in challenging conditions.
• Engine failure offshore: Know how to diagnose the issue, secure the vessel, radio for assistance, drift safely, and use navigation and weather awareness to avoid escalating danger.
• Grounding, electrical failures, or steering issues: Understand immediate steps to take to protect passengers, minimize damage, and recover safely.
• Weather changes or rapid storms: Learn how to react quickly, adjust your route, and maintain vessel control when conditions turn unexpectedly.

We don’t just teach you what to do—we teach you why it matters, so you gain the judgment and confidence to handle emergencies calmly and safely.

Need quick help or honest advice? Our virtual consults give you direct access to a licensed captain for immediate answers—whether you’re evaluating a boat, preparing for a trip, troubleshooting a situation, or needing guidance before a big decision.