Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Boatlessons
Welcome to Boatlessons.com’s FAQ!
Our mission is to empower boaters with confidence and skills for safe, enjoyable boating through hands-on, on-the-water training. Whether you’re learning docking, close-quarters maneuvering, or boat handling, we’re here to help you boat smarter.
Our on-water lessons are held from our home bases in South Florida (Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami) and New York / Long Island. Travel available for private docking and boat handling lessons on your boat. Contact us at 718-956-5000 or Rick@boatlessons.com to arrange a location.
How much do private boat lessons cost?
A one-day course on your boat starts at $800, and lessons can be as low as $450 for 3 hours. Family and small-group lessons are quoted when you call or text (718) 956-5000.
What is included in a private boat lesson?
A private lesson is hands-on time at the helm with a USCG-licensed captain, on your boat, built around your goals. Most lessons start with a safety check and docking, then move to close-quarters drills, open-water handling, and anchoring as time allows. Boat Lessons supplies the safety equipment, including life jackets and emergency gear.
Are the lessons on my own boat or yours?
Lessons ar usually on your own boat, at your dock or marina, so every drill matches your boat and the water you actually use. If you don’t own a boat yet, we can arrange a boat when one is available; confirm this when you book.
Where can I find boat lessons near me in South Florida?
Boat Lessons teaches private, on-the-water lessons from Miami to Stuart, at your dock or an agreed meeting point. That includes Miami, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Singer Island, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Tequesta, Hobe Sound and Stuart. Capt. Rick also has a home base in New York / Long Island, and travel is available by arrangement.
Do you offer docking lessons near me in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale or Miami?
Yes. Private docking lessons happen on your boat at your own dock or marina in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach and nearby towns. You practice leaving the dock, close-quarters drills like pivoting, backing and holding station, and coming back in wind and current until it feels natural.
Are boat lessons good for complete beginners?
Yes. No prior experience is needed, and many students are new boaters or just bought their first boat. Beginners start with leaving and returning to the dock, throttle and steering feel, and stopping with a plan, with Capt. Rick coaching beside you.
Do you offer yacht training?
Yes. Boat Lessons offers advanced yacht and operator training for boats over 32 feet, up to 75+ feet, usually aboard your yacht at your marina, and Capt. Rick does a lot of yacht training in Fort Lauderdale. The yacht course is $800 per day, about 6 to 7 hours a day, usually over 2 days, covering close-quarters handling, docking, systems, electronics, navigation and trip planning.
Who teaches the boat lessons?
Lessons are led by Capt. Rick Mendez, a USCG 100-Ton Master and National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) instructor trainer, or by another Boat Lessons NSBC captain he has trained. Together the team has 15+ years of certified instructional experience and has taught more than 3,000 students. Your instructor is confirmed when you schedule.
Do I need a boating license or boating card to take lessons?
You don’t need a license to take a lesson, but you should bring whatever boating license or card your state requires for the boat you will operate. These lessons are practical boat handling and do not replace a required state boating safety course.
Can a boat lesson help with my boat insurance?
It can help, but a discount is not guaranteed. When appropriate, Capt. Rick can give your insurance company documentation that you completed an on-water course and were evaluated as competent. Ask your insurer what it requires before you book.
Are boat lessons safe, and what happens if the weather is bad?
Yes, safety comes first: every lesson starts with a safety check, and Boat Lessons supplies life jackets and emergency gear. If wind, lightning or other conditions make training unsafe, the lesson is rescheduled. If you need to cancel or reschedule yourself, please give 48 hours’ notice.
Can my family and kids take a boat lesson together?
Yes. Family docking lessons put up to 4 people (typically ages 13 and up) on your boat together, so everyone learns the lines, the throttle, and how to leave and return to the dock. It is a one-day format with two sessions of about 3 hours each.
Do you offer boat lessons for women?
Yes. Boat Lessons for Women is hands-on, docking-first training on your boat with the same curriculum every student gets, at your own pace. You can book a private lesson or learn with a partner, family or friends, up to 4 people.
How long does it take to feel confident at the helm?
It depends on the student. Some feel comfortable after 2 classes, while others have taken more than 20 to keep improving or to meet their insurance company’s requirements.
What should I bring to a boat lesson?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and non-slip shoes, and bring water, sunscreen and your ID. Bring any boating license or card your state requires, and if your insurer asked for a check-ride, have the boat’s registration and insurance papers on board.
How do I book a boat lesson?
Call or text Capt. Rick at (718) 956-5000, email rick@boatlessons.com, or use the contact form at boatlessons.com. Tell us your boat type and size, where you keep it, and what you want to work on.
Do you travel to boaters outside South Florida?
Yes. Travel packages are available for boaters farther away, and the cost depends on the trip, so call or text (718) 956-5000 for a quote.