Private On-Water Boat Courses

One-day on-water class with two sessions, about 3 hours each. One student or household on your boat; docking-first is the usual path.

Session 1 — Docking & Close Quarters

• Pre-departure and leave the dock
• Boat-control basics
• Close-quarters drills: airplane landing, stops, backing, turn-in-place, holding station
• Dock and marina arrival

Session 2 — Open Water & Anchoring

• Planing and trim
• Stops from plane
• Straight runs and sweeping turns
• Crossing wakes
• Anchoring
• Man-overboard drill as time allows

How it works

Private instruction on your boat. Home bases are South Florida and New York / Long Island. Travel available. Call or text (718) 956-5000. Call or Text to Schedule

The two-session format is a practical starting point for private on-water training. If you want to practice with family or friends, compare semi-private and group docking lessons; students looking for a confidence-focused starting point can also review boat lessons for women. For larger-vessel and advanced handling goals, see the separate yacht-course options.

Capt. Rick’s home bases include South Florida and New York / Long Island; the Florida boat lessons hub and New York hub provide local context before you choose a session. The Boat Lessons FAQ covers common format and scheduling questions, and you can contact Boat Lessons with your boat type, size, marina, and goals.