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.

General Information

1. What is Boatlessons.com?

Boat Lessons provides professional, hands-on, on-water boating lessons for all skill levels, including docking, navigation, and boating safety.

Our lessons are open to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced boaters. No prior experience is needed, and courses are tailored to your needs, with some age restrictions based on state regulations.

Course Details

3. What types of boat lessons do you offer?

We offer practical, on-water instruction matched to your goals: docking and close-quarters lessons, multi-session boat courses, and operator training pathways. For larger vessels and advanced work, see yacht courses and specialty modules and operator training over 32 feet. We also offer boat lessons for women. We will match the lesson plan to your boat, experience, and goals when you schedule.

Boat Lessons does not promise an insurance discount. When appropriate for your booking, Capt. Rick can provide documentation for your insurer stating that you completed an on-water course and were evaluated as competent. Ask your carrier what it requires before you book.

Come ready for the water: wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and non-slip footwear, and bring water, sunscreen, and your ID. Boat Lessons supplies the necessary safety equipment, including life jackets and emergency gear. If you are training on your own boat and your insurer has requested a check-ride evaluation, have the boat’s current registration and insurance documents available and ask your carrier what it requires before you book.

Private lessons are tailored to your boat, experience, and goals. Yes—Boat Lessons provides advanced yacht and operator training for larger boats from 32 to 75+ feet. The training focuses on practical handling, close-quarters control, docking, systems familiarity, and trip-ready skills. For larger-vessel training, see Advanced Yacht & Operator Training Over 32 Feet. For other on-your-boat specialties—including advanced docking, nighttime training, navigation and trip planning, trailering, electronics, Intracoastal navigation, and anchoring—see Advanced Boat Lessons & Yacht Courses. Your instructor and plan are confirmed when you schedule.

Safety comes first. If wind, lightning, or other conditions make on-water training unsafe, Boat Lessons may cancel or reschedule the lesson; weather decisions are handled case-by-case. This is different from a guest-requested cancellation: the live FAQ requires 48 hours’ notice for a guest cancellation or rescheduling, and late cancellations may incur a fee. Please see the Terms & Conditions and contact Capt. Rick at (718) 956-5000 or Rick@boatlessons.com to discuss the weather call and next steps.

Yes. Travel is available for private docking and boat-handling lessons on your boat, including at your marina. Boat Lessons’ home bases are South Florida (Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami) and New York / Long Island. The site does not publish a fixed travel fee; contact Capt. Rick at (718) 956-5000 or Rick@boatlessons.com when booking to arrange the location and confirm the distance and any travel charge. The Boca Raton Suite 161 address is mail-only, not a lesson storefront.

Yes—women are welcome on all Boat Lessons programs. Boat Lessons for Women. The page describes hands-on, docking-first on-water training on your boat or at your marina, with private instruction or family and friends learning together in groups of up to four. It follows the same practical curriculum taught to every student, with time at the helm focused on building confidence in close quarters and open water. See the women’s lessons page for details, then contact Capt. Rick to discuss your boat, location, and goals.

Yes—nighttime, trailering, and Intracoastal Navigation (ICW) are named specialty modules on Advanced Boat Lessons & Yacht Courses. That page also covers navigation, plotting and trip planning, and electronics and apps. Lessons are private and built around your boat; tell Capt. Rick which module matters most so we can confirm the plan and availability when you schedule.

Our semi-private Family Docking sessions are designed for family or friends learning together on your boat, with up to 4 people (typically ages 13+). See Semi-Private Group Boat Lessons for the two-session format, then contact Capt. Rick to confirm the headcount and plan for your crew when you book.

Usually on your boat; if you don’t have one we can arrange a vessel when available — confirm when booking.

Our docking lessons teach precision docking, close-quarters maneuvering, and handling boats in various conditions. You’ll master techniques like line handling, throttle control, and docking in tight spaces, tailored to your boat type.

Captain Rick and Boat Lessons instructors including Anthony Coulianidis in New York and Seth Adler and James Brown in Florida. Instructor confirmed when you schedule.

Boat Lessons does not promise an insurance discount. When appropriate, Capt. Rick can provide documentation to your insurance company stating you completed an on-water course and were evaluated as competent. Ask your insurer what they require before you book.

On-water lessons are hands-on. Online captain-course or boating-safety options may be available through our partnership with Mariners Learning System; those are separate; the provider—not Boat Lessons—issues any credential.

Yes for the on-water half. When your lesson plan is set up for it, our captains provide NSBC On-Water Training Program documentation. You still complete a Florida-approved knowledge course and apply through NASBLA — Boat Lessons does not issue the Gold Card. Full pathway: Florida Gold Boating Safety Card.

Logistics and Policies

9. How much do boating lessons cost?

Lesson costs vary by course type (e.g., beginner, advanced, docking) and location. Group lessons may offer savings. Contact us at Rick@boatlessons.com or visit our Course Page for pricing details.

Lessons range from 3-6 hours per day, with full-day and multi-day courses available. Contact us at 718-956-5000 or Rick@boatlessons.com for scheduling options.

We supply all necessary safety equipment, including life jackets and emergency gear. You may bring your own gear and should wear comfortable clothing suitable for water activities.

Usually on your boat; if you don’t have one we can arrange a vessel when available — confirm when booking.

Yes, we provide individual and group lessons. Group sessions are perfect for learning with friends or family and may be more cost-effective.

We require 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations may incur a fee. See our Terms & Conditions for details.

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.

Our courses emphasize safety, covering topics like emergency procedures, weather awareness, and accident prevention. You’ll learn to handle your boat confidently in various conditions.

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