If you are looking for a delivery captain, there are several things to look for to make sure you choose the correct captain to fit your specific needs.

Where to Source: You can source a reliable, qualified captain from a yacht brokerage. This type of business frequently hires professionals to transport vessels or move just-sold vessels to new berths. You can also source captains through marinas and regional boat dealerships, particularly dealerships that sell larger vessels, which are difficult to transport by land. FL Boating Services works with and has worked with several yacht brokers and marinas in the Palm Beach/Broward County area.

What to Look For: Experience is everything, and what is better than an U.S. Coast Guard Veteran? There are so many licensed captains to choose from in South Florida, but only a few have years of experience in the Coast Guard. In addition to navigating and boat driving experience, you also want to hire a captain who has experience navigating the waters where your delivery will occur. If you need to get your boat from Ft. Lauderdale to New Jersey, then you want to hire a person who knows those waterways. Captain Chris Thompson with FL Boating Services was stationed out of Barnegat Light, NJ and now lives in South Florida, so he has done many trips up and down the east coast.

Boat Know-How: Ideally, you want a delivery captain who has experience running a boat similar to what you own. So, make sure when interviewing a captain you find out their previous experience with your size, make and model vessel. A bonus would be if they have mechanical experience with your engines, just in case something happens during the delivery.

Confirm Credentials: When reviewing a captain’s resume, be sure to verify his experience. You would do it with any candidate you hire in your daily job, so make sure to treat your boat with the same due diligence.

Money Matters: Set a realistic budget. Delivery services are not cheap, and if the captain you are looking at is priced low, you will probably get what you pay for. Keep in mind that in addition to the captain’s day rate, you will have to pay to bring the captain to the boat or get him back home after the vessel arrives at your home port. You will also be responsible for covering expenses such as meals, gas, lay days, etc.

For more information or a customized quote, please contact Captain Chris at flboatingservices@gmail.com