Testimonials

9/26/08

I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the  kindness Capt. Carl showed my son when teaching him to pilot our new  boat.   Because of this intense training, my son has shown real skill  in piloting the boat down the Delaware and getting us safely back and  competently docked.  I am especially impressed by the emphasis on  safety and boatsmanship that Capt. Carl instilled in my son.  Because  of your services we, as a family, have this  new enjoyment in our lives.

Malinda Jo Muzi

7/14/08

Hi—
I just finished my Skipper’s Training this past Sunday with Captain Greg Olsen. I just wanted to comment on how it has helped me as a new boater. First of all, Capn Greg was fantastic. Very calm and very reassuring, which was helpful. He went out of his way to show me certain aspects of owning a boat as well as maneuvering it. He is very knowledgeable in all areas of boating and it really showed when he was able to answer my questions in depth. You can really tell that he enjoys what he is doing, and is very good at it.

My confidence level has grown after taking these courses and I am now capable of docking in most types of conditions. I learned about navigational charts, emergency scenarios, man over board, rules of the road and so much more. I would highly recommend these training sessions to any boater to achieve safety and confidence in boating.

Thanks so much,
Denise Racano

6/23/08

Dear Captains,

We spent three very productive hours today with Captain Jim Smith on docking our new 42' single screw trawler. Without exception Jim is one of the very best instructors I've ever encountered, and I have had many over 44 years of flying and 38 years of sailing. During our three hour session Jim was professional in every aspect--knowledgeable, courteous, patient. He knows what he's doing and he knows how to teach it well. I learned more this afternoon about trawler handling than I learned during the past year that I've owned the boat.

My compliments to you--and Captain Mike--for selecting him. If your organization reflects the same standards of professionalism as Captain Jim it is first class in my opinion.

Captain Bob Fuller
USCG Master
Airline Transport Pilot

6/3/08

Dear Captains:

Had our training this weekend. After a rocky scheduling I thought I would drop you a line. Captain Greg was the greatest. He has awesome patience as my wife was very nervous about this. I would highly recommend this course to anyone especially rookies to boating. Our fear of pulling in and out of slip is truly overcome after docking a few what felt like 100 times. But hey that is the only way to learn. The packet that comes with the course is chock full of very useful and a good resource to look back on again and again. Once again thank him very much he taught us a thing or two and could you please ask him to email me picture he took on boat I would very much like to have a copy of it.

Sincerely
Dave & Rosemarie Stewart

5/22/08

RE: Tim and Megan Giles' Training - Washington Marina

We were very satisfied with our training! In the morning I was not looking forward to the day (I was terrified!) but by the afternoon I was very confident in our abilities. Our trainer, Capt Len, was very kind, punctual, and most importantly, patient. He encouraged us to practice specific techniques over and over again until we got it right!! He had an easy way about him that put us at ease from the start. We would recommend Boat Boy and our instructor Len, to anyone looking for professional instruction.

     Thanks again, Megan Giles

5/11/08

We had a class with captain Matt Vollmer on saturday and it was really special. he is a great teacher and of course a skilled boat handler. he taught us all the things we wanted to know, and a lot of stuff we didnt even know we wanted to know. he has a lot of patience and a positive attitude. his knowledge of our bay was really helpful, because he knew just where to go to find the locations for teaching us boat handling.

Your concept of training on our boat in our waters is a great one, and we certainly were lucky to find you.

The whole experience was excellent, from our first contact with you till we said goodbye to captain volmer, and we would highly recommend you to any boat owners who wish to upgrade their skills.

Thank you so much,

Joy Hudecz and Malcolm Meistrell

1/19/08

Capt Rick was great. He helped us with our confidence. He was excellent with Kim (my wife) and boosted her confidence with his calm teaching manner.

Thanks,
Charles Nichols

10/28/07

Capt Tom was the best! I now have my independence and can operate my boat without having to rely on my boating neighbors. Capt Tom worked with me past the time to get me over my nervousness in docking the boat at the slip as well as the fuel dock.

I will take the refresher course in the spring and request Capt Tom.

Thank you,
Rich Judd

9/24/07

As the old saying goes, the check is in the mail.

Thank you again. I learned so much and am so grateful!!

Vivian Molloy

9/17/07

Capt Matt was awesome on the water and great at giving us our NJ State boating exam. The lessons were invaluable to my family’s safety. We both got 100% on our exams!! What a great course!

Thanks again Capt Matt,
Regina Recchi

7/21/07

We were pleasantly surprised by the immediacy at our improvement. It made the difference between enjoying the boat and dreading each trip. Thanks again for all your help. Your lessons will go a long way to making the boating season both more enjoyable and safer for Carol and me. We would be references any time!

Thanks also for sending the information on documentation numbers for my boat.

Bob Hergenhan

7/3/07

Dear Captain Russ,

I just wanted to say "thank you" once again for everything you've done to help me learn to handle my new boat. The principles you've taught me actually work, and the on-the-water practice sessions have been invaluable in building my confidence, particularly when leaving and entering the dock.

I have just returned from a short trip with my wife and my older son Tony. While things did not go exactly as I wished, the winds changed very quickly on leaving dock coming from the river onto land, and I couldn't point my bow into the wind. I therefore wound up backing out of the alleyway onto the Branford River -- but I didn't hit any boat or come near to doing so. (I used the engine's reverse power against the wind.) We did a short tour outside the harbor and then returned to dock, where I docked bow-first, again without hitting anything. The wind pushed my boat a little more off course than I would have liked, and I should have used reverse more when docking to slow me down a bit more, but all in all things were still manageable.

Without your instruction, I am sure, it would have been disastrous, instead of being merely somewhat more difficult than I had hoped. I expect over the next several weeks to practice more stern first docking, and believe that I will ultimately master that important skill. I very much appreciate your having come to Connecticut in order to give me hands-on experience with my new boat, and am very grateful for your help.

I will highly recommend you and your firm to anyone who wants to learn the right way to handle a boat in close quarters. Your advice, based on many years of experience, has been worth its weight in gold! Keep up the good work!

Cordially,
Tony Niesz

6/26/07

Hi Capt Matt,

Thanks so much for your nice email. It was a pleasure to meet you on Friday. Margaret and I really enjoyed having you aboard Cool Change.

When I originally scheduled time with Boat Boy at the Phila Boat Show (I was working the show for the Power Squadron), I did so with two goals in mind: 1) Improve my docking skills, and 2) Improve Margaret's confidence at the helm. I want to say Matt, that with your expert help, both goals were accomplished.

The conditions on Friday were exactly what I had hoped for. The combination of brisk wind and low tide were a perfect challenge to hone the new skills you taught us. By understanding that my boat has a tendency to back down to port, and showing me how to use that knowledge to "spring" off the port piling into the slip, I now have the knowledge, confidence and skill to dock almost anywhere. And, with minimal use of the bow thruster! Most importantly, you started me thinking about how and why the boat moves the way it does, and the use of spring lines in extreme docking and un-docking situations. I also learned from your "MOB" drill as well. I haven't done that since my days in the Coast Guard and it's amazing how much you forget.

Margaret has shown an increase in confidence at the helm as well. Your drills with her approaching a T head in different wind angles allowed her to build skill and confidence in this critical maneuver. She is much more self assured at the windless when we anchor out too.

I'm not so worried about the fuel dock incident. I see that more as poor line handling and me not giving clear direction. Dock help always want to secure the bow first, not realizing that many boats today have bow thrusters that make it easy to keep the bow at the dock. I think we docked ok, but the attendant was not quick enough in getting us a stern line. With the wind as it was , it didn't take long to drift out of reach. Your comments below are well taken though. With the boat's tendency to back to port, and a little bow thrust, we would have been in better position to keep from drifting. Lesson learned.

We had a successful day on the water Saturday with our guests (my aunt and uncle), and I think we impressed them with our new skill while anchoring and docking (the quiet nodding instead of the nervous glances was a give away). We anchored out again Sunday and practiced your techniques again. Both days the wind was dead flat calm (wouldn't you know it) so docking was a quite easy. I don't know if we will make it to Rock Hall for the waterman's docking competition. I would like very much to go but it's always a challenge with Dewey aboard. He has been such a great dog for so many years, I feel I owe him every consideration.

Thanks again for your thoughtful and insightful comments below, and your help and guidance on Friday. As I mentioned, you are living my dream. Once I have the time and skill necessary to become licensed, I hope to be doing just what you do, and as well as you do it. I'm sure that working with many different kinds of people and many different kinds of boats in different states of repair, and always different weather conditions, is quite a challenge. I hope we were able to make your job a little easier. Please keep in touch, and I look forward to seeing you on the water.

Best Regards,
Ed Hill

5/10/07

MarineMax Delivery-

Thanks for the message and the links below, I really don't have any feedback to improve the orientation, I was extremely impressed at the level of attention I was given and the thorough nature of the program. I have actually used the experience as a example last week when I was speaking to my managers regarding customer service! I was treated the same as if I had purchased a $400K boat.

I also really appreciate your extra help with providing me advice. By the way I spoke to the people at Green Cove regarding the channel markers, they said they put them out at the end of May.

Thanks again,

David Gamgort

1/31/07

Dear Russ,

When I bought my 23 ft Polar W/A, I was totally intimidated by its size and two motors. I was used to a smaller boat - single motor. After working with you, I not only run the new boat with ease, but I'm so confident and proficient in the way I handle the boat, I have been asked to dock other boats I've been on when my friends have been timid about wind or current.

You were knowledgeable, didn't look at your watch, helped me understand some of the mechanical issues I wasn't familiar with and all around patient and kind. I would gladly and recommend your services to anyone and everyone I talk to - as a matter of fact I have.

Keep up the great work and I can't wait for the Second Issue.

Andrea Kauffman
Seanote - I-22 - Farley Marina

1/12/07

Hello, My name is Tina Marie Rizzo. My boyfriend (Christopher Huesser) and I had hired Captain Russ Cohen last summer. I apologize for not contacting this company earlier, however, we had a death in the family and have been very preoccupied.

I was interested in posting a Testimonial to your website because Captain Cohen was simply a LIFE SAVER to us! If there is a way I can post a testimonial, please reply to my email.

Thank you in advance,
Tina Marie Rizzo

9/20/06

We were very happy with our lesson. What we couldn’t learn in 4 years on our own, Capt Matt taught us in 4 hours!! We love the location and plan to go there often. We have already told countless others of our great experience.

Thanks so much,
Joy Walk

6/2/05

As new (first time) boat owners, we had no idea what to do. No clue how to dock and so many other things were completely overwhelmed. From the moment we met Capt Russ Cohen, we were relieved! We knew we would learn all we need to know from someone we completely trusted. Capt Russ was very patient and personable. With each of our training sessions we learned so much, we looked forward to each one. When we had our last one it was actually sad to let Capt Russ go! Along with the wonderful experience of owning a new boat, Capt Russ was a big part of it! I wish that every single new boat owner would be smart enough to choose Boatboy! You spend a lot of money to buy a boat and the responsibility is endless. The small amount you spend compared to your investment in your boat is so well worth it! Also considering your safety as well as all your fellow boaters, it’s the absolute right way to go. Boatboy and if you’re lucky, like we were, you’ll have the pleasure of being trained by Capt Russ.

Sincerely,
Scott & Anna Girandola

5/22/04

REPRINT FROM BOATER’S ED
Posted - 22 May 2004 : 12:13:23

I had my training with Capt. Russ on Thursday. Most likely the best money I spent for the boat. He came up from south Jersey to do the training. We covered safety, preventive maintenance and navigation, and he gives you a manual to keep and read through on your own. We spent probably 3/4 of the time docking and close quarters handling, in different areas of the marina to simulate different wind directions and docking scenarios. I feel 100% more confident docking now, and I have a much better understanding on the the effects of wind and current on my boat. I learned the "power of nuetral" and how helpful it really is. Am I an expert at docking now? No. Will I probably still have some mishaps at the dock? Probably. But thats not the point, nobody is going to make you an expert in 4 hours. I now know how to get the boat to do what I want it to do, and how to stay out of trouble, and how to get out of trouble if I do find myself in it. I can pull into the marina and be confident that I will get the boat in to the slip. That's big. Its not much fun when you have an anuerism(sp?)everytime you approach the dock. By the way, Capt Russ said I am in the top 20 for worst docking situations. No pole to pivot on because all the boats stick out way past them, nice anchors waiting for me to screw up.

This goes way past any classroom training, or reading Chapmans cover to cover, which is good to have, and I have taken the USCG class, But nothing beats hands on training. Anybody who was thinking of hiring him, but wasn't sure if it was worth it, because they have some experience,or whatever, should definately do it, without a doubt. I had some experience from last season too, but this was well worth the money.

Joe DeBello
2004 Four Winns 288 Vista
"Priceless!"

8/20/03

Next to buying a boat, this was the best thing anyone could do before venturing out on the water. Unfortunately, I took my boat out twice before the course and had an accident (minor) at a gas dock, damaging a two week old boat.

I was so distraught and down that I was very close to just selling the boat. I simply cannot express how grateful I am that I took the course. The Captain was not only clearly an exceptional Captain, he also was patient, encouraging, thoughtful and tireless. He single handedly turned around the experience of being on the water and instilled a new confidence in me that will hopefully turn into years of enjoyable boating for me and my family.

As I said to the Captain, it scares me to think there are people on the water, who like me, have never been boating before and who never took a hands-on class such as the one you offer. It should be mandatory to do so, just as hands-on training is required for motor vehicle licenses.

Thanks BMT for rejuvenating me. You guys were exceptional!
Dan Devito

Captain Russ

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for the training and personal service that I received from you. I really feel that you went out of your way to make me feel comfortable in your training sessions. You have made the start of my boating experience an enjoyable and positive experience.

We have been on the boat every weekend and have taken it out in various conditions and each time the training that I received from you comes into my decision and boat handling process. We have nearly 70 hours on the boat already and have docked in Somers Point, Wildwood and Cape May. We had a great trip to the lobster house last weekend and I came into various docking and boat handling situations and so far no problems.

In talking to other boat owners I feel that my training with you has put me ahead of many of them that have more experience than me but the lack the professional training knowledge. I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you, you have turned me into a life long "salty dog".

Thank You
Mike Van Horn
Coaches Pride V

My wife and I are relatively new boat owners and took the four hour course one day prior to a trip we had planned on the bay. Capt Len’s instructions on docking proved invaluable. In both Annapolis and St. Michaels we were able to back our boat into slips we could have never attempted before the course. (See the attached picture, we are the middle boat)

I would recommend your training for all new boat owners.

Thanks
Bud and Carol Walker

Lisa,
Thank you. We had a beautiful day on the water, some really valuable pointers with practical close-in maneuvering and docking. Capt Matt V. was a most pleasant person to work with and was really good at boat handling. So overall, it was a most productive day.

Carolyn & Jim Dyer

On the training, I can not begin tell you how happy my wife, Elsa, and I are with the program you run. We feel that our knowledge and confidence level is a lot higher than we expected to get from the program. Captain Jim Smith is outstanding. His vast knowledge, confidence and patient teaching style can only make you believe that you can do it too.

Thanks
Tony Perez

The Perezes are back for more.


Here is the news; we went crazy for boating this year (with the help of Boatboy Marine Training and Capt Jim Smith) that we upgraded from our 25 Maxum to a 35 Maxum. We purchased it from Dredge Harbor Boat Sales and as part of the deal, I understand that you guys are going to do the sea trial and they throw in 4 hours of Boat Boy Training. Sweet!

Let me know what you think.
Tony Perez

I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that we had a great day and learned a lot. We definitely feel as though it was a good deal & will recommend you to any other boaters that might express an interest. Also, as I said to Lisa, your customer service was very good.

You contacted me right after the boat show by phone at home to touch base, then via e-mail to get the pertinent info and also right before the training. I feel this was just the right amount of contact, not too little and not too much. And we won't forget Boatboy’s famous words "NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF NEUTRAL".

Thanks, Sarita Krupa

Captain Russ,
Definitely worth the money, and the Captain was nice enough to sit around for two hours while we tried to get the port engine running, and then come back a week later once I did get the engine running. Before the lesson, I had a bunch of textbook knowledge on how to operate twin engines, but no experience, and no chance of backing off the lift and into my slip. After two lessons I was taking 90 mile trips, with multiple stops.

Andy Katzen

Yacht Smart Timeshare

Hi Len,

I thought you may like to see the e-mail below that came from one of your students Jason last week. Thanks for doing a good job!

Karly Shallow, VP Sales and Marketing
Yacht Smart (201) 656-1636
www.yacht-smart.com

Thanks for the info and sorry to turn a hello in the elevator into business on a weekend. Your captain Len is a terrific teacher. I will tell you that having boated on lakes, bays and small rivers my whole life, a few hours on the Hudson gives you strong respect for currents and wind. I was nervous on Saturday departing and returning, but gained a lot of confidence this weekend.

You have a great business. I wish you much success!

Best wishes,
Regards,
Jason R. Graybill, CFA

Posted this to the HullTruth.com.....

I am not sure if we are "allowed" to do this....If not please advise where this post should go......

If you are a new boater with a trailer/slip boat and want to REALLY learn how to boat, or even if you have had your boat for a couple of years and want to refine your skills, you need to hire BoatBoy Marine Training out of NJ. Capt Russ is an unbelievable Capt and hires and trains ALL his capt's himself. The 4 hours of training I got yesterday on my 3 year old WA was GREAT!!!! We did close quarters manuevering for 2.5hours and I was able to dock in all different slips and T docks, gas docks, etc....also learned to go solo into the slip and out of the slip, etc......

My suggestion to anyone negotiating with a new boat dealer is to negotiate with them to have them pay the $400 fee for a half day session with Boatboy. They come to your dock, professional, study guide in hand, go over everything that most of us learn from our "friends" at the dock, etc.....close quarters, anchoring, gas dock, lines, knots, wind/current, fenders, etc...I cant say enough.

www.boatboymarinetraining.com is the website and NO I dont work for Boatboy...I am just a VERY satisfied customer that believes that this is crucial to the marine industry.....

Regards,

Mike Moretti
Certified Territory Sales Representative
International Business Machines Corporation

It's the best money you can spend on your boat! Capt. Russ did our training and he goes way beyond where any classroom course goes. The time spent with him made a huge difference in our ability to finesse our cruiser in tight situations and really gave us the confidence and skills needed to enjoy our time on the boat. We had our boat for several months and used it regularly before we hired BoatBoy, but having them out really did improve our skills and our confidence; he even pointed out a battery problem that I didn't know we had. If you hire him get used to hearing "no harm, no foul" and "the power of neutral".

Tell him that Mike & Kathy Heffron from Skipjack Cove said "Hi!"

Capt Matt is the greatest! He taught my son and I the waterways and cruised with us through the ICW, out Townsend’s Inlet and down to Cape May. His docking techniques were right on and I feel so comfortable now, that I’m ready to take a long trip with my family.

Thanks for all your help.
Larry Colangelo

Both Patti & I were very impressed with the way the Captain helped us. We were on the verge of putting our new boat up for sale. We were intimidated by the boat and afraid to move it from the slip. The Captain showed us how to take control of the boat. Please feel free to put us on your list! We will definitely take more training in the future.

Thanks,
Gabe & Patti Vattilana

- Great course! Great instructor (Capt Len) We can’t say enough good things about BMT! Len taught us a ton of stuff especially docking. Your class should be mandatory for new boaters!

Len, thanks again,
Dave Jones

One week after my lesson from the Captain, I told everybody to take a seat, used neutral as my friend, used my bulkhead as a pivot point and backed it right in. I not only kept my boat, but I just picked up a 205 Aquasport center console to go fishing, too! I took the boat out and for the first time I felt comfortable. I look forward to getting additional lessons.

Thanks!
Paul Lowenstein