Training and Delivery
OUR MISSION AND GOAL:
Our mission is to make you and your crew safe and comfortable with your boat; systems, handling, docking, anchoring, locking, communications and emergencies. We accomplish this through a proven, tailored, building block training process.
Our goal is to make you and your crew confident through competence.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:
As a licensed USCG 100T Master Captain with over 25 years of boating experience and two loops under his belt, Captain Sam will help you get comfortable and feel safe on your boat. You have seen his videos twice around the loop and how he tackles each trip. Couple that with his nearly 40 years of aviation and instructor pilot experience: you will learn and have fun while doing it! Sam can provide a proficiency training document that will attest to your skills. This document may help satisfy some insurers’ requirements.
Sam helped us out immensely. He coordinated and worked with us to get our boat outfitted and electronics upgraded. Then, underway, he trained us during some challenging weather and conditions and got us safely to our new marina. We truly learned a lot from him! Bruce & Caroline K.
(Scroll down for complete Testimonial & Review list)
Training Overview:
Sam uses a building block approach to training that has proven to be efficient and highly effective and focus on Captain and First Mate skills and communication.
Once we have a contract (see below), we provide a form to tailor your training before your arrival at the boat, PLUS a virtual session – a value of one day’s guidance to enhance your onboard experience.
Also, with a training contract, we provide a complimentary, confidential review of your survey, which can be helpful before closing. This has saved thousands of dollars in pre-purchase scenarios and helps us understand unique features and issues for training.
We had not been boating long and moved up in boat size and knew we had a lot to learn. Sam came prepared with forms, checklists, and an agenda. Previously we had discussed what our expectations and goals were. He was informative, accommodating and skilled. He worked well with both of our differing personalities and increased our knowledge and confidence. Gary & Monica L. (Scroll for complete testimonial lists)
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A SIGNED CONTRACT & DEPOSIT:
- I send a six-page Training Preparation Information (TPI) worksheet to enhance your training experience. It provides an understanding of the boat outfitting and most importantly will help identify your specific training needs. The TPI is very helpful pre-survey, as it identifies additional operational items. It also outlines training and preparation you both (Captain and First Mate) can do to make training more efficient and effective.
- I make arrangements to travel seeking the most cost-effective manner.
- I review your marine survey(s) for you at no cost (pre- or post-closing).
- Once I have your completed TPI, we schedule a brief ZOOM, TEAMS, or phone call prior to my arrival. We can then discuss a specific training outline tailored to your needs, address any questions, discuss progress, weather, and logistics. Together, we will make a plan to cover all applicable items in my syllabus.
- Before training, I also review an electronic copy of the owner’s manual. If you have it, I will ask you to send it. If you don’t have one, I will review it once I arrive at the vessel.
- I aim to spend at least 4 hours on the boat before moving it to ensure systems, emergencies and safety items are covered with the crew.
- I provide a training book you will use (and keep) during our training that has forms, guides, weather information, navigation tips and techniques, a checklist process, and other helpful information.
- Training covers Captain and First Mate duties and includes advice for looping.
- I also provide upon your request, a “If it were My Boat” report as part of the training (at no additional cost). This is advice on how to improve the boat for safety and comfort based on my observations during training.
- After training, I will send a three-page report of the training for your use. Some use it to send to insurers.
- All training clients can always contact me at any time in the future. Before a loop, during a loop or after!
EXPERT DELIVERY:
If you need help getting your boat from one place to another (with or without you onboard), Captain Sam is available to help. Sometimes life gets in the way of getting your boat to a particular spot in time. He can move the boat with the assistance of a mate or help you along the way. You may also just need the comfort of having someone experienced onboard to help with challenging waters where you have limited experience. One of these is crossing the Gulf. It doesn’t have to be traumatic!
Sam’s communication skills are top-notch, and his ability to break down both captain and first mate responsibilities made a world of difference. Thanks to his guidance, my wife and I now feel confident in piloting the boat and managing lines with ease. Tyson & Karen B. (Scroll for complete testimonial lists)
NEXT STEPS:
To enquire about Training and Delivery services, send an email to crew@whatyachttodo.com briefly outlining your needs. Please include location(s) and any projected schedule considerations. Also, include the make, model, and year of the boat. Sam will schedule a conference call, Zoom or TEAMS meet to discuss your needs in further detail. After that, you will receive a contract agreement and quote for the services, and we will make it happen!
TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS:
Outstanding Training Captain
As new boat owners, we just wanted to share a great experience we had with the training captain we enlisted to help us build our skills. We had an excellent experience training with Sam Crouse from What Yacht To Do. His approach was thorough, systematic, and tailored to our specific vessel, which made the learning process both effective and practical.
He took the time to cover all of the boat’s systems, basic maintenance requirements, and the importance of proper record keeping. The tools and processes he provided for staying organized and on top of maintenance schedules will be invaluable going forward. We also appreciated the many practical tips he shared from his own experience, particularly around boat organization and setup.
One of Sam’s greatest strengths is his ability to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand. His instruction on the navigation rules was clear, relatable, and far more approachable than simply reading the regulations. He also made exceptional use of every training session, ensuring that as much knowledge transfer as possible took place.
His coaching during hands-on exercises such as line handling, docking, and navigation was patient, clear, and highly effective. He helped us develop a strong step-by-step process for departures and arrivals, giving us confidence that we can safely and consistently handle all the critical tasks involved.
Beyond his technical expertise, he brought the training to life with great stories and real-world examples that reinforced the lessons and made the experience enjoyable. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve their boating knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Confidence on the Water
We recently took delivery of our new boat and couldn’t have asked for a better training captain. His exceptional knowledge, patience, and clear instruction completely built up our confidence on the water. We highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a top-tier training experience.
Patient and Knowledgeable
If you’re planning to do America’s Great Loop, I wholeheartedly recommend Sam Crouse and the Great Loop Academy. Sam’s coaching has given me the knowledge and confidence to prepare for our own Great Loop adventure, and his advice has helped us avoid costly mistakes while making the entire process feel much less overwhelming. What impressed me most is that Sam genuinely cares about his students’ success—he’s patient, incredibly knowledgeable, and teaches from real-world experience. The Great Loop Academy has been one of the best investments we’ve made in preparing for our journey aboard Last Call, and I recommend it without hesitation to anyone dreaming of cruising the Loop.
We are now Confident and Competent
We also had a very positive experience with Captain Sam. I am new to operating a vessel of the size I had just purchased so after researching some options my fiancé and I decided to hire Sam Crouse of What Yacht To Do to help us learn the various aspects of operating the boat while moving it from Charlevoix to Bay City. Sam was patient and his methodology made learning the different systems easier than I expected. He covered in detail navigation and route planning, weather forecasts, maintenance, organization and record keeping, safety checks, effective crew communication, close quarter maneuvering, line handling, and understanding the COLREGS.
Sam is an effective teacher and provided numerous examples from his own experience to help us understand what to do in various situations which improved our own confidence and peace of mind. I cannot thank him enough for sharing his knowledge and skill with us. We have started our boating adventure on the right foot and I would encourage anyone seeking a training captain to give him serious consideration.Extremely Worthwhile, Tailored Training
Captain Sam spent five outstanding days training us on our boat, BRILEEN (a Galeon 560 Fly) as we prepare to begin the Great American Loop this March. We had over 200 hours running our boat but his deep knowledge and calm, practical approach significantly improved our skills in boat systems, maneuvering, docking, navigation, anchoring and locking. We spent several days and nights onboard and covered 344 statute miles on Florida’s west coast roundtrip from Naples to the Caloosahatchee River plus some side trips. We covered multiple locks and bridge openings.
Captain Sam tailored the training to our experience level and built both our competence and confidence every step. It was truly a worthwhile five days, and we highly recommend Captain Sam. Checkout their other website, What Yacht to Do for more information.
We look forward to seeing our fellow loopers this spring!Thorough, Knowledgeable, and Patient
We were in a situation where we needed our new-to-us 2001 Carver 396 (Round4) moved from New Jersey to Southport, NC. I wasn’t comfortable making the trip on my own, so we reached out to Sam and Rev with What Yacht To Do for a quote and to check their availability. Sam quickly responded and let us know he could be in New Jersey within 48 hours.
Sam is not only a delivery captain but also a training captain, and over the two weeks it took to bring our boat to Southport, he taught me an incredible amount about our boat and about navigating south through the Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and the ICW.
He is extremely thorough, knowledgeable, and patient — qualities that come naturally given his background as an Air Force pilot, commercial airline pilot, and Platinum Looper. I’d highly recommend his services to anyone looking to safely move their vessel while gaining valuable hands-on experience and confidence at the helm.Getting Current and Proficient
We were happy to discover Capt. Sam Crouse of What Yacht To Do. We had the pleasure and great learning experience to work with him last week as a training captain. We had been out of boating for 6+ years and had a new to us Meridian 469. He guided us as we completed our first 165 miles from East Peoria, IL to Grafton, IL. We learned a lot and had opportunities to practice anchoring, docking, locking, and navigation/auto pilot. After four days we had a small list from the shakedown cruise and he had an excellent referral (Polestar Marine Services) for us too! We highly recommend Capt. Sam and his www.WhatYachtToDo.com/ training site and resources! Thanks Sam.
Intense Conditions
We are so glad we chose Sam to spend a few days with us as new boat owners. We had not owned a boat of this size before (40ft) and needed guidance on how to operate it. Sam came onboard with us, our first night on the boat after the purchase and got us through a 50 mph wind storm. The next three days were intense with moving the boat and learning the systems. Sam had great patience with us and allowed us to learn. Sam has followed up with us as we made our journey from Carrabelle to Knoxville making sure we were doing alright. We definitely learned “What yacht to do.” Thanks Sam.
“Hands On Instructions”
As first time large-boat owners, we asked Sam to help us as we took possession and arranged to relocate our new (to us) boat. Sam’s calm demeanor and strong boating knowledge were invaluable as we readied the boat for our first trip. Once we finally got underway, Sam was by our sides to coach and safeguard us – providing hands on instructions to help build our skills and confidence.
As we catch our breath and begin to plan the next part of our journey, we look forward to working with Sam again and build on our recent experiences. We would not hesitate to recommend his services.“Essential Tools”
My wife and I had the pleasure of training with Sam Crouse on our “new to us” Carver 500 Cockpit Motor Yacht, and we couldn’t be more impressed. Sam’s expertise, patience, and thorough training approach made the entire experience both educational and enjoyable.
From the very first video session, he made us feel comfortable and never intimidated, ensuring that we built a strong foundation for handling our vessel with confidence. His training covered everything we needed—from daily maintenance and emergency preparedness to anchoring and navigation—giving us the essential tools to safely begin our journey on America’s Great Loop.
Sam’s communication skills are top-notch, and his ability to break down both captain and first mate responsibilities made a world of difference. Thanks to his guidance, my wife and I now feel confident in piloting the boat and managing lines with ease.
If you’re looking for an expert instructor who is patient, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to your success on the water, we highly recommend Sam Crouse. His training was invaluable, and we’re grateful for the confidence he has given us as we embark on this adventure!
Thank you, Sam!“Professionalism & Expertise”
Having Captain Sam aboard our boat for four days really gave us an opportunity to talk through all our questions in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. He was an easy guest and was patient and kind in his instruction. The structure he provided was perfect for our needs, and the cost was very reasonable. The four days of training on our Silverton 43MY included so many things… safety, systems, boat handling, locking, anchoring, looping, navigation apps and much more!
We would highly recommend Captain Sam for boat training before you begin your Loop. Whether you’re new to your boat or have some hours underway, we think you’ll find his professionalism and expertise valuable to your boating journey.“Competence and Confidence”
After reading numerous Facebook posts and talking to other Loopers about issues with their training captains, we were a bit apprehensive about how our experience would turn out. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the competence and confidence that Sam has instilled in us with his teaching. His years of military and training experience were evident from the moment we met him. His professionalism and easy-going nature made learning the systems and operations of our boat enjoyable and further enhanced our desire to do the Loop. We highly recommend Sam!
A Formal Training Plan
We’re really glad we had Sam come and do our training. We had recently bought a boat and hired a few local captains to take us out, but we felt like we wanted some more formalized training. Sam put together a learning plan and spent a full 3 1/2 days with us and made us feel much more comfortable taking the boat out ourselves. Also, his knowledge of the Loop was a bonus and was a great addition to learning our new boat.
“The Three Best Decisions We Made!”
1) Committing to America’s Great Loop; 2) Purchasing our 4207 Carver; and 3) Hiring Sam Crouse as our training captain. We had not been boating long and moved up in boat size and knew we had a lot to learn. Sam came prepared with forms, checklists, and an agenda. Previously we had discussed what our expectations and goals were. He was informative, accommodating and skilled. He worked well with both of our differing personalities and increased our knowledge and confidence (see expanded story at end of page).
“Attention to Details”
Sam’s attention to detail ensured every aspect of the boating process was meticulously managed, instilling the confidence needed to navigate comfortably. Moreover, Sam was consistently engaged and readily available to address any inquiries we had.
“Shout Out to Captain Sam!”
Sam helped us out immensely. He coordinated and worked with us to get our boat outfitted and electronics upgraded. Then, underway, he trained us during some challenging weather and conditions and got us safely to our new marina. We truly learned a lot from him.
“Five Stars”
We hired Captain Sam to help us move our boat from Jacksonville, FL to Hilton Head, SC and trained along the way. It was the most wonderful and awesome experience of our lives. He trained us, he coached us, he taught us so many things we “didn’t know” that we did not know. We learned not only piloting, boat handling skills, and navigation, but also how to best utilize our electronics. We feel much more confident due to his tutelage. Five Stars would recommend.
“Excellent Training Captain”
We appreciate all the knowledge and training you provided us. We also appreciate the friendship that was started. You are an excellent teacher/trainer with a great disposition and a ton of patience.
“We Highly Recommend Sam”
We had the pleasure to have Sam as a training captain. It was not the best of conditions as we were taking the boat from Connecticut to Florida and mid-November as boating in the Northeast is less than optimal. That aside, Sam was extremely thorough in teaching us the nuances of our boat, both the mechanics and the navigational software. He is extremely knowledgeable and patient. He has continued to track our progress and stayed in touch with us, providing valuable insights. We would highly recommend Sam as a training captain.
Building Confidence
We really appreciate everything you did for us. I feel confident of my ability to handle the boat thanks to you. Again, thank you so much!
“Thank You Captain Sam”
We completed our long trek from Tarpon Springs to Clearlake, TX via the ICW with the training and guidance of Captain Sam Crouse, What Yacht to Do, in our new to us Sea Ray 480MY. Good man, great trainer, friend for life! There were challenges of every boating kind along the way, and we were ever thankful Sam was there to train and guide us. We’d like to say thank you to Captain Sam, and of course to Rev who was at home without him longer than expected. We highly recommend them for training!
“He Made Sure We were Ready!”
In December of 2023, we purchased a Carver 4207 in Michigan and needed to move it home to Kentucky. The newly named Honey Badger was in Harrison Township, MI, we are not retired yet, and I needed to return to work three weeks after departure. We needed training on a new to us boat in a delivery time frame. Having a limited amount of time to complete our trip and needing training, we reached out to Sam Crouse of What Yacht to Do.
Captain Sam Crouse answered our first email the day we sent it. He set up a zoom call which was really helpful in us explaining our needs and Sam explaining true expectations. Sam was very diligent in making sure we had dotted the t’s, crossed the i’s, and we fully understand the “not boating with a schedule.” Five months of emails, phone calls, and preparations all came together on Memorial Day weekend.
We picked Sam up at the airport Sunday and got him settled in. Monday was spent going over the boat systems, planning on nav apps, and forms to keeping track of boat info. Tuesday was departure day and for the next six days Captain Sam worked with us to learn our boat. With Sam leading us we encountered a Coast Guard boarding (very educational for us and the boarding team), weather (knowing when and how to bail out), cross wind backing into slips, anchoring, building our own checklist designed for our boat, and using multiple apps for trip planning.
We did take half a day in Mackinaw Island where we met Chris and Kim (Pura Vida ll), practice anchoring in Frankfort, and meet Robert and Kathy (Andromeda) in Ludington. All this while trying to stick to a plan. For six days we made our way around Michigan with unbelievable great weather and sea states. Lake Huron and Lake Michigan treated us well. At Holland, Mi the time came for Captain Sam to start his trip home.
With Captain Sam heading home we prepared for our first solo trip. The crossing from Holland to Hammond went well. Next day we followed Sam’s advice for our route planning starting on the rivers. We found the bridge and lock crews to be helpful and patient with us. Made Joliet dock wall feeling good but exhausted.
With some pretty stiff winds we departed Joliet heading for Buffalo Rock anchorage. We passed thorough Brandon Road and Dresden locks with the wind kind of pushing us around. The Marseilles lock will probably be etched in our minds forever. Going in the lock, the wind moved us around quite a bit. After making the drop, the gates opened, and it was like being in a wind tunnel. We got the signal to leave, released the line, and motored off the wall. At the lower gates, the “adventure” started.
The starboard engine died! Just shut-off. What did I do? Pulled the transmission to neutral, hit the start button, it immediately fired up. Put starboard back in gear and it died again. Oh…. Looking over the starboard side, we found a 5/8’s line had blown over the side.
Capt. Sam answered immediately when Monica called. She explained what happened. Sam had an answer on the spot. Go into Heritage Harbor. They are great folks and know how to help.
Let’s just say drifting sideways across a marina, docking in 20 mph winds with one engine out was not fun. There may have been new sailor words and phrases created. However, there are people constantly ready to help. A new friend sprinted from their dock all the way around the marina to fuel dock to catch our lines and help tie us up. After dinner and a couple of ‘can’t believe we survived that” drinks things settled down. We met Heritage Harbor Host Christy who had a phone number for a diver. At 8:00 o’clock the next morning the divers showed up. They were a great pair of brothers. They removed the rope, inspected the struts, props, and rudders. No further problems were found. Rosy checked to make sure “the boys” treated us well.
Our nerves were still rattled and the winds still pretty stiff. Christy let us sit at the fuel dock till the winds died down. In the meantime, Max for Heritage Harbor let me borrow his computer to update our Navionics charts. We meet Kelly and John (WTF Again), after a great visit, we ate dinner together. As the sunset, we managed to get the Honey Badger off the fuel dock into a slip for the next day’s departure. We can not brag enough about the care and help we received from Heritage Harbor’s Christy and Max, John and Kelly (WTF Again), and JoAnn (we are not positive we have her name right) who saved the day by catching our lines when things were falling apart.
We departed Saturday morning early to finish our trip home. Learning to operate a 42’ boat, plan out each day, covering a hundred plus miles per day, is harder work than one would think. The Illinois, Mississippi, and Ohio rivers each have their own personality. The boat reacts differently to each river. Each gives a different experience. The Illinois flows against the prevailing winds, narrow, and busy. Mississippi is a constant rolling boiling mess. The Ohio was wide, busy and a big brake on the forward progress.
Captain Sam referred us to Jerry Rodgers (Whisky Business) for the trip up the Ohio past Paducah. Jerry was a great source of information and kept a watchful eye on us. We were to days behind Two-Hulls Area and Firestorm when we left Paducah. We caught them in Louisville as they took a short break. The McAlpine lock surprised us with an immediate enter and lift. And hour and half later we were docked at the home slip.
If you notice there, is a constant theme going on here. Captain Sam kept a constant watch over us. Even after his training time with us was completed. He understood we were new, under pressure, and determined. He answered a call for help and information. He kept reinforcing safety, getting plenty of rest, and planning was the key. Sam also helped us plan and update bailout points. Meaning if we could not complete our trip, we need somewhere to store the boat till we could get it home over weekends. With Sam’s training, guidance, and encouragement we were able to meet our timeline. Three weeks, 1600 miles, new friends, new places, and success. What a start to an adventure. Only 49 weeks till the rest of our loop adventure returns.
