Preparing you and your boat for safe and enjoyable cruising through practical preparation and individual consultation
Boat Refit & Readiness Consultation
We completed professional marine maintenance training and are certified through the American Boat and Yacht Council and National Marine Electronics Association which set industry standards for safety and technology. This is not something you can accomplish without rigorous preparation far beyond what you'll find on YouTube.
These certifications require passing demanding exams and meeting continuous education requirements. The standards set by these organizations have helped us tailor our approach to ensure you are tackling your boat refit and cruising preparations safely and efficiently.
We've taught and mentored dozens of people seeking to understand and execute simple projects and extensive offshore refits on their cruising boats. Our experience in the marine industry is unique in that we have managed and operated fleets of work boats plus working and teaching in the marine trades. We also own and maintain an ocean cruising boat.
What's included
An initial video call (up to 2 hours), after which consultation may be conducted by email, calls, or in-person
Analysis of your cruising plans, boat refit, and outfitting priorities
Discussion of what it will take to prepare you, your crew, and your boat
Analysis of the refit projects you are currently considering, focusing on safety, comfort, departure timeline, and budget
Suggestion of additional projects & preparation to consider
Recommendations for system upgrades
Evaluation of current gear and equipment with recommendations of additional gear needed for safe extended voyaging
Assistance reviewing and evaluating project bids
Unbiased referrals to professional service providers worldwide
You will also receive
Live support sessions (virtual or in-person) tailored to your goals and needs
Project-specific resources and guidance
Access to us for questions, assistance, and recommendations
Professional, detailed responses to all your project, maintenance, and cruising questions
Exclusive small group webinars on meaningful topics
Exclusive partner discounts
How it works
Start by booking an introductory strategy session for a flat fee of $350.
From there you'll join us for an up-to 2-hour video call where we'll discuss your goals, skills, and what areas of your preparation you want to optimize.
As part of your session we will also discuss ways we can best support you reaching your goals moving forward.
You will receive our initial strategy recommendations to help you start making meaningful progress toward your goals immediately.
How we can help you refit, outfit, and set sail
Boat Refit Planning
We will work with you to learn your boat’s systems, structure, and readiness for offshore or extended cruising. We’ll coach you through a comprehensive vessel investigation that will help you identify any immediate needs or “finger trouble”. From there, we’ll help you design a vessel refit plan that prioritizes the projects and skills that will be most critical to your cruising success. Then it’s time to get to work! You will receive personalized, professional guidance through as much of your refit as you choose.
DIY Project Support
Learning how to work on your own boat is a nonnegotiable cruising skill that will allow you to confidently cruise further afield and stay out longer. No one wants to miss out on a great cruising season waiting for parts or a mechanic. We can help you plan new projects, troubleshoot pesky bugs, and teach you how to DIY the right way which will help you avoid costly mistakes and curtailed cruising. We are authorized resellers of many marine components and can help you source parts and supplies, often at a savings to you.
Cruising Guidance
When you are at sea, the best, and sometimes the only resources you have, are what’s on your boat and what’s in your brain. We can help you prepare for that. Whether you need help selecting the right boat to purchase, developing DIY maintenance skills, planning your cruise, provisioning, or deciding where to start, we will ensure you depart prepared for confident, capable cruising. Don't forget we are marine biologists and active fish folk, so we can also help you build your offshore fishing tackle box!
Please note we are trained, certified professionals. We do not accept commissions of any type from anyone. We only recommend products and services we trust ourselves.
What are your consultation rates?
Your initial strategy session and documentation costs $350. After that you may select to purchase prepaid time blocks or a monthly retainer.
Our base rate for pay-as-you-go consulting is $110/hr. Most of our clients take advantage of our prepaid time blocks or monthly retainers which offer discounted rates.
Prepaid time blocks are designed to maximize value, control cost, and bolster accountability in achieving your goals: 10 hours = $1050, 20 hours = $1900. Hours purchased in prepaid time blocks do not expire.
Monthly retainers offer a means to reduce up-front costs while providing you with flexibility and built-in accountability: 4 hours/month = $400/month, 10 hours/month = $950/month. Hours do not expire unless you cancel your retainer and can rollover to subsequent months.