Boating Lessons Charlotte Harbor are a must if you are new to the area. Are you a new boat owner in Charlotte Harbor? Not sure how to handle your boat with confidence?
You’re in the right place.
I’m Captain Steve Hall. I offer private boating lessons in Charlotte Harbor and Placida for new boaters who want to learn the right way.
These are not classroom sessions. I teach you on your own boat, in the same waters you’ll be navigating every weekend.
Note: (Rates for Boating Instruction $30.00 per hour) 4 hour minimum
Why Learn Boating Lessons from Me?
I’ve spent decades operating boats in the shallow backwaters of Charlotte Harbor, Sarasota, (not too much back country in Sarasota) and Placida.
I spend about four days a week on the waters of Charlotte Harbor and know every hidden sandbar, unmarked cut, and tidal quirk—without ever relying on a GPS. Over the years, I’ve operated vessels ranging from nimble 16-foot skiffs to 40-foot boats with triple outboards, often docking in tight, demanding conditions without incident.
Before becoming a full-time charter captain and guide, I served as a Deputy with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, where I was assigned to the Marine Patrol Unit. There, I operated large offshore vessels in challenging conditions and received advanced U.S. Coast Guard training in boat handling, maritime safety, and port security. My maritime journey began even earlier, serving four years in the United States Navy. I’ve held my U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License since 2007 and have worked extensively with boat clubs, helping new boaters gain confidence in handling, docking, and maneuvering their vessels—often one of the biggest challenges they face.
I have an adult education Instructor Techniques Certification and Have Taught Adults in Classroom Settings in the Sarasota County School System.
You’ll get the benefit of local knowledge and real-world experience — not just textbook skills.
What You’ll Learn
Every boater is different. I customize each lesson based on your needs and your boat.
Is the boat ramp causing problems in your relationship and therefore making boating miserable? I can help with that making you and your partner an efficient boat ramp team.
Here are some of the most common things I teach:
- How to launch and dock safely and calmly
- How to read the water, tides, wind, and current
- How to use GPS, charts, and markers correctly
- Shallow water tips for avoiding grounding in the backcountry
- Safe anchoring and line handling
- How to boat around others and follow the rules of the road
- Basic emergency procedures
Where I Give Boating Lessons
I provide boating lessons in and around:
- Charlotte Harbor
- Punta Gorda
- Port Charlotte
- Placida
- Boca Grande
- Cape Haze
I’ll meet you at your dock or a local ramp — wherever’s easiest for you.
My Backcountry Experience Matters
I’ve spent years exploring the backcountry creeks, flats, and hidden cuts around Charlotte Harbor. Turtle Bay, Placida, Coral Creek, and Bull Bay, and the back country Cut Off and parts in between.
These areas are beautiful but unforgiving if you don’t know them. Any Captain teaching in the Charlotte Harbor area with experience will know the backwaters well.
When booking boating lessons in Charlotte Harbor, it’s important to choose a captain who knows these waters well—especially the backcountry. The area can be challenging to navigate, particularly during certain tides, and local knowledge is key to staying safe and protecting your vessel.
That’s why my training includes more than just “how to drive the boat.”
You’ll learn how to boat smart in local conditions, especially in shallow, technical areas that frustrate and scare so many new owners.
One point to consider it that some big boats just won’t get in some areas of the harbor period. This is why some many anglers choose boats specifically designed for shallow water.
Boating Should Be Fun — Not Stressful
A lot of new boaters feel overwhelmed. That’s normal.
My job is to take the stress out of it.
You’ll learn at your pace, with clear instruction and no judgment.
By the end of our session, you’ll feel confident behind the wheel. and at the boat ramps loading and unloading. As well as crossing the Harbor or entering a back bay.
Ready to Book?
If you’re looking for boating lessons in Charlotte Harbor, I’m here to help.
I charge $30 per hour for this service in and around Charlotte Harbor, Placida, Englewood and the Myakka River. There is a 4-hour minimum.
Call 941-681-8518
Let me know your boat type and what you’d like to focus on.
I’ll build the lesson around you.