Boat Dreams Florida Editors Background

Ahoy,

As we reach the second day mark on this journey around the blogosphere I thought I should introduce myself.

Hi! I am Captain Scott. (AKA - NavMaster)

The image you see above is one of myself after a long and wonderful day cruising about the West Coast of Florida in my current project boat, a 1986 Tiara Pursuit 2150 Center Console Fisherman. This photo was taken by my lady Katherine late one afternoon as we departed Tarpon Springs enroute to Johns Pass.

This by no means has been my longest journey at sea. I am a retired professional Merchant Marine Officer, deep sea Tug Boat Captain, former Cruise Ship Captain and professional Yacht Captain. I have sailed in many capacities aboard a plethora of differing and interesting vessels in my over 30 years as a working seafarer.

From 22' tow assist vessels to 780' deep sea oil tankers, both power and sail. My U.S.C.G. licenses included a 1600 gt Master All Oceans, a 500 gt Master Sail all oceans, in addition to numerous endorsements and certification as an unlimited able seaman. My training began at a very young age and as such I was licensed as a U.S.C.G Captain just after my 18th year. I have navigated my way to some of the most interesting ports around the world from exclusive yachting resorts aboard multi million dollar floating palaces to grungy oil field supply depots and some of the busiest and most well travelled commercial world ports.

I mention these facts of my career because frankly I loved each and every moment. As I look back I see that my life took a very interesting course and if it were not due to a tragic accident at sea I would still be sailing the oceans blue as a professional mariner and merchant seaman.

I have put away tid bits of knowledge throughout the years which include basic boat maintenance knowledge gained as a young lad in a commercial yachting maintenance boat yard to advanced systems knowledge of some of the largest and most well equipped yachts, and ships, and tugs sailing the seas today. I would like to share that knowledge with anyone who may be interested. While I am not an all knowing sage of the sea, I do have an interesting perspective which encompasses multiple aspects of seafaring life. I can hold my own with ocean racing sailors and exclusive motor driven yachtsmen alike because of my unique and varied life's experiences.

So, hello and greetings to any and all who read this little piece of my boating dream world. I may talk about the advantages of one outboard over another, or I could discuss the outrageous state of the marina industry in Florida. But whatever it is that I choose to expound upon, my readers will have an idea that the opinions expressed come from a long and varied experiential background which could hold a perspective which may be of interest.

I hope to keep your interest!

Respectfully,

Capt. Scott (NavMaster)