Professional Captain for Hire
Need an experienced captain aboard your own boat? Capable Captain provides professional captain-for-hire services for sailboats, powerboats, trawlers, motor yachts and catamarans. Whether you need help moving your vessel, navigating an unfamiliar route, gaining confidence aboard a new boat or simply want an experienced captain at the helm, we can tailor the trip around your needs. Get a Free Captain for Hire QuoteWhen You Need an Experienced Captain
There are many reasons a boat owner may want a professional captain aboard. You may have purchased a new vessel, need help making a long passage, want assistance navigating unfamiliar waters or simply prefer having an experienced captain with you for a demanding trip. Capable Captain can provide experienced leadership while allowing you to remain involved in the operation of your vessel as much or as little as you prefer.Captain for Hire Services
Our captain-for-hire services can include:- Boat repositioning
- Coastal and offshore passages
- Long-distance trips
- New boat orientation
- Owner-assisted deliveries
- Route and passage planning
- Navigation through unfamiliar waterways
- Docking and close-quarters assistance
- Onboard systems guidance
Help With a New or Unfamiliar Boat
Buying a larger or more complex boat can come with a steep learning curve. Having an experienced captain aboard gives you the opportunity to become familiar with the vessel while operating it in real-world conditions. Depending on your needs, we can help with navigation, docking, anchoring, route planning, vessel systems and general operation while you gain experience and confidence aboard your boat.Long-Distance & Coastal Trips
A professional captain can also be valuable when planning a longer passage. Weather, fuel range, tides, currents, bridge clearances, locks and suitable stopping points all need to be considered before departure. We can assist with trips throughout the East Coast, Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, Caribbean, Intracoastal Waterway and inland waterways. If your trip involves moving the boat without the owner aboard, our full powerboat delivery or sailboat delivery service may be the better option.
Experience Beyond the Helm
Captain Rob Cinq-Mars is a USCG Licensed Master with decades of experience on sailboats and powerboats. He holds a degree in electrical engineering and has additional training in marine electronics and NMEA 2000 systems.
That combination of seamanship and technical knowledge provides an important advantage when problems arise hundreds of miles from home.

U.S. Coast
Guard Master

Electrical
Engineer

United States
Veteran
Prepare for Your Trip
Good preparation helps make any trip safer and more efficient. Before departure, we recommend reviewing our guide to preparing your boat for delivery.
You can also review our frequently asked questions for additional information about scheduling, crews, weather and what to expect.
Stay Informed Along the Way
For longer trips and deliveries, communication is important. Owners can receive regular updates and follow the vessel’s progress through our yacht delivery tracking.
You can also view examples of vessels and routes we’ve completed on our recent yacht deliveries page.
Hire a Professional Yacht Captain
Tell us about your boat, where you want to go and what kind of assistance you need. We’ll review the trip and determine the best approach for your vessel and experience level.