Powerboat approaching marina dock

Powerboat Docking Lessons

Find the Right Lesson for You

Every lesson takes place on your boat, at your marina, in real time conditions. No classroom — just hands-on practice tailored to you and your boating day.

Choose Your Lesson

Six Lessons. One Goal: Confidence.

Beginner Docking

New to powerboating? Start here.

3 hours (extendable)
$450

Never docked a powerboat before? No problem. We start from the basics — understanding your boat's throttle and momentum, reading wind and current, and making clean, controlled approaches. You'll leave feeling capable and calm.

What's included

Pre-lesson boat walkthrough
Throttle and momentum fundamentals
Reading wind, current, and tidal conditions
Controlled approach techniques
Bow and stern line handling
Post-lesson debrief and tips
Ideal for: First-time powerboat owners, new marina slip holders, anyone who's been avoiding tight docking situations

Launch-to-Haul

The complete powerboating day, start to finish.

~5 hours (extendable)
$200/hr

The complete powerboating day — from hitch to splash and back again. Captain Chuck meets you at your home or the boat ramp and walks you through every step: trailering safely, backing down the ramp, launching without drama, a full day on the water, and a clean pull-out at the end. If you've ever felt uncertain at any point in the process, this is the lesson that ties it all together.

What's included

Trailering safety and pre-launch checklist
Backing down the ramp with confidence
Launch and de-dock procedure
Underway skills and on-water coaching
Return docking and slip entry
Haul-out, rinse, and trailer load
Ideal for: New boat owners, anyone who trailers their own boat, boaters who want to master the full day — not just the docking

Boat Savvy

Get comfortable on the water before you own.

3 hours (extendable)
$600

Not a boat owner yet — but want to be ready when you are? Or maybe you just want to feel more at home on the water? Boat Savvy is a hands-on introduction to powerboat handling, on-water etiquette, and real-world seamanship. We take Captain Chuck's personal 2020 Super Air Nautique G23 out on Folsom Lake and cover everything from throttle control and steering to reading the water, right-of-way rules, and how to handle yourself around other boaters. No experience needed — just curiosity and a love of the water. Lessons take place at Folsom Lake. Other lakes available with an additional trailering fee of $100–$300 depending on distance.

What's included

Hands-on time at the helm of a 2020 Super Air Nautique G23
Throttle control, steering, and speed management
On-water etiquette and right-of-way rules
Reading conditions: wind, wakes, and other boat traffic
Basic docking and approach techniques
Q&A and personalized guidance throughout
Ideal for: Future boat buyers, anyone who wants to feel confident and capable on the water before owning, guests who want to learn boat handling and etiquette

Refresher Course

Been a while? Get your confidence back.

2 hours (extendable)
$300

Took a season off, had a rough docking experience, or just want to shake off the rust? This session gets you back up to speed quickly with focused practice on the areas where you feel least confident.

What's included

Skills assessment and goal-setting
Targeted practice on weak areas
Confidence-building repetition
Updated techniques and tips
Q&A and personalized advice
Post-lesson action plan
Ideal for: Returning boaters, anyone who had a bad docking experience, seasonal boaters getting back on the water

Wake Ready

Pull your crew like a pro.

2 hours (extendable)
$400

Wakesurfing and wakeboarding are all about the driver. Knowing how to pull a rider up cleanly, hold a steady line, read their signals, and respond to falls makes the difference between a great day on the water and a frustrating one. Wake Ready teaches you everything behind the wheel — from proper rope handling and throttle control to positioning your boat for the best wake and keeping everyone safe. Taught on your boat, on your lake.

What's included

Pre-ride safety briefing and rider communication
Throttle control for clean rider pull-ups
Boat positioning and wake shaping
Reading hand signals and responding to falls
Speed and line management for wakeboard vs. wakesurf
Post-lesson debrief and tips
Ideal for: Boat owners who want to be the go-to driver for their crew, anyone new to tow sports, families who wakesurf or wakeboard regularly

Advanced Maneuvering

Take your skills to the next level.

3 hours (extendable)
$400

For powerboaters who can dock but want to do it better. We work on tight slips, single-handed docking, using bow and stern thrusters effectively, spring lines, and handling challenging conditions like strong current or limited visibility.

What's included

Tight slip entry and exit
Single-handed docking techniques
Thruster use and coordination
Spring line docking
Crosswind and strong current scenarios
Med-mooring and stern-to techniques
Ideal for: Experienced boaters upgrading to a larger vessel, anyone who wants to dock confidently in any conditions

The Process

How It Works

01

Book Online

Choose your lesson type and pick a date and time that works for you. You'll get a confirmation email with everything you need.

02

We Come to You

Captain Chuck meets you at your marina. No travel, no unfamiliar boat — we work in your actual environment from the start.

03

Hands-On Practice

The lesson is practical from minute one. You're at the helm the whole time, with clear coaching and immediate feedback.

04

Leave with Confidence

You'll finish with specific skills, muscle memory, and a clear picture of what to keep working on. Most boaters see results the very next time they dock.

500+ Boaters Taught
Master Captain
35 Years on the Water

Questions Before You Book?

Ready to Book?

Pick your lesson and choose a time that works for you. Captain Chuck will meet you at your marina.