Some Comments. . . .

"We've been referring customers to Mike Jackson's CruiseMasters program since 1997. Mike’s mature, gentle demeanor and good teaching skills allow our newer and more experienced boating customers alike to tap into his vast knowledge of boating, maintenance, safety, etc. He can quickly transform a newer boat owner to one that is comfortable operating his or her vessel in most conditions we encounter here in the Northwest. Twelve years and not a complaint that is certainly a good thing! We never hesitate to refer to Mike."

(Many of our clients come from insurance referrals . . .)

A Seattle-based marine insurance company

"More and more insurance companies are requiring training, and believe me, that's a good thing. Another good thing is CruiseMasters. Mike Jackson is the ONLY hands-on trainer in the Pacific Northwest that we'd recommend. Mike is professional, calm and truly experienced. His training program is the best investment you'll ever make."

(. . . as well as from brokers)

Richard Ashton

Yacht Broker, Seattle

"Thanks again for your fantastic instruction. We went back out yesterday, and spent the day with the boys on the lake today. Got gas, docked successfully twice! :). We are looking forward to many great times and trips on the water. Your teaching gave us the confidence and the tremendous head start we needed to get out there!"

Amy and Andy A.

2009 Navigator 51'

"When I got my new boat, which was bigger and better then any that I have owned in the past, I knew that I needed some lessons on how to protect my investment. I was referred to your web site. After our first meeting I knew that it was the right decision . You showed up on time and prepared to go right away. although there was four of us, you were patient and went through each and every part as many times as was necessary for us to understand. Once more it was the little things that you taught, just in conversation that really put it all together. I wish to thank you for your time and to say that it was money well spent. I now have the knowledge to take care of my boat. You gave me several things that I can practice on in the future when I take my boat out. Thank you again."

John and Dee B

2000 Maxim 41'

"Two trips out for us and one with Jon with his best buddy. They went through the locks and had a great time.  I have docked twice now with no problems! YEAH! And we went to Chandler's brunch today with the boat and tied up dockside as good as you please!!!  Nice day. Thanks again so much."

Margaret and Jon F.

2009 Bayliner Discovery Cudy 19'

"We hired Mike Jackson from CruiseMasters Boating Instruction. That was an excellent suggestion. We have learned so much from him. We can't imagine operating our boat without having had the lessons."

Kathy and Bob. C.

1978 Bayliner Contessa 28'

"Once again, Mike, thanks for everything!"

Morton, Judy, Phillip T.

1985 Bayliner 32'

"Jim & I wanted to take this time to THANK YOU again for the great training classes. We sure did learn a LOT and are still using your suggestions to make our boating days easier. Everyone we've taken out for a joyride has been pretty impressed; specially Jim's maneuvering abilities to our dock!! They couldn't believe he was able to put that thing in there with little training. They were also surprised at my line handling!! Thanks to you that method works. Jim & I work super together, have a system down and haven't wanted to drown each other yet!! He's really thankful at how quick I learned that back line trick that you taught us. Thanks again for your expertise."

Jim and Gail J.

"Took the boat out for the first time Monday. We docked first try without serious problems. It was a little ugly as we had 15 knots wind come up as we headed back, that became fairly steady as I was approaching the dock. Janice had the presence of mind to grab the first cleat she could and we simply moved the boat forward manually to the next cleat after it was secured and the wind had died off a little. It was in the forecast and I felt comfortable trying it, and it was good training for both of us. Thanks again for your help."

Jeff and Janice H

1992 DynaCraft 53'

"Just wanted to say thanks for a pleasurable and learning experience. The course was great and we both learned much more than we ever thought possible in such a short time. We have taken the boat out three times already and feal quite comfortable so far. Elizabeth has docked twice as well as me; all pilings still standing and no new scratches on the boat. Thanks again."

Chuck and Elizabeth J.

1999 Bayliner 39'

"On Sunday afternoon, we went back to Gig Harbor bay. I docked at the same place except this time there was a large boat close to the slip just in front of the pump-out station, I pulled up until I was about where I wanted the boat to rest but about 15 feet away from the dock. I started one engine ahead and one back over and over until it gently bumped up to the dock in just the spot I was aiming for, had a bunch of people on the dock and on our boat they were all impressed. One said 'Wow, I didn't think you could do it, good thing you took those lessons.' Thanks, again."

Jim and Rhonda S

2002 Carver 346

"I want to let you know how much Amy and I enjoyed your training class and working with you. Your calm, safe style complemented by your knowledge were exactly what we were looking for. We feel much more prepared to take a few trips on our own and begin learning first-hand how to enjoy cruising. Thank you for your vote of confidence - - I think that is one of the more important things right now as I get some experience under my belt."

Bob & Amy S.

2006 Navigator 51'

“We took several boating classes through our local Power Squadron and passed with flying colors, even have our Oregon boaters cards. We had our boat inspected by the Port Ludlow USPS and passed with no problem, in fact they were very impressed with how prepared and organized we were - - which we attribute to your excellent training. I want to thank you for the great start you gave us and all the help and advice! We look forward to another year of boating . . . . "

Diane and Steve O.

1985 Ponderosa 42’

 “The course was exactly what we were looking for.”

Paul & Leona B.

Crown Line 24’

“Just wanted to say “Thanks” again for all your help with the boat class. I really learned a lot and I’m a lot more confident around the boat.”

Kathy & Bruce V.

1967 Revelcraft 33’

“Thanks for everything, Mike. I really appreciate your patience and quality of instruction.”

Steve S.

1954 ChrisCraft 40’

“At Silva Bay, I had to dock in a 25 Knot cross wind. The marina had five men at the dock to help me. But, before powering in, I tried to remember all that you had taught us. That gave me the confidence to go on in. I docked her just like the book says. The result was much to the amazement of the five guys on the dock and the other boaters looking at what I’m sure they thought was a ‘disaster in the making.’ Thanks for your training on docking and advice on staying ‘cool'."

Joe S.

“It’s been more than a year since we took the course with you aboard. Everytime I dock I hear your voice coaching me to take it slow, just gentle taps. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for all your help. We’re enjoying our boating adventures tremendously.”

Tom & Susan M.

1956 Monk Sedan 36’

“Thank you very much for the enjoyable and informative classes we took from you. We all feel we learned many things and we are very glad we took your classes.”

Sandi & Bill B.

1987 Albin Sedan 49’

“Thank you for your great teaching. We completely enjoyed our boat training with you. We both learned a lot (I had more to learn than Brian did). And your knowledge and easy manner made learning easy and fun. You gave me a confidence I didn’t expect to have for a long time. Thanks again for giving us a solid, informed start!”

Kirstan & Brian S.

1998 Trawler 35’

“Thank you for your time and instruction for the Basic Boathandling course that my husband and I just completed. The course was wonderfully informative and well delivered. We appreciated the time you took to explain concepts thoroughly and in a way that beginning boaters could understand. I know that we are now more comfortable in dealing with our new boat and will be better prepared to deal with handling our boat. I would definitely recommend your course to any new boater and even to some of the ‘old salts’ out there. You present the material in a clear and concise fashion that is easy for both beginning and advanced boaters to understand.”

Gayle & George L.

2000 SeaRay 24’

“We are extremely grateful for the time you spent with us, and were surprised at the amount of information you were able to convey (and we were able to absorb) in the short span of one day. Your skill for instruction is impressive and your manner engenders a sense of calm and confidence. We will enthusiastically endorse CruiseMasters to anyone who could use the resource you provide. Thank you again for an excellent introduction to boating.”

Monte & David H.

1998 Cobalt 29’

“We enjoy our boat immensely. You helped us a lot!’

Jim G.

“We would like to thank you for your knowledge and your patience with us during our boating course. We gained so much, both in boating knowledge, skill, and most of all comfort level. “

Anne & Keith P.

1988 Tollycraft 30’

“Knowledge. Personality. Thoroughness. How can one improve upon Captain Jackson?”

John C.

1999 Bayliner 45’

“We can’t tell you how glad we are that we chose CruiseMasters to give us the training we needed to get us off on the right foot. Your confidence and ability to talk to people made all the difference in the world to make us confident that we could do things right. You made us feel at ease and made the learning process much easier and less stressful.”

Cindy and Larry W.

“We feel very confident on the water thanks to you. We often say, ‘What would Mike do in this situation?’ when we find ourselves challenged.

Lorraine & Dave S.

“Thanks so much for your course. We’ve been out solo now, and it is a blast!”

Linda and Randy B.