Had a Capt looking over me

Havana Shamrock

Well-Known Member
SILVER Sponsor
Sep 9, 2008
5,422
Sarasota Fla.
Boat Info
2019. 250 SDX OB
Engines
300 Verado V8
As some of you know we moved the boat south from Long Island to Longboat Key Fla a few weeks ago. Although I had traveled with Larry (CSR) from Nj to Morehead I was then on my own for 9 more days this was a trip I had never done before and by far the longest run I had ever done. I did have the luxury of a few members here that reached out and offered to keep an eye on us as we transited the coast which in fact made me feel good it was reassuring to know someone was tracking us and waited for us to check in at the end of the day.
One guy who was working at FLIBS when I hit the south was Capt Rusty now I had asked him a few questions prior to my departure which he answered but I didn’t expect him to check in on me every A.M. and call every night knowing where I was and where I was heading the next day
This was like setting the autopilot on “Rusty” mode and just watching the gauges all day. His nightly briefing consisted of what I was to expect the following day as far as weather,route, obstacles, bridges and Locks.
He even had instructions for what my wife where to do when we arrived at each lock where to hang fenders high,low, what side wear a life jacket you name it he nailed it perfectly I’m sure he’s been through them more than once in his career. Rusty even asked me if I thought I could make it further he would call ahead to a marina to get me in and where to get fuel. I did chart out my stops along the way but if we where making good time my plan changed daily and he knew exactly where I’d land
Its no secret that Rusty is working for himself now so making money should be a priority to him but a friend is a friend he stepped aside daily to make sure we where ok and that meant the world to me I just hope that If I or anyone here ever needs to hire a Capt his name would come up on the top of the list .
FYI: He’s been known to operate other brands so talk him up on the docks

thanks buddy for looking out for Martha and I. We truly did appreciate it
 
@Havana Shamrock great write up about the assistance from a really special individual.

First time we were going to cross Lake O a few years ago, Captain Rusty gave me pointers. Knew the cut off time for when we needed to clear Roland Martins to make it past the last locks on the other side.

Last year on our trip north, he was on the phone with me recommending routes and stops. At one point we had to leave our boat in NC to fly back to Texas for a few days for some work items. Called Rusty, told him I needed to leave the boat for a few days - he knew just the perfect spot.

And just a great guy to talk to and to be around.

Hats off to you Commodore Rusty!

(note my wife still wears her Sea Ray hat that Rusty wrote a note under the bill)
 
What a great trip in terms of making wonderful memories, then sharing them with all of us.

Thanks to all involved.
 
Awesome - Rusty was a great resource when we where buying our 48. I only can hope I get the absolute pleasure of Rusty's assistance in the future
 
Last edited:
I love reading this stuff. Well done to all involved.
 
As some of you know we moved the boat south from Long Island to Longboat Key Fla a few weeks ago. Although I had traveled with Larry (CSR) from Nj to Morehead I was then on my own for 9 more days this was a trip I had never done before and by far the longest run I had ever done. I did have the luxury of a few members here that reached out and offered to keep an eye on us as we transited the coast which in fact made me feel good it was reassuring to know someone was tracking us and waited for us to check in at the end of the day.
One guy who was working at FLIBS when I hit the south was Capt Rusty now I had asked him a few questions prior to my departure which he answered but I didn’t expect him to check in on me every A.M. and call every night knowing where I was and where I was heading the next day
This was like setting the autopilot on “Rusty” mode and just watching the gauges all day. His nightly briefing consisted of what I was to expect the following day as far as weather,route, obstacles, bridges and Locks.
He even had instructions for what my wife where to do when we arrived at each lock where to hang fenders high,low, what side wear a life jacket you name it he nailed it perfectly I’m sure he’s been through them more than once in his career. Rusty even asked me if I thought I could make it further he would call ahead to a marina to get me in and where to get fuel. I did chart out my stops along the way but if we where making good time my plan changed daily and he knew exactly where I’d land
Its no secret that Rusty is working for himself now so making money should be a priority to him but a friend is a friend he stepped aside daily to make sure we where ok and that meant the world to me I just hope that If I or anyone here ever needs to hire a Capt his name would come up on the top of the list .
FYI: He’s been known to operate other brands so talk him up on the docks

thanks buddy for looking out for Martha and I. We truly did appreciate it
Great that you had good friends looking out for you. My folks move boats around for s living and the fall weather can be s challenge for the best of captains. Their last one was a 52 from Georgian bay to west palm beach . Total time including a few days for conditions that were too foul to travel safely 27 days. I'm hoping over the next few years to acquire the credentials and experience hours to be able to assist them when needed . I have a long way to go to be at the competence level of the likes of Rusty and my folks that's for sure
 
I have no thoughts that I will ever reach Rusty’s knowledge level.

A lot of what I know I learned from Rusty.

He has done these routes so many times on different boats, hands on experience.

I don’t hesitate to offer my knowledge of a specific route I have done several times. But the first time I did that route, more than likely was with a lot of input from Rusty.
 
Joe......hummmm..

Couple minutes each morning, and knowing your destination in the evening, let me think Martha was safe. I was at FLIBS and up at that time. I enjoyed the early morning conversation offered in the Yankee Gaelic, dang near got my juices flowing....we'll talk about this post when I see you, soon new Floridian!

Rusty

What's wrong with this picture, Larry with two over-served Irishmen?..there's no such thing as an over-served Irishman
Joe & Larry.jpg


hummm....Luv ya man!
 
Rusty,

I think I have the perfect new business plan for you! We will get you a 900 number, Dial a Captain!! In all seriousness Rusty thanks for taking Joes calls! He was waking me up every morning! ;)

Honestly Rusty you are the best, and what you were giving Joe was priceless information from years of knowledge and experience. You are, and will always be a true gentleman!!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,948
Messages
1,422,802
Members
60,930
Latest member
Ebrown69
Back
Top