Captain James Lowe
USCG 200 Ton Licensed Master
(727) 236-1385

Yacht Delivery Experts

Captain James Lowe can certainly help you move your newly purchased boat to its new home. As a USCG licensed master, he is experienced in yacht relocation and delivery services. To get started, you can fill out the contact form and provide the necessary information, such as the departure location, destination, and cruising speed of your vessel.
If you are a new boat or yacht owner and need an experienced captain to help you move your vessel to its new home port, look no further than Captain James Lowe. With years of experience delivering yachts all over the great loop, Captain Lowe has the skills and expertise to safely and efficiently pilot your vessel to its destination.:
  • But Captain James Lowe's skills go beyond just piloting your boat. He is also an excellent instructor, patient and understanding with new boat owners. He will work with you to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in handling your vessel, so that you can enjoy all the pleasures that come with owning a boat..
  • Long-Distance Delivery - Our crew is equipped to handle long-distance deliveries.
So if you're a new boat owner looking for a trusted and experienced captain to help you get your vessel to its new home port, look no further than Captain James Lowe's. Contact him today to discuss your needs and schedule your delivery or training..

Services Offered

  • Yacht delivery services for all types of vessels
  • Vessel orientation and hands-on training instruction for new owners
  • Navigation chart plotting and general boat handling skills

About Captain James Lowe

Whether you're a first-time boat owner or an experienced seafarer, navigating your new vessel to its home port can be a daunting task. That's where Captain James Lowe comes in. With years of experience navigating waters all over the great loop, Captain Lowe has the skills and knowledge to safely and efficiently deliver your boat to its new home.

But Captain Lowe isnt just a skilled navigator - he's also a patient and understanding instructor who will work with you to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in handling your vessel. Whether you're looking for a captain to simply deliver your boat or someone to teach you the ropes, Captain Lowe is the right choice..

image If you're a boat owner in search of a reliable and experienced captain to assist you in transporting your vessel to its intended destination, Captain James Lowe is the perfect choice. Don't hesitate to get in touch with him today to discuss your requirements and arrange for your delivery or training.

Insurance Company Check Ride

A check ride is an evaluation conducted by a licensed captain on behalf of an insurance company to assess a boat or yacht owner's ability to operate their vessel safely. During a check ride, the captain evaluates the owner's knowledge of navigation, ability to operate the vessel safely in various conditions, and ability to maintain and repair the vessel's systems. The check ride helps insurance companies assess the risk of insuring a vessel and promotes safety and responsible boating practices.

When a boat or yacht owner obtains a new insurance policy, their insurance company may require them to have an evaluation of their familiarity and ability to operate their vessel. This is done to ensure that the owner has the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate their vessel and prevent any accidents or damages that could lead to insurance claims. Captain James Lowe is a USCG-licensed Master who provides this service to boat and yacht owners. He evaluates the owner's familiarity and ability to operate the vessel safely and proficiently. If the owner needs additional training to meet the standards required by their insurance company, Captain Lowe can provide that as well. In some cases, new boat owners may be required to have a professional captain aboard during their voyage from the place of purchase to the vessel's new home port. This is to ensure that the new owner has someone with the necessary skills and experience to help them safely navigate the vessel during the voyage.
To be signed off by Captain James Lowe, the boat owner must have a basic understanding of navigation, be able to safely operate the vessel in different conditions such as in a channel or during docking, have knowledge of the vessel's systems operation and maintenance, and be able to perform simple repairs. Additionally, the boat owner should be aware of the location and use of the vessel's required safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and emergency flares. Overall, the evaluation and training provided by Captain James Lowe can help boat and yacht owners meet the safety requirements set by their insurance companies and ensure that they can operate their vessels safely and confidently.

Ok How Much?

The standard practice in the maritime industry is for the crew to be paid on a daily basis for a workday, and they are typically provided with provisions during their employment. In addition, the crew members are reimbursed for their travel expenses and receive compensation for their time spent traveling. Our usual operating schedule for the boat consists of 10-hour workdays, with a priority on operating during daylight hours for safety purposes, whenever possible. It's important to note that our responsibilities do not end when we tie up, as we also need to perform necessary tasks such as fueling, maintenance and provisioning.

First, chart a realistic course to determine the distance you will be traveling in nautical miles. This can be done using nautical chart, GPS devices, or other navigation tools, It's important to note that automotive GPS systems or Google Maps are not suitable for nautical charting purposes.

The standard unit of measurement in maritime industries is the nautical mile (symbol: nm).

(nautical charts are in nautical miles)
(100 nautical miles is approximately equal to 115.08 statute miles. A nautical mile is 800 feet longer than statue mile., )

When charting a course along a coastal route, the actual distance traveled will likely be greater than the straight-line distance between the starting point and the destination. This is because the boat will need to navigate around various obstacles during the voyage, such as shoals, shallow water, or a crooked river channel.
The actual distance traveled during a voyage will depend on the specific route chosen by the captain, who will use navigational tools available on the boat. It's important to note that the charted course may vary depending on the location of navigation markers, which may differ from those indicated on the chart.

Once you have determined the distance in nautical miles, you can calculate the time it will take to travel that distance by dividing the distance by the speed at which you will be traveling in knots. Knots are the standard unit of speed used in maritime and aviation industries. (It's important for the customer to have a realistic understanding of the capabilities and limitations of their boat's speed.)

The result of this calculation will give you the estimated number of hours it will take to travel the distance, assuming you maintain a constant speed throughout the journey. Note that this is just an estimate, as factors such as weather, currents, and other navigational challenges can affect the actual travel time. delivery boat pics

For example, if you are traveling a distance of 500 nautical miles and will be traveling at a speed of 10 knots, the calculation would be as follows:
  • Time = Distance / Speed
  • Time = 500 nautical miles / 10 knots
  • Time = 50 hours

So it would take approximately 50 hours to travel 500 nautical miles at a speed of 10 knots, assuming there are no delays or other factors that would affect the travel time.

** NOTE: If you are aware of the FUEL consumption rate of your vessel per hour, you can estimate the amount of fuel required for the entire journey, which in this case is approximately 50 hours. Additional information regarding the calculation of fuel will be provided below.

If you plan to travel for 10 hours a day at a speed of 10 knots, the estimated distance you could cover would be:

  • Distance = Speed x Time
  • Distance = 10 knots x 10 hours = 100 nautical miles per day
  • Distance = 500 nautical miles
  • 500/100 = 5 days


  • Therefore, it would take approximately 5 days to travel 500 nautical miles if you plan to travel for 10 hours a day at a speed of 10 knots. Our boat transportation services are charged on a daily basis, which covers the costs of crew travel expenses and their daily rate. In addition to this, we charge for provisions required during the boat's journey. To clarify, since the crew's travel time needs to be factored in both directions, the originally estimated 5-day journey ended up taking 7 days. In addition, we also charge a provisions rate for each day of the journey.

    Safety is a crucial aspect of any maritime journey, and having a well-trained crew is essential for ensuring the safety of all onboard. Captain James Lowe prioritizes safety and with our own trained crew members who are experienced team players and familiar with our communication procedures.
    A minimum crew of 2 consists of a licensed captain and an unlicensed engineer who doubles as a deckhand, both of whom are capable to safely and efficiently deliver your yacht to its destination.
    The deckhand-engineer will be responsible for daily maintenance tasks such as line handling, cleaning, and simple repairs, as well as checking fluid levels, fueling, changing filters, cleaning sea strainers, and more. They will also relieve the captain at the helm when necessary, ensuring that both crew members are well-rested and able to perform their duties safely and efficiently.


    Daily Crew Rates and Provisions may vary slightly depending on the type of vessel, its location, destination, difficulty level, and available amenities/facilities.

    For the purpose of this example, we estimate a daily rate of: $625 for 2 crew members.
    And $100 per day for provisions."

    $625 per day for 2 crew and $100 per day for provisions, the calculation would be:

    • $3,125 Crew wages: $625 x 5 days
    • $700 Provision cost: $100 x 7 days
    • $3,825.00 sub total cost

    The total cost for 5 days of crew wages on the boat and 2 days of travel pay is including provisions is $3,825.00

    Travel Pay: If your travel distance exceeds 200 miles from our central Florida base of operations, then you will incur a full day's crew wages charge. For example, on a 500 mile trip, it is probable that you will have to pay for one or more days of travel.

    Provisions Charge: The provision cost covers the expense of feeding the crew, whether through meals prepared onboard or dining out. Given the long hours and limited galleys, eating out is a common practice if the timing and location permit it. Please note that this estimate does not include crew travel expenses, such as airfare, car rental, fuel, Uber, taxi, Amtrak, ferry, trains or buses, as well as any lodging accommodations if needed (just figure another grand).

    Crew Travel Expenses: Please note that the daily crew rate we quoted does not include fuel or marina fees. To accurately calculate your total expenses, you will need to take into account the fuel consumption rate of your vessel and estimate the amount of fuel required for the entire journey. Additionally, you should also factor in any marina fees or docking charges that will be incurred during the trip

    To summarize, the estimated cost for vessel relocation services will be calculated on a daily basis, which covers the crew's daily rate and travel expenses, as well as the daily provisions required during the journey. However, please note that this estimate does not include fuel or marina fees, so those costs will need to be factored in separately.


    Estimating Cost Of Marinas

    Marina fees include dockage fees, water and electricity. Fuel and pump outs are extra.
    For a 5-day trip, it's typical to spend 4 days at transient docks, which will incur fees based on the length of the vessel and the amenities used. Marinas usually charge by the foot or length of the vessel per night For transient dockage .
    If the marina charges $2 per foot and your boat is 50 feet long, then the cost would be $100 per night.
    • $2 X 50 foot =$100
    • $100 X 4 days =$400
    Keep in mind that the cost of marina fees can vary greatly, ranging from $1 to $7 or more per foot per night, depending on the marina and location.


    Estimating Fuel:
    Owners should conduct a fuel consumption test prior to any boat relocations.
    Here is a step-by-step process:
    • Go to a fuel dock and fill the vessel to its full fuel capacity.
    • Chart a course that will take at least 2 hours one way.
    • Take note of the time of day before getting underway and set the boat at your desired cruising speed and maintaning that speed.
    • Navigate to the destination and record the time and distance traveled.
      • Important: Measure the distance using GPS but focus on calculating gallons per hour (GPH), not miles per gallon (MPG).
    • Return, and check the time of day once again.
    • Fill the boat to its full fuel capacity once more.
    • Divide the total gallons used by the total time traveled to calculate the gallons per hour (GPH) fuel consumption rate.
    By following these steps, owners can determine the approximate fuel consumption rate of their vessel in similar circumstances.

    Knowing the fuel consumption rate of your vessel per hour can be helpful in estimating the amount of fuel required for the entire journey. In the previous example, the estimated travel time was 50 hours to cover a distance of 500 nautical miles at a speed of 10 knots per hour. If you are aware of the fuel consumption rate of your vessel, you can multiply it by the estimated travel time of 50 hours to get an estimate of the amount of fuel required for the entire journey. For instance, if your vessel has a fuel consumption rate of 10 gallons per hour, then the estimated amount of fuel required for the entire journey would be:

    • Fuel required = Fuel consumption rate x Travel time
    • Fuel required = 10 gallons per hour x 50 hours
    • Fuel required = 500 gallons

    Note that this is just an estimate and actual fuel consumption may vary depending on factors such as weather, sea conditions, speed variations, and other variables. It's always best to carry extra fuel for unforeseen circumstances or to make refueling stops along the way.

    Summary

    Your boat's delivery crew will be led by a licensed captain who will have the primary responsibility of safely charting and navigating the yacht to its destination, as well as handling boat handling duties such as docking and anchoring. Additionally, a deckhand-engineer will be present to assist the captain in all aspects of the delivery process.

    As the owner, you have the opportunity to join us on the journey either as a passenger or for training purposes. This can be an invaluable learning experience for you, as you will be able to witness the captain's expert navigation skills and the deckhand-engineer's daily maintenance routines firsthand. You can also ask questions and receive personalized instruction on topics such as boat handling, navigation, line-handling and maintenance from an experienced crew.
    Contact Us
    For more information on our yacht relocation services or scheduling a delivery, we kindly request that you fill out the contact form first. This will provide us with the necessary information, such as the departure location, destination, and the the actual realistic cruising speed of your vessel.

    (The actual realistic cruising speed of your vessel is not its top speed, but rather the speed at which the vessel can maintain for hours without experiencing any mechanical or performance issues.)

    Once you have submitted the form, feel free to contact
    Captain James Lowe at (727) 236-1385 or visit the website to learn more https://www.captainjameslowe.com/index.php.
    Thank you for considering Captain James Lowe for your yacht relocation needs.