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Designated Master Services

Call or Text (719) 493-8357 to book!

Once you have booked, payment is your agreement to these terms below.

Click Here for Availability Calendar

 

Ahoy there!  I am Jonathan Sanders and can be hired as a designated master departing from anywhere in the Choctawhatchee bay area (Destin, Ft. Walton, Val Paraiso, Santa Rosa Beach, Freeport, 30A).  Designated Master is a different title than Captain but still performs basically the same function.  The difference is that a Captain has a license and is regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard.  I am a private citizen that is contracted to drive private boats.  Boats that are rented are also considered private boats! 

 

Why hire me?

- 35 years boating experience including the following:

- 8 years riding jet skis and water skiing as a kid.  

- Hundreds of off shore fishing excursions with my dad in high school on our boat.  

- 8 Honorable Years service in the United States Coast Guard (including certification as Deck Seaman, see my service here).

- SCUBA Instructor Certification.

- Hundreds of days offshore spear fishing and fishing.  

- I generally know how to have a good time! 

- I provide extras like plastic blankets if things get chilly, snorkeling gear, and more so tell me what your trip entails and I will seek to make the day as smooth and comfortable as possible.

- I know these waters well.  I am familiar with the weather patterns and am usually able to salvage a bad weather day and keep the guests safe.

- I understand the water currents in different areas and often set up my boats with total safety in mind given the very powerful currents that are often present at Crab Island and other areas.

- While anchored, I am constantly surveying any dangers from other vessels and redirecting other vessels away from my guests in the water.

- I bring drinks to people in the water, take people to spots to snorkel and party, and basically know how to find the niche activities each group is looking for (your communication is crucial on this front of course :)). 

- I have not checked the box of getting an actual captain's license because my activities simply do not require it.

I will take out any single, outboard, engine vessel.  I do not drive sail boats under sail.

What to Expect

I will meet you in the designated area prescribed by the vessel rental company or wherever you tell me to meet you if you are hiring me directly for your personal boat.  I will then give a safety briefing, load up all passenger items, and everyone will board per the vessel company’s procedures.  Passengers should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure. 

 

Once on board, I will hear where the group wants to go and what they want to do and will discuss the trip and solidify the plan.  Planning will also occur prior to departure.

 

Once underway, I can be as interactive as desired.  

 

We will go where you want and do what you want (within reason of course😊).  If you want some recommendations for activities, just ask! 

 

You should bring:

Coolers, food, drinks (alcohol is permitted), sunscreen, sunglasses, swimming attire, comfortable attire, Dramamine, and any water toys you want to use.  Keep in mind there is limited space on the vessel and some large water toys / a lot of water toys may not fit!  Feel free to reach out with any questions.  Keep in mind that even in the heat of summer, people can get cool and a light jacket is always a good idea to have on board.

We will return to the location we departed.  Any time desired beyond the agreed to and paid for price, at the request of the guests, will be subject to additional fees. 

 

Costs and Payment Schedule:

The standard rate for a pontoon trip is $50 per hour; though, for special circumstances the trip may cost more or less. 

 

  • A security deposit of 50% of the total amount is required to reserve the trip.

  • The full amount must be paid within 5 days of departure.

  • Please see the end of this document for payment methods.

  • If you desire an invoice or receipt, please ask and these can be sent to you!

Refunds:

If payment is made with a credit card, any refunds will incur a 3% cancellation fee (credit card processor does not refund their fee).

 

Boarding:

Please board wherever the rental agency has told you to board and I will meet you at the dock!  If there are any questions, please contact me!  If we are on your vessel then please let me know where to meet you!

 

Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellation can be made for a full refund up to 14 days prior to the trip date.

  • Once the 14-day window has passed, cancellation on the part of the customer will result in the loss of the full security deposit.

  • If you are cancelling within 3 days, no refund will be issued for the full amount of the trip. 

  • We advise all customers to procure trip insurance or pay with a major credit card that offers travel / trip insurance as a part of the service plan to prevent loss in the event of an unforeseen emergency. 

 

Weather:

  • The weather can change quickly and weather forecasts are not always correct. 

  • In the event that a full trip must be cancelled due to inclement weather, a refund will be issued, any refund policies in this document will apply.

  • There are times the winds prevent the party from being able to make the journey as planned / desired, i.e., to Crab Island.  An alternative plan will be offered if winds prevent the desired trek.  If conditions can be safely navigated then the trip will take place.

  • Rain/storms may occur during a trip.  Small storms are not grounds for a cancellation.  The boat and passengers will be taken to a safe location until the storm passes. 

  • If a storm comes that will last for more than half the number of hours of the trip then the trip can be cancelled and a prorated refund will be given based on the number of hours out on the boat ride. 

Gratuity:

Nobody would drive without decent gratuity.  Tipping is a topic that has become slightly taboo to discuss that should not be.  Most vessel rental companies require a referral fee, often around 25%-30%​.  Often the designated master is expected to tip the deck hands.  Then, on top of the referral and tip costs, designated masters are all, by definition, self employed; which, accompanies a large set of taxes.  Normal gratuity for a 6 hour trip is between $100 and $600+ depending on the quality of service rendered.  Of course, if the service is terrible, no tip is warranted.  Feedback with a lower tip is always appreciated as well if the service is terrible!  

 

 

Payment Methods:

Payment of the daily fee or the deposit is your agreement to the terms in this page.

I take Venmo and Credit/Debit Card.  

Venmo:

The Venmo handle is: @Jonathan-BizETech, last 4 of phone is 4474.

The QR Code is below for Venmo.

Credit Cards:

PLEASE NOTE: a 3% fee is added to cover credit card fees.

For credit card payments, please click one of the following:

To pay the deposit for a day: Credit Card Deposit Link

To pay the full day's fee for a 6 hour trip: Credit Card Six Hour Day Link

- You can also call to pay over the phone.

Please refer to the refund policy for credit card refunds. 

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