CONFIDENCE ON THE WATER
Learn the art of boating with a custom Chapman School of Seamanship course, compliments of Pursuit Boats.
Chapman Program
Confidence on the Water:
Women Take the Helm
Discover how a group of female Pursuit Boat owners challenge stereotypes by taking the helm after completing our Confidence on the Water course with Chapman School of Seamanship.
Boat with Confidence
The Confidence on the Water Course, sponsored by Pursuit Boats, is available to you and three additional crew members, with the purchase of a new Pursuit boat. There is something for everyone to learn, no matter your level of skill on the water.
We developed this innovative experience because safety and boat handling are essential, and we want your entire crew – whether it be family or friends - to feel comfortable boating for years to come. It’s never too early to learn about boating, in fact, children as young as 10 years old can participate in the classes.
This specially designed two-day module—the first of its kind in the industry—was custom-created for Pursuit owners in partnership with the Chapman School of Seamanship, a world-renowned facility for boater education. The course features six hours of classroom instruction and six hours of on-the-water/at-the-helm training. It covers waterway rules, boating safety, docking and boat handling instruction, all aboard a Pursuit Boat—a twin-engine S 288 Sport.
In total, this opportunity is valued at $1,800, but the knowledge gained is priceless. No other boat manufacturer offers this critical safety initiative, and even seasoned boaters say they have learned valuable lessons from the Chapman School instructors.
Learn from the Best
The Chapman School of Seamanship is located in Stuart, Florida, with a history reaching back over 50 years. It was originally founded by Charles F. Chapman and Glen D. Castle to give troubled young men the ability to redeem themselves by learning the trades of the sea. It has evolved to offer both recreational and commercial courses and, to date, they have trained over 20,000 students.
How do I Sign Up?
To schedule your training, simply reach out directly at (772) 283-8130, or email info@chapman.org. Proof of purchase will be required.
Confidence on the Water Course classes are typically scheduled on the first and third weekends of every month, however exceptions may be made to fit your schedule.
For more information, visit chapman.org.
The Chapman School gave me the tools and confidence to operate my new Pursuit safely. Captain Mike did a great job explaining and reinforcing key concepts. Would highly recommend to all new Pursuit owners!
Bruce B.
This is a must for any boater. Even experienced boaters can benefit from a refresher.
Lee D.
Really impressed with the quality of the instructors. They were super friendly and met us where we are in terms of prior experience. Tiny class size also allowed us to get extra practice and ask extra questions.
Ben B.
I was so anxious before attending training class. This course has given me skills & knowledge to keep me safe.
Angela I.
The instructor at Chapman school was very thorough and answered all of my questions. He was also very patient when teaching docking and maneuvering the boat.
Teri R.
Thank you for getting my son Dustin and myself registered into the Chapman School of Seamanship course CPC-100. Both Dustin and I are truly impressed by everyone and everything associated with this course. Furthermore, the review and the education we received during this course is invaluable. This was time well spent and we have Pursuit to thank for it. Our instructor Capt. Mike has great insight and capability to express his knowledge and help us gain confidence on the water... While teaching us that boating knowledge and capabilities as well as respect for the water only increase your enjoyment and appreciation of boating. He achieved this in two 8-hour sessions! I got more out of this two-day course, than most courses I took in college for an entire semester. Both Dustin and I will be registering for course 200 at Chapman in the fall.
The hands-on session was amazing learning how to control a boat without touching the steering wheel was an eye opening event. He also had terms to explain common sense knowledge making it easier to express to others while boating. While enhancing the safety aspect of boating. This makes boating for everyone, from the operator to every passenger, a safer and more enjoyable boating experience. I don't care if you're a seasoned operator like me or a novice boater, everyone will get something to enhance their boating experience with this course. Again, I want to thank everyone at Pursuit who had the foresight to put a program like this together. Also, everyone at Chapman who had the knowledge to make this everything it needs to be.
THANK YOU!
Charles G.
It felt like our boat purchase was “meant to be” when I learned about the course offered through Pursuit was only a few miles from our family’s home in FL and we were able to book a training during an already planned vacation. It was a great intro to seamanship and boat handling and I now have confidence to operate our new Pursuit.
Shannon B.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of classroom education and the “on the water” training. Both days complemented one another very well. Captains Mike and Kym were excellent teachers!
Philip H.
A great basics class that all boaters would benefit from investing their time in!
Mark E.
As a first time boat owner, this course was a tremendous aid in development of our (my wife and I) confidence maneuvering and handling our new boat. I highly recommend this course for all boat owners who have not had any formal training.
Sidney I.
I have never had the confidence to even steer a boat my dad was driving but now I feel way more comfortable. Before I would refuse out of worry of hitting something but now I will welcome it and try to learn more through more experience.
Kacey K.
I love that pursuit gave us this opportunity to take this course. It was wonderful. It gives me confidence and more information towards our boat. Our instructor Captain Mike T was great!
Kim C.
We had a wonderful experience Captain Mike is an excellent teacher. He made learning and using what we learned in class a great experience.
Angela E.
Chapman School of Seamanship was a wonderful opportunity for me as a beginner to become familiar with our boat and rules/laws that go along with boating. I would highly suggest this school to anyone who is new to boating as well as, anyone who wants to brush up on their boating skills! My husband has been into boating 30+ years and he even took some great things away from this course!
Tara M.
Just want to say what a pleasure it was taking the Chapman CPC 100/Boating essentials course. Our instructor, Steve Hitchcock is/was a consummate pro, able to convey all info to your level of understanding, all the while coaching you up to the standard required. You'll be put in real world boating situations, but be trained/equipped with the necessary tools/knowledge to respond. At course end, you'll have an accurate assessment of your abilities, and where you need to go from there. The whole course is an immense confidence booster for a beginner/novice boater.
Clinton O.
Whether new to boating or a seasoned boater, this class is time very well spent! I am so grateful to Pursuit for making this available to us and to the great training that was received from Captain Mike K this weekend! I learned so much and it is taught in such a way that it will be retained.
Colleen Z.
Great course! I’ve been boating for 20 years - 10 of those much more seriously on title waters off the coast of South Carolina. I found the classroom, as well as on-water experience, to be well worth the time!
Matt K.
The course was educational for both experience boater and the novice. It is an opportunity to ask questions from captains who have much more experience and experiences.
Kevin Z.
Our instructor Capt. Mike was intelligent, articulate, very knowledgeable, and patient. He made us want to learn and the time flew by.
Ken R.
Hands down the best way to learn about boating.
Bridget O.
The Chapman school I would recommend to any new boater to and new to south Florida very highly. Their staff and administrative team is very well versed and helps make great decisions on the programs. The instructors were well informed, patient, incredible practical teachers. They can put you at ease in this learning situation. I highly recommend anyone to take classes to educate themselves on boating and south Florida boating.
Ralph R.
Thank you so much to Chapman School and Pursuit Boats for putting together such an incredible program! I feel much better equipped to operate powerboats safely as well as to share my knowledge with and to empower others. I highly recommend this course to both new and experienced boaters. Together we can help keep our waters safe!
Michelle S.
Captain Mike K was an excellent instructor and took the time and had the patience to teach an unskilled student. He is the best.
Judith E.
My husband and I bought a cottage in Linekin Bay, Boothbay Maine last year. We have a hundred foot peer and I could not imagine not having a boat at the end of the peer. So began my quest for a boat. Mind you, we are not boaters, but we love wildlife and outdoors.
So we take a ride to the Boat show in Portland Maine, very first look at boats. I had every intention of buying a boat, my husband was not so determined. We had no knowledge of the different boats out there or anything related to boating – seriously, when I think back, very impulsive but the best decision I have made in my entire life.
My realtor, Michael, told me that Yarmouth Boat Yard was really good and a great place to start – guess what, they were there with Pursuits. I love the look, the explanation, the sleek appearance – for me, that was what I loved. When I was on it, in it and looking at the layout, I loved everything about it. The salesman was very helpful. It was obvious that we didn’t know anything and he was patient and thorough, but then he sealed the deal:
Pursuit will send you to school and get you safe and prepared to accept this boat. I love school and loved the idea that I could get the necessary information to be a safe and proficient boater.
Sold, deposit made and boat delivered June, 2023. I never questioned the decision, not once.
We took the Chapman school of seamanship, compliments of Pursuit and have even completed the intermediate class with another schedule for next winter, to learn the handling of a Pursuit with more than one motor. Captain Mike has been amazing, we have successfully accomplished so many boating skills and feel wonderful on the water. Docking has been a challenge and the intermediate class has brought me to a new level. I love being a woman driving the boat and navigating complex waterways.
Crazy enough, I love to clean the boat after a day on the water, this reinforces all the pre and post boating safety checks.
My decision to purchase a Pursuit and attend the Chapman school of Seamanship has enhanced my life beyond the imagination. At 67 years young, this has opened up life in ways I never imagined. Boating and the people who boat are an amazing group of loving, helpful and happy people. Everyone in the area knows us by our Pursuit, and we are learning the boating world. We put 67 hours the first season on our boat and we are only weekend boaters. I have spent the winter planning new adventures with great people and continuing to learn and grow in boating.
My husband and I have tackled this together and enjoy every moment we have together and on the boat. My son is also learning boating skills and will attend Chapman with us next winter.
My Pursuit has become my “baby”. The enjoyment is far reaching and has brought me back to unimaginable joy, great friends and new adventures. The education at Chapman was key to the enjoyment.
Thank you Pursuit for a beautiful boat, a comprehensive seamanship class and great people.
Karen
I highly recommend taking advantage of the boating courses Chapman has to offer. As someone relatively new to boating, it was very beneficial to build a strong foundation on boating essentials. Captain Mike K was fantastic and really helped drive home how to maneuver on the water and also be safe. I left more confident and comfortable and can’t wait to take future courses.
James G.
I would highly recommend everyone that owns a pursuit boat or any boat to take the time to complete this course. You will learn a lot more than u could ever imagine in many areas of boating.
James G.
Chapman School & Pursuit Boats are an excellent team helping students to be successful boaters.
Barbara D.
Incredible class! Whether a novice or expert, there is something for everyone to take from this course! My only regret is not doing it years ago!
Matt M.
The Pursuit boating class I took at the Chapman Training facility in Florida was excellent and time well spent. I learned a lot about how to operate our new boat, how to drive it in both tight spaces and open water, and many of the rules governing the waterways. I highly recommend this class to anyone who operates boats regularly, whether a beginner or an experienced boater.
Julie K.
Course was well worth the time. Appreciate Pursuit making this available. Helped get my wife more comfortable with the boat and will us to have an overall better boating experience together.
Kevin C.
Captain Mike made the experience fun, yet informative. He was very patient with us, having no knowledge of how to drive or dock a boat.
Hannah V.
The CPC course provides a great background especially for beginners or those who have been away from boating for some time. They trained us onboard on a Pursuit boat that was similar to our own (though not exactly) which was nice because we were already familiar with many aspects of the boat.
Timothy C.