Seattle power boating, Puget Sound motor cruiser navigation, West Coast yachting, Comments

It has been our pleasure to know John Baker for the past year. He has performed warranty work and installed upgrade items for us on our new 44 foot Navigator Yacht. He has shown to be very adept at installations and repair work. We entrusted John to take our boat to Seattle and back for new equipment installations.
John has been very trustworthy and conscientious in all of our encounters. We have been very impressed with his boat handling and piloting skills. He has shown a good sense of humor and has been very patient with us as new boat owners.
— Dennis and Kathy
Everett, WA

I wanted to formally thank you for the excellent instructions and training you gave us on our Carver 506 operation and the basics on nautical requirements. It was professionally done and a good education for safe and sound boating.
Also, thanks for qualifying us with a written test that finalized the “Certificate of Nautical Training”. I plan to frame mine and prominently display it on the “Mis-Adventure”.
— Roy
Bellevue, WA

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the expert help you gave my wife and I on our new 35’ Chaparral cruiser. This was our first boat,………. so when you first arrived we were at a loss on where to start. However with your training, from docking and getting through the locks, to charting and navigating has gone a long way to making us feel comfortable with our boat. In addition, your knowledge of engines and boat maintenance identified some early issues we were able to resolve.
Thank you again for all of your help. Your patience, skills, and experience were truly the best part of the boat purchasing experience. Moreover, has made us confident, lifelong boaters.
— Bob and Kirstin
Kirkland, WA

Dear John,
We wanted to write this letter to to tell others about out wonderful experience with you.
My husband and I purchased a boat from a dealer in Seattle last year. Our home is in California but we wanted a boat for the Washington area, however we felt trying to oversee repairs and extras from so far away would be difficult. John Baker was the service manager for our dealer and when we met him we immediately liked him. What we didn't know was that with John in charge we would not have to worry about being so far away. After flying up and making a very picky walk through list John took charge and when we returned everything was complete and he even took care of a few things we missed. We were so pleased we even had him add the extra electronics for the boat. One problem we have had in the past is the mess that a lot of service workers make and then leave. It was so nice to come to the boat after John had been there and never find a mess, he even took his shoes off every time he boarded.
After being so happy with the service we received from John we couldn't believe our luck when we found out he would be taking us for our sea trial. Whenever we're learning to handle a new boat we get nervous, but John was patient, soft spoken, and encouraging which made it a pleasure. This method of instruction is perfect for us so we hired for private instruction and not only did we learn a lot but what a fun day we had! Of course when we decided to take a trip down the coast for the first time we called John. We had heard so many horror stories about boat owners taking trips with Captains but we knew we were in great hands and would have a good time. Our trip was filled with storms and awful water but we always felt safe with John. One thing we knew was that he always thought of everyone’s safety first and also not tearing up the boat. Despite the weather we did have a great time and learned a lot. Anyone who needs a captain and someone who can do repairs as you go would be lucky to have John Baker.
— Donna & Jeff
Stockton CA.

John,
It was good to hear from you and to learn of your new business. I always appreciated the work you performed on my boat and the patience you exhibited when training me how to run the damned thing. But, thanks to you, I can now navigate the waters with confidence.
Please let me know when you get up and running. I like the idea of having a monthly schedule for routine maintenance items. Just keeping the batteries full seems like a full time job. Getting to the things is a pain. So I'd love to turn these and other routine duties over to an able guy like yourself.
— Ed
Bellevue WA.

John Baker has given private instruction to several of our clients, whom have purchased boats from us over the years. We have received extremely positive feedback from them on how thoroughly he presents his material with patience and humor, giving our customers the ability and confidence to enjoy boating responsibly and safely. John is a knowledgeable mariner who truly shows that he cares about the customer and the end result of his training. We would not hesitate to recommend him in the future.
— Michael Shaffer
     Bellevue Operations & Sales Manager
     Seattle Boat Company
     13203 NE 16th Street
     Bellevue, WA 98005
     ph. (425) 460-4066
     fax. (425) 460-4069

John,
I wanted to thank you for all your professional help in getting me and my family comfortable with navigating and handling our new 50 foot Sunseeker. I must admit it was a little daunting to try to learn the basics of safety, navionics and power boating all in one summer but you not only made it easy but the entire family had fun in the process. In the 50 hours that we spent with you motoring to and from Seattle and the San Juans we became proficient at basic charting and navigational safety. Despite our vessel being equipped with redundant GPS-chart plotters and radar we found this understanding of basic navigational technique important to a more general appreciation safe boating and appreciate your persistence in educating us on this important knowledge. What better testament to your capability than the fact that our 12 year could triangulate our position! Learning how to maneuver through the locks, in the fog, and in the wind, (an especially challenging task with our boat) and the best surprise of all, how and where to catch crabs was the icing on the cake. Your patient demeanor with our three boys was admirable and likely responsible for their comfort with you and their learning the basics of safety and seamanship that you provided. We look forward to working with you in the future on advanced maneuvering techniques.
— Jim
Hunts Point, WA

We have referred newer boaters to John Baker for training and have been happy with his service. Our customers are better boaters, more confident and safer as a result of his thorough hands on training.
— Neal Booth
     Boat Insurance Agency Inc.
     1500 Westlake Ave. N. #102
     Seattle Wa. 98109
     (800) 828-2446
     Tel. (206) 285-1350
     fax (206) 285-1370

Links
Albertos Fiberglass Repair is a Seattle-based business specializing in the repair of fiberglass boats. They offer major and minor repairs including gelcoat and blister and major collision repair. They also do authorized insurance repairs and custom fabrication and installation.

Birchard & Agee Marine Services is a Seattle-based authorized Volvo, MerCruiser and OMC repair facility. They offer annual maintenance, major mechanical repair, electronic upgrades, fishing equipment installs and many other services for your boat.

Marine Lenders Services LLC provides services to lending institutions and law firms dealing with marine vessels from ski boats to yachts and fishing boats to freighters.