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TaoJones · 13-09-2007, 14:50

In the latest issue of the BoatUS e-letter, the following item should be of interest to both those who are already qualified, and those who are working to obtain their credentials as qualified captains:

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BoatUS Seeks Captains!

A new online Professional Captains Locator Service from BoatUS is being launched to connect USCG licensed captains with boat owners seeking professional services. First, the Locator Service will help boat owners find captains for on-the-water deliveries.

The Service will also connect professional captains with inexperienced boat owners who would like to become more familiar with their new boats. A third reason concerns using professional captains to move boats prior to the arrival of a hurricane. Many boat insurance policies today offer to help with the cost of professional delivery services when a named storm is approaching.

The program’s current goal is to have qualified captains listed on the database before it becomes available to the public later this year. When the Web site does go live, Captains will be able to gain new job leads by leveraging the BoatUS.com Web site.

Professional Captains can get an application at BoatUS.com/Procaptains.

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TaoJones

AnchorageGuy · 13-09-2007, 17:26

Yes and YOU PAY THEM for that service.

CSY Man · 13-09-2007, 18:46

I would do it, but not for $50.00...

**Pblais** · 13-09-2007, 19:11

It should be reassuring to anyone in need that they are minimally qualified.

coot · 14-09-2007, 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck Baier

Yes and YOU PAY THEM for that service.

Don't you always have to pay for advertising?

**Pblais** · 14-09-2007, 20:58

Quote:

Don't you always have to pay for advertising?

Sometimes it really is all about the money.

AnchorageGuy · 15-09-2007, 18:07

Yes I would expect to pay for advertising. And that advertising is chosen by me to suit my needs. But BoatUS is soliciting to use your name and credentials and have you pay them for that service. That in my mind is not advertising and their fee is not a one time thing. Perhaps this is an opportunity for some to get their name out there if just starting. But there are other ways if you are going to pay for them so explore all options.

**Ex-Calif** · 16-09-2007, 21:23

I assume they intend to charge the owners for access to the data as well. Nice money if you can get it.

Some Boat US MBA trying to earn his stripes.

Let's get some people's data and make them pay us to take it then sell it to some other people.

Classic dot com business plan. Except people have figured out that they don't need to pay for data in the internet world. Someone will build a webs site with the same data and pay for it with google ads.

**Pblais** · 17-09-2007, 06:08

It appears the idea is to charge the captains $50/year for the listing service. There is nothing that indicates they will charge members to access the list. In that respect it is just like any other form of advertising.

vonotto · 17-09-2007, 13:01

Hmmm I smell a possible business in the works should I charge say half of what boat US wanted. Or maybe less.....hmmmm may have to think further.

**Ex-Calif** · 17-09-2007, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pblais

There is nothing that indicates they will charge members to access the list. In that respect it is just like any other form of advertising.

Right now they have nothing of value. After collecting the data, I'll bet dollars to donuts they charge the owner.

**David M** · 17-09-2007, 19:37

This sounds like something that Craig's list could do for free. My guess is that the BoatUS idea will be a failure because of the cost to professional skippers.

Boat owners should be picking up the tab. This is no different than head hunters who charge their clients to find them qualified employees. BoatUS has it backwards.

TaoJones · 17-09-2007, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by David M

Boat owners should be picking up the tab. This is no different than head hunters who charge their clients to find them qualified employees. BoatUS has it backwards.

I think the better analogy is The Yellow Pages. Because someone has taken the initiative to compile a single source where consumers can look for a company or individual who is offering the service or has the skills they seek, a tremendous amount of time is saved for the consumer.

By your reckoning, the consumer should pay Yellow Pages for access to the compiled list, rather than the businesses or individuals listed therein. Not exactly a compelling business model.

Obviously, businesses have come to the conclusion that it is in their best interest to be listed in the central location where consumers have the best chance of finding them. Many are willing to pay over and above to include an ad in addition to their basic listing. Why? To enhance their visibility to consumers seeking someone in their particular field.

Just imagine trying to find a professional to do a job for you if you have no way of knowing who is in the business and possesses the skills you require.

TaoJones