looking for opinions on the Tres Martin Performance Boating school

[DMF]

Hello Guys,
I am thinking of attending the Tres Martin Performance Boating school and I am looking to hear from people who have taken the class. What are your thoughts good or bad on your experience?
Thanks in advance!
Dennis

 

[McRib]

I've wanted to take this course myself. Have heard from folks that have taken it that it's a great course. I just can't afford it. It's very pricy imo but when you can afford a boat that actually would benefit from the class then it's just money. 300k k+ boat..... I'm sure 3k for the course is just a walk in the park. Lol

 

[jack14r]

I did it last year just because I wanted to learn all I could and it was great,I am surprised a year later how much more comfortable I am in turns in the F32.His course is worth every penny!!!

 

[Boschma]

Do you take the class in your own boat or for $3k do you get to be a baller for the day and drive something bad ass?

 

[Joker]

I know there's some people on here that could use it.:thumbup:

 

[RiverDave]

Do you take the class in your own boat or for $3k do you get to be a baller for the day and drive something bad ass?

Generally you take the course in your own boat.

 

[TCHB]

Calling Sam!!!

 

[shueman]

Most insurance carriers today are making Tres Martin a REQUIREMENT for coverage on high performance triple digit speed boats ...

 

[HavasuHank]

I know Chipster27 took the course. He said he definitely benefited from it.

I plan on taking it myself once I get my next boat. [emoji106]

 

[RiverDave]

Most insurance carriers today are making Tres Martin a REQUIREMENT for coverage on high performance triple digit speed boats ...

Someday in the not too distant future we are gonna have a discussion about that on Rdp..

 

[Andy01]

For clients with no cat experience it is a must, almost all carriers require it without having owned a cat before. Of course you have variables, size, speed, value, year, prior boats owned, on and on.

I refer my clients that need the course directly to Tres himself, often times I explain the course then have Tres call them. I can say with great confidents I have never had one client say they we wished they didn't take it or it wasn't money well spent. Every client I have put through the course comes out as a more confident operator. He teaches the students about the boat, how the boat works, how the step bottom works (with great detail), how each type of bottom runs, trims, at all speeds. A very thorough course, all of this is done in a classroom first day, then second day is done in your boat. It is a cheap price to pay for the safety of your passengers and the safety of others around you. 120mph is easy, 120mph turning for a boat or jet ski is totally different. If you walk away with one thing like the "move the entire boat over" to avoid something, it is worth it. Some pretty cool tricks.

Yes, I took the course at desert storm in April this year, I have hundreds of hours in F series DCB's, couple of Skaters, seat time in the ocean in my 30 Spectre and I learned some better ways to do some things, some things I already knew, and things in the course that hadn't really ever presented themselves to me. I don't rave about much, but a class dedicated to the safety of the sport we all love is welcome in my book.

Tre's sends me business and I send him as much as I can. It keeps insurance carriers writing high risk policies at a decent premium, and keeps people buying the next fastest/best thing because they can get insurance. :thumbsup

 

[JBS]

Took it several years ago. Well worth it!!

 

[Don Johnson]

Most insurance carriers today are making Tres Martin a REQUIREMENT for coverage on high performance triple digit speed boats ...

Not necessarily. Depends on boat ownership history and experience

 

[Andy01]

Not necessarily. Depends on boat ownership history and experience

:thumbsup

 

[YOLO]

Worth every penny! I don't care what kind of boat you have or how much experience you have, I will guarantee that you will leave the course knowing much more than you did entering it!

 

[Don Johnson]

I believe that all skill levels would benefit from Tres Martin training even an lifelong boater like me. It is good to practice defensive driving maneuvers and be reminded of all the different scenarios and facets of boating

 

[TLAW719]

Does your boat have to be able to do 125+ in order to do the ultimate performance course?

 

[OCTANE MARINE]

Take the class! You will be surprised how much you will learn! And be a much safer boater!

 

[SJP]

It is a very cool class :thumbup: I really enjoyed both days and would even consider auditing the class in the future as a refresher. A lot of guys also schedule time with Tres when he comes to town to go out in their boat with them after they take the class to refine concepts. The guy is a professional boat operator and instructor. I found the expierience very useful.

SJP

 

[Deja_Vu]

Good thread :thumbsup

My wife and I plan on taking this course when we buy a big cat in a couple years.

Anyone take the CA boater safety on-line course? I'm about half way done with that.

 

[Singleton]

Took the Ca online class and passed, but always thought Tres would be good to do. Even though I have operated a boat since the age of 14, I know it would teach me a few new tricks and refine others. Thinking the wife needs to take it as well.

 

[farmo83]

I would love to take the course but don't have an extra 3k lying around. If finances allow in the future I will be taking it.

 

[Boschma]

Wouldn't it be advantageous of the builders to offer it or a credit with the high horsepower/speed boats?

That way they know people using their product can keep it under control.

 

[RiverDave]

Wouldn't it be advantageous of the builders to offer it or a credit with the high horsepower/speed boats?

That way they know people using their product can keep it under control.

DCB was doing this.. Not sure if they still are?

 

[Boschma]

DCB was doing this.. Not sure if they still are?

Seems like it would help prevent giving the company a "black eye" over something that wasn't even their fault.

but then again....you don't see Ferrari or anything other sports car companies giving anything away.

 

[454Rocket]

It's expensive. Worth it for me because I now feel comfortable in a boat which I knew nothing about in regards to pushing its limits.

A lot of times I think it comes to insurance, but I was a first time cat owner and it wasn't required. I changed carriers after the class and have a lower rate, however. It either opened up more carriers or lowered the rate... not sure which one.

Be prepared to beat the shit out of your equipment and have everything 100% up to par safety equipment wise, etc. It's a day on the water really putting your boat through the paces. One benefit, after the meat of the course is done, is having Tres give you professional input on driving style, how to do speed runs, props, etc. all tailored to you and your boat specifically.

One note of improvement would be better communication upfront regarding Tres' boat requirements. I would have missed my day on the water because the boat didn't have a kill switch, for example. Had I known, I would have had one installed rather than scrambling the afternoon before.

 

[crzy2bealive]

Good thread :thumbsup

My wife and I plan on taking this course when we buy a big cat in a couple years.

Anyone take the CA boater safety on-line course? I'm about half way done with that.

Taking the final test. It took me 8 months because to get through it.. I been lazy lol

 

[dave29]

Take the class and learn about how much you don't know. I've had 4 cats over the last 12 years. Now I know how to drive them safely at all speeds. 1 day of classroom, 1 day on the water.

 

[SJP]

DCB was doing this.. Not sure if they still are?

Yes I believe so.

Seems like it would help prevent giving the company a "black eye" over something that wasn't even their fault.

but then again....you don't see Ferrari or anything other sports car companies giving anything away.

- pretty sure it is buried in the cost of a new DCB.

 

[aka619er]

Two days, your boat, and your fuel for $3,000. Thats' a hell of a deal. Just another thing to add to the list of reasons to slap my guidance counselor from school.

 

[Deja_Vu]

Taking the final test. It took me 8 months because to get through it.. I been lazy lol

I think I started mine 6 months ago... Its pretty time intensive!

 

[Pesky Varmint]

I wouldn't waste your money. For instance, the boating experts on this board unanimously agree
that step hulls are dangerous killer boats that should be banned.

Yet Tres Martin claims they can teach you how to drive them safely.

Stick with your own experts.

 

[spectras only]

you don't see Ferrari or anything other sports car companies giving anything away.

Chrysler offered free driving instructions for owners of new Viper buyers! Not sure if it's still free now, but sRT experience is still available.:thumbup: https://www.viperexperience.com/viper/register.action

Always wondered, who did Tres took pointers from, before he became a racer?:hmm