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Captain Mike Nowak
Let me tell you a little about myself, after all, I will be part of your AMBITIOUS Charters experience. It might help to know who is “running the boat”.
The running joke in my family is that “Mike’s first car was a boat” That should tell you a lot!
My first boat was a 16 foot Hobie Cat that I bought when I was fourteen. I have not been without a vessel since.
My experience and ownership ranges from sailing to power, including high horsepower Offshore boats, Trawlers and Recreational Cruisers. I average over 100 days a year on the water.
I am a 100 ton Master Captain, search and rescue scuba diver and private pilot. All of these certifications require extensive knowledge, training, testing and experience to attain. I can assure you, while you are with me, safety is always the primary concern. I am a “Zero Loss” Captain. I have never damaged or injured personnel, property or ship. A record I am quite proud to maintain.
As an Instructional Captain, I offer services to Skippers on their own vessels. More information is available on our Training page!
On a personal note, I am 60+ years young and healthy of mind, body and spirit. I enjoy many activities and adventures:
I have lived in Traverse City for twenty years. I have extensive boating and diving experience on the Great Lakes. I well know the waters of Lake Michigan and her
inlets, as well as the Straits of Mackinac and Eastern Upper Peninsula. I spent twelve years navigating the Western basin of Lake Erie, twelve years on Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron and the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers. I have some additional experience on Lake Superior, as well as southern Atlantic and Gulf waters. I’m quite comfortable and confident on all waters.
When not on the wet water or on the frosty kind, you can find me in my fabrication shop TC Mike’s Garage.
What to bring on a charter boat is a good question. It’s hard to answer, because it depends on individual needs, activity, season, possible weather range — yadda yadda yadda …
I did, however, answer one fella and his wife when he asked. I told him, ” Bring half of what you think you need … and twice the money.”
They showed up in swim suits and T-shirts, and ended up six hours later with take out lobster on the swim platform with their toes in the water facing a sunset. Priceless.
Seriously … what should be in your daypack?
If it’s big or heavy (like a kayak, or paddle board) better talk to Cap’n Mike first.
Traverse City Charter Boat Rates | Captain Mike will deliver an experience to you and your family in a safe and competent manner for a day.
Consider going out and plopping down a hundred thousand dollars on a boat and putting in 35 years of running watercraft in and around the Great Lakes, versus, flipping a few hundred dollars to the captain who will deliver that same experience. Sounds like a fair deal. This is really the axiom that drives the charter boat industry.
I operate AMBITIOUS in a simple manner. AMBITIOUS fueled with crew and ice – $295 an hour. Hourly rate can fluctuate on lower fuel consumption tours.
Economic realities at this time leave the potential for a fuel surcharge.
Let me give you a few examples:
A couple staying at the Park Place on their anniversary in Traverse City, enjoyed bottle of wine and some pate’ while listening to Frank Sinatra CDs for a couple hours one evening while floating in West Grand Traverse Bay. Lovely folks … $500
Three visitors to Traverse City looking for a running tour of West Traverse Bay: Mission Peninsula, Bowers Harbor, Power Island, and Leelanau Shore. Two hour running tour … $500
Three Sisters getting together without their extended families, for a day of boating, shopping and dining. You know, being sisters! 10am Traverse City Departure, Charlevoix for lunch and shopping, back across Grand Traverse Bay to Northport for dinner, and a sunset cruise down the Leelanau Peninsula arriving back in Traverse City at 9pm.
They’ll tell ya — Best day ever! … $1800
Two couples sharing expense for an afternoon in Omena Bay at anchor for swimming and sunbathing and their own picnic lunch — Noon to five … $900
Family of four for a day outing 10am to 5pm from Traverse City to Bowers Harbor and Power Island for swimming & picnicking. Kids slept like logs that night I’m sure … $1200
So … There are a few examples of charter pricing.
Think about how you would like to enjoy AMBITIOUS and the stunning Great Lakes!
– Captain Michael P. Nowak
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