Captain Neil F. Hodder, Founder and Co-owner of Safely Moored LLC.

It has been a goal of mine to provide a service that I feel is not only a passion of mine, but also a necessary service that is greatly needed in our ever-growing boating community of South Florida.

I was born in Hollywood, Florida where boating and fishing was an all consuming family lifestyle. I participated annually in the “Waterway Clean-up” and still do to this day. I worked for New River Marina in Ft Lauderdale everyday after school, where I delivered boats on and around the New River.

After High School, I enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. It was a decision that seemed appropriate to continue on with my love of boats and the ocean. After my tenure in the U.S. Coast Guard I continued on with the boating world.

I hold a 100 ton Master License with commercial assistance towing endorsement. I captained numerous vessels ranging from small center consoles to large Motor Yachts, I captained for Sea Tow, repossessed boats for banks and Managed Yachts.

With my extensive knowledge and continued passion with our boating community, SafelyMoored LLC, an On the Water Boat Training/Yacht Management service has been created to serve all who have chosen to enjoy the wonderful life of boating.

South Florida has grown tremendously, and with that, the increase in boat ownership has swelled. With the high population of boaters, safety has become crucial.

It is my goal and the goal of my qualified staff to provide the finest and most comprehensive training in boat handling and safety while focusing on the the recreational boater. We also provide such services as pre-purchase consulting and all captain services.

Make your boating experience an enjoyable one by building confidence with knowledge and training that is second to none.

Fair winds and following seas,
Captain Neil F. Hodder

Kelly Hodder, Co-owner & Office Manager
Safely Moored LLC

Kelly was born in New Jersey but moved to Florida when she was 2 years old. She had nothing to do with the marine industry for 23 years. Then she met Neil Hodder. He took her out on her her first boat ride & she got sick. He married her anyway. She has worked for 2 successful doctor's over the past 10 years. There she learned the skills to running a busy, organized office. Kelly & Neil have been married for 6 years. During this time Kelly has developed a love for boating and a stronger stomach.

Donald R. Mathis, Director of Yacht Sales

Don has been a broker in Ft. Lauderdale, FL for more than 35 years with his own companies.  He has been a dealer for several lines of power and sail, built many yachts in the U.S. and other nations, and built and operated a major marina in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas with 35 charter yachts.

Don is an experienced yachtsman, having sailed to most of the islands from Florida to South America and other parts of the world.

It is Don’s fervent goal to equip and lead our many brokers at Safely Moored to represent you faithfully with reliable knowledge and ethics, and to help you live YOUR dream.  You will find that all of our ten or more brokers represent that intent.  Our brokers are licensed and bonded. 

Captain Eric was born in Chicago, IL He started boating as a young boy in Lake Michigan. He has traveled many ports on both the east & west coasts and quite literally from Maine to Mexico. Capt Eric has spent many days in all areas of the Bahamas and knows their waters as well as any professional mariner, He has worked on both Tow Boats & commercial tugs and has tremendous knowledge in marine salvage.

Capt Eric is a talented skipper and has experience in nearly all situations on the water, his knowledge and skills will provide you with the confidence you desire.

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