420 AC Searay
 

A lot of you are familiar with what the ABC is. We have an opportunity to possible do something a little different, and I am wondering how much interest there might be out there.
I am thinking of bringing a Sea Ray 420 Aft Cabin (~48'LOA) to the lake, not necessarily to be part of the ABC but to just rent by the week. It has 2.5 bedrooms, 2 baths, etc.
What do you think? As far as I know there is no large boats for rent on the lake, right?

Thanks
Kurt

PS I would like to talk about the rental interest and if possible stay away from conversations of logistics of who operates the boats, how much qualification would they need, etc. Let's for a moment assume the boat would be used properly, legally and most importantly a safe, eco friendly way.

not to be too much of a wise guy BUT, that is all we need, another giant boat kicking up giant waves- damaging shorelines and property, especially if operated by inexperienced people when it comes to lake cruising.

I believe you may find there are people that would "rent" a vessel of that caliber and size.

We actually tried to see about renting a cruiser to see if we would be interested in the sport. We could only watch from shore or spend time with salesmen. We did end up purchasing a SeaRay from Irwins and have been extremely satisfied. It is now our 12th season on the lake.

The potential offerings you could market with that class of vessel do not exist on our lake or close to the area. You would need to go south of the Mason / Dixie line to find anything like it. You could even offer a "captain" option so your targeted customer could really be pampered! Bring them anywhere and return for sleeping for a few days souds like a little bit of heaven.

In response to "brian h" - ABC's track record of being a positive new business on the lake and the positive tone in the threads kurt has particpated lets me believe they have found the secret of managing their customers so there is minimal risk to the lake!

I Like It!
 

I think it's a great idea and would be a very successful venture for you!! Many people I believe would love to rent / stay over on a boat of that caliber on the big lake.

Dan

Looking forward in our lives, we would have a big interest in this. I like the captain idea that NoRegrets suggested. It adds real value and safety to the overall proposition.

We currently own lake front and have a 28' SeaRay. Both will be for sale soon and we will become renters when we visit the lake.

This porposal is a great way to go for us.

R2B

capt.
 

I agree an "on call captain" is how I am leaning right now.
This is kind of an odd/akward question in a world where prices of things have already been laid out. Since the lake has no real precedents for this sort of thing, and please keep in mind the idea is to not lose money :)
What is a week worth? (renters would have full access to Akwa Marina for the week)

$2500.00
 

Not including other cost such as on call Captain, I would say $2,500.00 per week + or -

Good Luck!

Dan

I would jump at $2,500 However, I think you will not make money at that rate. I would go to $3,500 to $4,500 a week depending on the condition and options like a/c. That would be bare boat with the marina and power. Captain and fuel would be extra.

R2B

Details
 

I can't thank you enough for the input.

I guess I should probably give more details on the boat, so you can give me better tips.
It has 3 AC units, Twin Cat 3126s, a generator, all the electronics you would expect, (GPS, multiple stereos, radar and auto pilot). It is a pretty nice boat.

Hmmmm.

Overall I think it's a good idea. I'd be interested in renting it for a week, but only as a bare boat.

Some of the options, like radar or auto-pilot have little or no value on this lake, so I think you'd need to consider what the actual value as it relates to the *usable* options.

Also, what would the minimum rental period be? It kind of seems like you'd need to make it 5-7 days as a standard rental just to make sure you're maximizing the opportunity.

The flip side is, like any small business you most likely have a fixed amount of capital to play with investing in the business. What is going to benefit your overall business model the most? It would *seem* to me that another boat for general membership availability would be best. Or maybe go with this concept, but make it a 33' cruiser that could be used by the members OR reserved for weekly rentals? Or available for extended weekly/weekend uses for a premium fee?

I agree, radar has very limited use and auto pilot is pointless on the lake. Even the generator has limited purpose, it is an ocean boat. We already own this boat for other reasons. I probably should have posted this under a new Screen name, to avoid the ABC conflict. This boat will have no adverse impact on the ABC or any of the other companies we operate. Other than I will offer ABC/Akwa members a discount.
The ABC continues to grow, and as membership grows so will the fleet for all the members.
This is just another service we can offer, I see this as an opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the lake, in a way that is currently not being offered.

Spoiled
 

I guess I am the Odd Man Out in this conversation. I have both owned and Bare Boat chartered in salt water over the past 45 years.

WHY..Would anyone want to spend $2500+ to putt around the lake in daytime..or night..THEN have to go back to a probably covered slip (Under a Roof) at night.

In a Nutshell: YOU CAN NOT Anchor or otherwise spend the night aboard a boat on the lake..unless in a "Certain" Slip..or "Private" mooring. :look: This is the VERY Restricted Lake Winni. NB

The Akwa marina is not covered, it includes access to a beach and pool and is very open to lake views. I'm currently in Gilford but have looked into Akwa.

My guess would be like any business is the demand there for the venture. Personally I like the idea, just not sure that it could be profitable with such a short season.

There's hundreds of boaters that do that now for much more than a one time cost of $2500. Personally, it's not for me; I think Winnipesaukee is great place to spend a day or two boating at a time, but the lake is pretty popular with slipped cabin cruiser owners.

I'm curious to hear how this business plan works out.

I think it's a great idea, and agree it would be even better with a permanent Captain.

With all the "press" the lake has gotten with Romney, I suspect lot's of other folks that are as fortunate as Mr. Romney has been, will be drawn to Winni. The availability of a boat of that size, for rent, would be a big draw for some people.

A Cheaper, and TOTALLY more Glamorous alternative would be a CRUISE aboard a Cruise Ship off the coast of Italy. ..In the Med. :) YES

You get the Glamour..The Personal Service, The Casinos.., The Pools, the Water Slides, The Entertainment, The Excitement, ...AND.. AND the Safety of having a CAPTAIN, to make sure everything ends happily. Just Sayin. :D NB

from business perspective you will have trouble making things work.

I think a different boat might be a better fit. a boat that size is tough on the lake, only a few places to get fuel, to hard to get a public dock, only a few marinas can lift it.

can you make money renting it 7 or 8 times a year? your pool of qualified renters is very small.

Like a car lease.
 

I suppose it is a great concept for some, for me I never could grasp the lease thing.
When I put down money I want it to be mine so I can take care of it the way I want it to be cared for and look at it and say I worked hard and this is what I’ve got to show for my labor.
Now on the other side of the coin, for the same reason I would try not to buy a leased vehicle. You never know how good, or how bad it has been treated. If I’m going to drive a car I know I’ll be returning I’m certainly not going to give it the same attention as I would something I own.

A get into a new Searay AC 42 would cost at least 700,000. To be able to rent that quality of a vessel for the cost of airfare and hotel for a vacation for two would seem to be enticing to many.

It is not a bad thing to get back to the slip and plug into cable for an evening back in a port. If customers know that up front it becomes part of the routine of winni life. I would assume the boat would have radar and GPS for late returns or 3 am departs to the broads to watch the sunrise.

It is sad the state has made no provisions to allow overnight mooring for boats. The "Live Free or Die" has been slowly changing to "manage and report every moment or movement".

During the week for the past few years there has been no problem finding dockage in many of the towns.

The New England Boat show is coming Feb 11th - 19th. With the lack of snow we hope it will be an early ice out and boat in this year!