RE: [Paddlewise] Rental Boats

Jerry wrote:

> >From what I hear this is typical most places, with the exception
> of a few of the best shops.

I've rented from 3 different shops, with 2 different results:

The first was a rental boat for a friend interested in kayaking. Spring
River was the name of the shop and I went along as transportation for the
kayak. After filling out a quick rental agreement, my friend was pointed to
a fenced in area across the parking lot and told to go get it. In the fenced
area there were PFDs, spray skirts, and paddlefloats, but the only reason he
knew he needed any of the stuff was because I told him so. This friend was
also previously turned down by shop #3 because he had no experience.

The second was a rental for me (Ski Chalet). I had my eye on a boat and
wanted to try it out for a day before I would seriously consider buying one.
Again no questions, and since I already had all my own gear, I only
requested a sprayskirt. They looked around and finally gave me one, which I
wanted to test fit before leaving the store. The skirt was so tight I'm
*sure* I wouldn't have been able to get it off in a panic situation. I
insisted on a bigger one which they did locate.

The third, Atlantic Canoe & Kayak, was also a rental for me. Another kayak I
had my eye on. I paid twice what other area shops rented for (I later bought
the boat and got my rental fee back). The folks in the shop knew me so there
was no hesitation to rent to me. However, my friend who had tried before
they would not rent to because of no experience. I've been in the store when
people who say they are experienced wanted to rent, but the shop operator
would make them go down to the water and demonstrate a wet *entry* before
renting to them (anyone can do a wet exit).

The high rental price is about the same as their guided tours. I asked the
shop owner about this and she told me they really were not in the business
to rent kayaks.  I know she is VERY safety minded, and she told me she would
prefer someone new take a guided tour from them rather than attempt to go
out on their own, or participate in thier supervised water demos. A safety
class is part of every kayak sale.

Knowing these things, which shop would you recommend to someone else? Even
if the prices are higher in shop #3, would you still recommend them?

I've found myself going to shop #3 for every major purchase. I've made too
many mistakes when trying to do it alone, that I feel a good deal better
about buying from someone who seems to have my safety in mind. Everyone who
works in the store paddles, and yes, they are trying to make a buck or two,
but they also have enough experience that they can usually tell you the
common problems or the best accessories. Regular customers end up with a 10%
discount, which usually puts the price back down where the other shops are.

Renter beware...

Woody


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