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kayak rental business #10755513 04/09/15 08:40 AM
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Workfishngolf37 Offline OP
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hey guys I posted a few months ago that I was planning on opening up a kayaking business. So now its time for some more of your input. I was thinking of going with pescador kayaks mainly because the consumer reviews sound very good. What do you guys think? What would you like to see that other kayak rental places don't offer? I also would like to say thanks on here to AUSTIN CITY KAYAK. They were very helpful with questions. I did explain that I was planning on opening up shop and they still helped me out.

Re: kayak rental business [Re: Workfishngolf37] #10756472 04/09/15 05:35 PM
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Workfishngolf37 Offline OP
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Wow not even one comment?

Re: kayak rental business [Re: Workfishngolf37] #10756813 04/09/15 08:08 PM
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Bob Landry Offline
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Asking for opinions here is going to get you answers all over the map. Instead, why don't you talk to the retailers who sell kayaks and canoes to the boat rental vendors and get first-hand, valid information. I know there are several vendors in the Austin area who are in the rental business and they have to get their boats somewhere.
Consumer reviews are one step short of useless. What they are is a declaration by the poster on what he has, which in his opinion, is probably going to be the best. Same goes for magazine reviews. They are nothing more than paid advertising. BTW, this applies to anything you are looking to buy, not just boats. Again, your local kayak dealer is where you need to start, then if there are other resources he will point you in the right direction. After all, he is in the business of selling boats and he would probably like to sell you a bunch of them.

As far as brands, do some research there also. Some of the big box stores sell kayaks that are made of a non-repairable material. If you get a hole in one, it goes to the plastic recycler and you are shopping for another boat. Again, your local dealer will be happy to tell you what's good and what is not. I know TG in Austin does not sell anything that is not repairable.
I don't mean to come across like a know-it-all, because I'm new to the sport, however, in the course of reading, researching, etc, I asked a lot of questions, some probably dumb, ut I felt like I got the answers I needed to decide which boat to plop my hard earned $$$ on, and it probably kept me from making a very expensive mistake. Hopefully, some of the advice I got will help others make a sound decision. anything beyond Academy is going to be a lot of money and you want the most bang for the buck.


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Re: kayak rental business [Re: Workfishngolf37] #10756857 04/09/15 08:30 PM
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Workfishngolf37 Offline OP
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Wow good advice. I never thought about the same damage to two different brands not being able to be repaired. I would hate to throw away one kayak just because of minor damage. That's what the purpose of this post is to get all kinds of feedback. Thank you

Re: kayak rental business [Re: Workfishngolf37] #10756891 04/09/15 08:48 PM
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Bob Landry Offline
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BTW, Pescador is supposed to be pretty good quality. My dealer sells them and he doesn't sell what he can't fix. I also found out that Perception uses some of the older Wilderness Systems molds and that the WS Tarpons are made from these molds. Hopefully the dealers who hang around here will chime in.


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Re: kayak rental business [Re: Workfishngolf37] #10757801 04/10/15 03:48 AM
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Fish ZoMbiE Offline
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U have asked questions & gotten insiteful answers in return.
NOW MY GOOD MAN, I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS FOR U...

1. pescadors r a no brainer. but what lengths? 12's or 14's & why?

2. what r u gonna tell dear ol dad that weighs 300lbs plus?
"sir i have a conoe for ur large posterior." i think not...

3. will u rent in the fall & early spring or just summer time when conditions are ideal?
4. wont, moms n dads appriciate not sitting in water?
so, pescadors alone wont cut it my friendy friend.
5. do elevated seats + more stable rides = repeat customers.
5.5 Do cold/wet bottoms = repeat business?
6. will u b renting by the hr? if so, will ur customers keep them longer if their calfs n heels arn't on the floor?
7. have you considered hiring little people & handing out wonka bars with golden tickets?
8. if not then do u have something against little people?


Re: kayak rental business [Re: Workfishngolf37] #10757906 04/10/15 09:02 AM
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Workfishngolf37 Offline OP
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1. Both because it makes sense.
2. Is dear ol dad 5ft 6 or 6ft 5?
3. This year prolly just in summer but hey if someone wants to rent a kayak in 55 degree water temps. Bring a wetsuit that's what they are for.
4. We don't mind getting our bottoms wet when we go kayaking. Who doesn't mind get a little wet in the summer time? DUH
5. I hope so but if you as a user don't know how to use the paddles then you wont have a good time anyway. which brings up another good idea.
5.5 I don't know but I do know this if your into kayaking that much you prolly have your own kayak. If water temps are 50 degrees and you come to my store wanting to rent a kayak. If you don't have any experience I wouldn't rent you a kayak.
6. by the day.
7. My 3 daughters are little so yes.

Re: kayak rental business [Re: Workfishngolf37] #10759962 04/11/15 01:25 PM
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Fish ZoMbiE Offline
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Put those 3 to work in "Standard Issue Co. Uniforms" & pay em in chocolate. All your problems have been solved.

You've got the right attitude IMO.
Treat people right & keep positive. It's infectous!


Re: kayak rental business [Re: Workfishngolf37] #10764716 04/13/15 07:16 PM
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Pescadors would be a good rental yak IMO and would cover probably 85% of your potential clientele. Maybe consider a few "wider and more stable boats" for those needing/wanting more stability and a few smaller boats for the kids. You can adjust your inventory as you get more experience in customer wants/needs - thats the nice thing about yaks - it's a fairly low capital investment that is easily upsized/downsized/adjusted. If I recall, you were talking about getting a Hobie dealership - is that still a go or ? GL with your venture.

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