ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) — As summer continues to maintain high temperatures, boating season is in full swing for New Yorkers. However, for many people, having access to a boat is an expensive luxury.
Nick Sarkis has been sailing for over ten years now and recently started renting out his boat to those who wish to use it two years ago.
“Due to the limited available resources and people keeping their boats here, there is no major influx of selling and buying,” Sarkis said. “So, so getting a boat is very difficult.”
He says chartering is a solution for people who cannot afford the cost of owning a boat and all the maintenance that comes with it.
“In Rochester it can be difficult as we only have a limited number of tugs. There are so many different people willing to help or service, it’s important to have someone who knows how to fix on the spot to save the day,” Sarkis said.
Sarkis charters his boats through GetMyBoat.com, an increasingly popular platform in the Finger Lakes region. The service is similar to Uber car rental service or Airbnb home rental service, but for boats.
“It’s very gratifying,” Sarkis said. “Like I did, every time in the end people are more in love than they initially thought. They always leave trying to decide if it’s easy or hard to have their own boat, it’s instantly their aspiration, which quickly comes to the realization that what they just did is really the way to do it.
If you choose to rent with Sarkis, he takes care of everything for you. He keeps his boat stocked with everything boaters might need for a day on the water, like toys, drinks, towels and even a swim platform. All tenants must bring their own person and a bathing suit.
“For those who couldn’t normally ride a boat under certain conditions – for example, if you’re hard of hearing, deaf, of a certain age – and still want to get in the water, but you don’t. don’t feel comfortable renting a boat for yourself, Rochester has a great unique and limited opportunity with GetMyBoat to get out here no matter what your age and be completely catered for,” said Sarkis.
He expects this service to become even more popular over the next few years due to the implementation of Brianna’s Law in 2025. The law required all personal watercraft operators to take a water safety course approved by the state.
The law is named after an 11-year-old girl from Long Island who tragically died in a boating accident in 2005. Experts say the accident could have been avoided with proper knowledge of boating safety.
GetMyBoat.com also offers deals on Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes.
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