Jet Ski Rental Business

This won't be any easy proposition. Access to any beach will be limited. Resistance will be great. Search the local papers on line. There was a couple recently in St Croix that were turned down for permits for the very same business. They were well funded and experienced and still couldn't get the permits or access.
Jay

This is a very difficult business to be involved in. Jet sky operaters come and go. All the beaches have an operators on them. It is not like there are beachs that can be claimed and you just set up a business. . Good luck, but as a new person I would loook to another business.

No offense, Mike and Rose, but please don't. We have enough of the noisy things as it is. If you try it on any on the beaches that don't already have 'em, you will meet with plenty of local resistance. Go to Florida instead. 😉

PR has beaches that are jet ski friendly -research that and have a vacation on expenses.

I think what we'll do is stick with STT but since the jet ski idea doesn't seem too popular, do a boat charter and / or kayak tours or something along those lines. Thanks for the feedback from those who offered encouragement.

Just keep looking around. You'll find your niche. Good luck!

Island Hopper,
I would contact a Realtor on STT, Tell them what you are looking/like to do and see what their take would be.
The NIMBY attitude sometimes comes out with the residents, which may not be the correct answer to your questions. You can get a list of Realtor's at www.viphonebook.com

Thank you Ihop. I will gladly rent a kayak from you! 😉

there are a lot of businesses that a local or transplant resident would prefer not to have around (unless it offers them a high paying job); but some of those businesses can result in a large income if your target audience is made up of tourists. Expect some opposition, but if the financial data tells you that the numbers work it might be worth pursuing. Not everyone can be popular with every neighbor. As irritating as jet skis and other power water vehicles can be to residents hanging out on the beach, there are soooo many tourists who plan their whole day on an island based on the activities they can arrange.

There is a fairly recent jet ski operation on STX that isn't doing all that well since we don't have the high numbers of tourists that STT has wandering around off the cruise ships. From being a cruise ship passenger in the past, I know that there never seem to be enough such excursion offerings available for all the people who want to sign up.

I would talk to the other kayak operators out there, I don't think they make much of a living. Even on VERY busy Magens bay he doesn't make a killing thats for sure.

Doing a boat charter I think you could do well, but I would suggest getting a boat that holds more than 6 since that is the most common and holding more than 6 would set you apart. But a boat like that with all of the Coast Guard inspections is going to set you back.

I know many people that have boat charters but they live on the boat and they just do ok. And they are established for years with good reviews and a website.

Now if you want a business idea that could make you tons. here you go since I will be your first customer.

Startup and daycare center. Make it a daycare center by day and a Chuck E Cheese type place for night. Have your daycare staffers be college students getting course credit for pre-school education and then pay them for working the restaurant at night. Put video cameras in so parents can check in on the daycare kids via the web, charge $1k per kid per month and you're in business.

Then get in good with the cruise ships so parents on cruises can drop off the kids as well, and if you arrange for daily activities like a kids camp for older kids you can charge $100 a day and have a 10-1 ratio. Not too shabby.

You can see I have the business plan made up, I'm just not interested in running something like that.

Dear Stu Scott,
My turn now. I live in the Pac NW. I would like my free business plan and start-up instructions. Thanking you in anticipation.
Jane

We have a family owned Jet Ski Rental and Tour business located in Christiansted St Croix and work off of the boardwalk near Rumrunners Restaurant and in front of Stixx. Our shop is directly in front of Big Beard's Adventure Tours, and where Tan Tan Tours picks up and drops off customers. It took over 14 months and 3 public meetings to obtain the permits and license because we had to open doors that had never been opened before. We also had to gain the respect of the boaters in the area, which we did after they realized that our operation was professional and responsible. Our location is prime and lucrative even from the beginning with minimal advertising. In addition we have numerous exclusives with local hotels, businesses, and our location. Also we have exclusivity to work off of one of the resorts beaches. We have over 16 years experience in Jet Ski operations and our dream was to retire here, but my wife's father has terminal cancer and we have to return to the states to continue their family business. We love St Croix, and are glad we came here instead of St Thomas, where there are too many businesses on top of each other doing the same thing. The beauty of St Croix is also a plus when taking customers on tours for snorkeling and sightseeing. Just recently we were the only nomination listed under 3 categories for the Best of Virgin Islands, sponsored by The Daily News, Best Jet Ski Rental and Tour, Best Activity, Best Watersports. We also won first place for Innovation in Decembers boat parade. One of our Jet Skis, and our Jet Ski only, was allowed to participate. The first time this had ever been done. This is a reflection of our relationship with the residents and boaters of this wonderful island. If you would like information regarding the sale of our business you may contact us at 340-778-7541 or 340-277-4148 or you may e-mail us. Our web address is www.stcroixvijetskirentalsandtours.com.