End of an Era at Sewell's in Horseshoe Bay-No More Rentals or Tours

[Dogbreath]

West Vancouver's Sewell’s Marina shutting down boat rental and tour business

The longtime Horseshoe Bay operator says the demand for moorage has gone up

www.nsnews.com

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West Vancouver's Sewell’s Marina shutting down boat rental and tour business​

The longtime Horseshoe Bay operator says the demand for moorage has gone up

Boaters hoping to rent small craft from Sewell’s Marina in Horseshoe Bay will have to look elsewhere.

The longtime West Vancouver marine operator is ending its boat rental and tour services as of the new year.

Sewell’s says the decision to end its rental business was a difficult one, and is due to a mix of decreasing demand for the service along with a swell of interest for mooring.

At the peak of its rental business in the 1980s, the company had around 70 boats, but in recent years that number has fallen to around 25 vessels, said Eric Sewell, a manager at the marina.

Meanwhile, Sewell’s has amassed a wait list of boaters seeking space to moor their craft.

“By expanding moorage availability to meet demand, Sewell’s will be allowing more customers with boats of their own to use the marina as a gateway to Howe Sound and the waters beyond,” Sewell said.

Still, the news of ending the boat rentals and tours has been sad for some, including local tourism associations, business associations and former staff, he said.

“They’re saddened by this news, but encourage us to keep doing what we do,” Sewell said. “More boats can come to our fuel dock, and we’re just going to be welcoming boaters in a different way.”

 

[Bryan Allen]

Guess they will sell off the rental boats. In the past I bought two Hourstons from them.

 

[Sea Chaser]

Been on the waiting list for moorage for a few years now. Maybe I’ll get a spot finally .

 

[1marko]

Greed always succeeds...

 

[Bill 310]

Greed always succeeds...

I don't understand what you wrote.

Are you implying that Sewells is being greedy?

They are running a business, not a charity.

Their Rental fleet has been pared down by 2/3rds (approx) and they have a pent up demand for moorage.

Based on their rental rates if they can find moorage for thirty 24' boats they will earn $142,980/year plus get additional gas sales, parts, bait, people eating in their restaurant etc.. They also won't have to own and maintain a flotilla of rental boats driven by folks who generally don't have a clue.

After the recent boat/seaplane collision in Coal Harbour there will be an increase on the insurance costs of running a boat rental business.

The fact that anyone can rent a boat without proper training is just silly.

 

[bryce]

I can’t believe moorage is Vancouver is almost 50% less then Prince Rupert

 

[Derby]

West Vancouver's Sewell’s Marina shutting down boat rental and tour business

The longtime Horseshoe Bay operator says the demand for moorage has gone up

www.nsnews.com

 

[TMan]

That's too bad. Understandable, but still too bad. How many people got a taste of boating from renting from them over the years? I suspect quite a few.

 

[TMan]

On the other hand. Maybe some Hourston boats come up for sale.

 

[Aquaholic]

That's too bad. Understandable, but still too bad. How many people got a taste of boating from renting from them over the years? I suspect quite a few.

True. Similarly , I talked to a high-end boat dealer at the boat show one year, and he praised Bayliner for making those entry-level boats that got many people into boating, but soon realized they wanted something a little better which helped other manufacturers.

 

[trophywife]

I can’t believe moorage is Vancouver is almost 50% less then Prince Rupert

comparing summer short term rates to annual? just curious.

 

[terrin]

West Vancouver's Sewell’s Marina shutting down boat rental and tour business

The longtime Horseshoe Bay operator says the demand for moorage has gone up

www.nsnews.com

​

West Vancouver's Sewell’s Marina shutting down boat rental and tour business​

The longtime Horseshoe Bay operator says the demand for moorage has gone up

Boaters hoping to rent small craft from Sewell’s Marina in Horseshoe Bay will have to look elsewhere.

The longtime West Vancouver marine operator is ending its boat rental and tour services as of the new year.

Sewell’s says the decision to end its rental business was a difficult one, and is due to a mix of decreasing demand for the service along with a swell of interest for mooring.

At the peak of its rental business in the 1980s, the company had around 70 boats, but in recent years that number has fallen to around 25 vessels, said Eric Sewell, a manager at the marina.

Meanwhile, Sewell’s has amassed a wait list of boaters seeking space to moor their craft.

“By expanding moorage availability to meet demand, Sewell’s will be allowing more customers with boats of their own to use the marina as a gateway to Howe Sound and the waters beyond,” Sewell said.

Still, the news of ending the boat rentals and tours has been sad for some, including local tourism associations, business associations and former staff, he said.

“They’re saddened by this news, but encourage us to keep doing what we do,” Sewell said. “More boats can come to our fuel dock, and we’re just going to be welcoming boaters in a different way.”

West Vancouver Council gave the Foreshore lease that Bay Boats had to Sewell's with the commitment to provide rentals as Bay Boat did. I guess the passage of time makes commitments irrelevant. My first boat exposure were from the rentals at ambleside and Bay boats in Horseshoe Bay.That was in the 70's

 

[bryce]

comparing summer short term rates to annual? just curious.

I’m not sure what was posted there I pay annual in Rupert