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jrc · 06-08-2006, 11:17 PM

The Winni Water Taxi changed to the Winni Lake Tours after about two seasons. Originally it was $8 per person from any dock to any dock. That business model seemed doomed from the start. And now at more than $3.00 a gallon and what 1-2 MPG, it's even more problematic.

I've met the owner through business dealings and I think he made decent money during the summer. This was after the change to a sightseeing boat. He didn't see a nickel from October to April. Plus he has a lot of overhead, he had to put up a lot of capital to buy or lease the boats. I'm sure the insurance was expensive, especially after the Ethan Allen accident.

I think there still is a market for alternative to the big cruise boats, they have pretty inflexible schedules. A true taxi service would be tough sledding, I can't see anyone making money just doing that.

06-08-2006, 11:17 PM	#7
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	The Winni Water Taxi changed to the Winni Lake Tours after about two seasons. Originally it was $8 per person from any dock to any dock. That business model seemed doomed from the start. And now at more than $3.00 a gallon and what 1-2 MPG, it's even more problematic. I've met the owner through business dealings and I think he made decent money during the summer. This was after the change to a sightseeing boat. He didn't see a nickel from October to April. Plus he has a lot of overhead, he had to put up a lot of capital to buy or lease the boats. I'm sure the insurance was expensive, especially after the Ethan Allen accident. I think there still is a market for alternative to the big cruise boats, they have pretty inflexible schedules. A true taxi service would be tough sledding, I can't see anyone making money just doing that.