Friends form, own boat rental business

BAY VIEW — The Sandusky Bay has a lot to offer, including a new watercraft rental business started by two friends and seasoned bay boaters. After seeing the need and opportunity to do what they love, Michael Shaw and Brady Stang opened Bayview Watercraft Rentals in mid-May. They started by giving themselves a mission statement: "providing individuals with opportunities to experience the water in a unique and exciting way through a variety of watercraft." Open seven days a week, Bayview Watercraft Rentals is located next to Clemons Boats, at 8114 Barrett Road, in Bay View. It offers an assortment of equipment rentals: Yamaha jet skis, kayaks, paddle boards and a canoe. Stang and Shaw grew up together, both graduating from Olmsted Falls High School in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Stang is attending Akron University to study business. Throughout much of the past decade, they have spent time boating out of Clemons, which helped motivate them for the business and location. "We went with the flow, and everything fell into line," Shaw said. Near the boats, along this beach, Stang and Shaw created a more inviting atmosphere with cornhole boards and lounge chairs for anyone to enjoy. It has been a fun and successful summer so far, they said. Over time, they want to continue offering the best boating experience possible. "More kayaks, more jetskis, better paddleboards," Shaw said. "We want to keep inviting people in. We hope to build friendships, not customers." They also plan to get another canoe. Earlier in the season, a group rented their singular canoe and caught more than 50 fish. Local businesses, most within walking distance along the shore, have also helped boost the rentals, Shaw said, specifically naming Rayz on the Bay, Bubbles on the Bay Laundromat and the Bay Bell Restaurant, which is under renovation. Driftwood cottages are located across the street and rentals are accommodated for guests as well. "The bay has a lot to offer, and I think it has been cut off," Shaw said. "I am happy to be here when we are, there is so much potential for Bay View." Pricing, hours and any other information can be found at bayviewwatercraftrentals.com.