Spring - Gull Chain of Lakes Association

19
Having moved to the Lakes Area nearly six years ago from San
Diego, California, you could say Jay Chaney knows a thing
or two about the water.
“We love the water and owned boats when we were in
California,” Chaney noted. “Most recently, a 33’ Sea-Ray
called ‘Love and Luck.’ We sold her when we moved here and
started our business.”
Chaney and wife, Melissa, currently own and operate Boats
and Beyond Rentals near the Gull Lake Chain, renting
pontoons, jet skis, fishing boats, ski boats and wakeboard
boats during the summer; and fish houses, snowmobiles and
snowmobile accessories through the winter months.
“We started a relationship with Nisswa Marine and have
purchased most of our boats there,” Chaney said. “Our
summer fleet has doubled since our first year. This summer
will be our sixth in business. Amazing how time flies.”
“Our office on County Road 77 is right on the snowmobile
trail, so it’s really convenient for our customers. We spend
most of the winter in our County Road 77 office, but in the
summer we are at the Love Lake Marina docks. We deliver
boats and allow customers to pick them up on a trailer, but
the marina is very convenient for our Gull Lake customers.”
One thing Chaney recognizes is that his business, and the
needs of his customers, is always changing.
“Last summer, we expanded the business to offer travel trailers.
It has been a great way to meet local clientele, as they seem to
be a hit with them. We were also surprised to find that people
would often rent them to be an extra ‘bedroom’ at their cabin
G U L L L A K E P R O F I L E S
BOATS AND BEYOND RENTALS
This is an ongoing column focusing on local businesses
and community leaders in the Gull Chain of Lakes area.
when they have extra family or guests.
They love the air conditioning!”
Despite spending time on the West Coast,
Chaney is certainly a Minnesota boy at his
roots. Having grown up in Lakeville, the
Chaney’s have had a family cabin on Gull
Lake since 1938.
“I’ve boated on Gull Lake since I was a
newborn baby!”
Now Chaney can carry out the tradition
with his own children. He and Melissa are
parents to three daughters – Cassidy, 10; Carly, 8;
and Calia, 6.
“Gull Lake is a wonderful place to be ‘stuck’ in the summer!
For the kids’ sake, we try to make it feel like they have a
normal, relaxing summer, but there is no doubt…we are busy!
We used to travel three days and 2,200 miles every summer
to get to the cabin. Now it’s three minutes and 2.2 miles!”
While Chaney will be the first to admit, the popularity of the
Gull Chain of Lakes has been good for his business, he also
knows much depends on preserving the natural resource so it
can be enjoyed for years to come.
“For the most part, it has been a great experience; but we
acknowledge the ever increasing awareness that AIS (Aquatic
Invasive Species) has added to our business. Not only do we
have to take steps to follow best practices, but we have to be
certain that our clients do, as well. Most are aware of the issues
and understand the importance of following the laws and rules
that are in place. If they don’t understand what is at stake,
we’re not afraid to educate them!”
FOR ALL YOUR RESIDENTIAL HEATING,
COOLING & PLUMBING NEEDS
• HEATING
• AIR CONDITIONING
• REFRIGERATION
• SHEET METAL
• PLUMBING
• INFLOOR HEATING
SYSTEMS
• SOLAR & GEOTHERMAL
EXPERTS
24 Hour emergency Service
Free Estimates - Locally Owned and Family Operated for 27 years
218-828-4337