Downtown Boat Rental Center Step Closer

Starting next summer, residents will be able to rent kayaks, boats and other watercraft at a new boat rental center at the Turning Basin, the Argus Courier is reporting.

The Petaluma Small Craft Center already periodically hosts events when residents can use kayaks and canoes to explore the river. But starting next summer, the group is planning on opening a floating boat rental center at the northwest corner of the Turning Basin near Apple Box café.

There visitors would be able to rent watercraft for an hour, half a day or full day. Currently, only Clavey Paddle Sports offers rentals, but kayakers still have to haul the watercraft to the river or take a class that offers transportation.

The center would be run year-round and be staffed by both volunteers and employees, according to the story. Total cost of the boat rental center is estimated at $500,000 and fundraising is ongoing. To find out more or to get involved, check out petalumasmallcraftcenter.org 

Want to know more about the river? Check out Petaluma Patch’s video tour of river access points with local river enthusiast Susan Starbird.

To read more about the boat rental center, pick up a copy of this week’s Argus Courier.