It's that time of year and they are big shoes to fill.......

[BartsPlace]

We used Dan's services quite a bit over the years. He saved many a trip for our houseboat group. In my experience, he was always busy. I'm not sure someone could be successful dedicating only a couple of days a week to it. Dan's main draw (not to diminish his great ethic and quality of work) was availability. He could come right to your boat today (sometimes tomorrow). That's something that you couldn't get from OffShore, JNB, or Aramark. Any other non-time-sensitive repair, maintenance, turn service, etc, you can get from another vendor - though many of us preferred Dan for those types of services as well.

 

[Carolyn Kiteley]

Dave, you obviously need to do what is right for you and your family. I think there are too many groups up north that are unable to deliver on their promises due to the extensive workload. If Kiteley's is done, then that may be the best way for you to help the most people while also maintaining consistency. It would be nice if there were more opportunities in Hanksville that would attract more amenities, since I think it would also improve the situation for Ticaboo and Bullfrog as well. Ultimately, a service like Dan's is necessary, but it needs to be rewarding to all involved. I was looking at what the state want to pay the invasive species inspectors at Bullfrog/Hall's ($17/hr with no benefits) and can't think of why anyone would take that job when you will have to pay for housing out of that money. The same money can be found nearly anywhere along the Wasatch Front and you can likely live with Mom & Dad or in the apartment you are already renting, plus you will have all the trappings of civilization. Good luck!

Hi KITELEY’s here
We are not done. You are correct consistency along with amazing, quality work and service is what built our business here. We are a full blown Towing Business still, have been asked by State Patrol To service I-70 , They wrote a letter to the state asking the state of Utah to give us special dispensation to use our Impound yard in Several Counties.. Jeff Kiteleys work ethics have created a very good customer base, and always speaks for itself.. we have been very busy with Towing , Off Road vehicle recoveries and boat trailer axle repair. It is that time of year, where we are busy.
Lake Powell does need services, We have heard and been asked for years to do various things down there. I believe to be successful you need to be very consistent, and timely with what ever services you offer and not have to many things going on.

 

[nzaugg]

Hi KITELEY’s here
We are not done. You are correct consistency along with amazing, quality work and service is what built our business here. We are a full blown Towing Business still, have been asked by State Patrol To service I-70 , They wrote a letter to the state asking the state of Utah to give us special dispensation to use our Impound yard in Several Counties.. Jeff Kiteleys work ethics have created a very good customer base, and always speaks for itself.. we have been very busy with Towing , Off Road vehicle recoveries and boat trailer axle repair. It is that time of year, where we are busy.
Lake Powell does need services, We have heard and been asked for years to do various things down there. I believe to be successful you need to be very consistent, and timely with what ever services you offer and not have to many things going on.

That's great news. Jeff saved my bacon on a trip where I forgot to put the spare tire in the trailer and I hope every business that provides great service can succeed forever.

 

[Carolyn Kiteley]

That's great news. Jeff saved my bacon on a trip where I forgot to put the spare tire in the trailer and I hope every business that provides great service can succeed forever.

I hope that for business’s with great service as well, Or at least until they are ready to retire.
We will want to retire sometime, but really enjoy having the opportunity to help everyone traveling to the Lake or the area on their adventures. Hope everyone has a wonderful summer, Enjoying the water in the Lake it does look amazing

 

[Dave I.]

We used Dan's services quite a bit over the years. He saved many a trip for our houseboat group. In my experience, he was always busy. I'm not sure someone could be successful dedicating only a couple of days a week to it. Dan's main draw (not to diminish his great ethic and quality of work) was availability. He could come right to your boat today (sometimes tomorrow). That's something that you couldn't get from OffShore, JNB, or Aramark. Any other non-time-sensitive repair, maintenance, turn service, etc, you can get from another vendor - though many of us preferred Dan for those types of services as well.

And that is one thing I address in my OP regarding the distance between Bullfrog and Hanksville. If I was closer to Bullfrog, it wouldn't be a question and I guess that is what I was trying to feel out. Would it be something people would be interested in even though it would be different than what Dan offered? But also, would a scheduled repair be better than no repair at all? And then the winter availability?

And as far as consistency goes, I tried that here in Hanksville with a honest man's hand shake agreement. Next thing I knew, I had the State offices all over my back which actually, forced me into the towing business. Now, I am consistent with my Honest work ethic and trying to provide services that no one else offers in the area and trying to not step on most other companies toes. There are a lot of services this area needs on a regular basis. Sadly, Dan provided a specific service that is no longer an option. There is a huge void there but no one at the North Lake wants to fill them shoes.

Yes, I do keep busy and my not always be available for some of the services I offer, but that will be changing as the tourist demographics change in the Hanksville area. We are becoming a baby sized hotspot for many tourist and it will be interesting to see what lies in wait here at my shop.

 

[Dave I.]

Curious - what is the status with Offshore and the other guys across the road?? If you do it - you would need at least one RELIABLE young guy with a desire to expand his/her mechanical talents!!! Ticaboo might be a housing/base option????

The first problem is, I have been told by the locals with Ticaboo is the electricity bill runs $300+ a month even if its a vacant lot with a meter pole on it. I already have $350+ electric bills in Hanksville and it seems excessive just for the option to have power at a spot. Now, I'm sure I could work a deal with Offshore for storage but that is still a 134 mile round trip drive every day that I come to the Lake.

Second problem is finding a reliable young person to trust. Maybe my expectations are too high, but I'm not the only one that has a hard time finding a worker with a quarter the ambition needed for an endeavor like this. I know they are out there, but they are hard to find.

It really is coming to the decision whether I want to pursue an ambitious plan like this. The ideal situation would be if someone from Bullfrog, Halls or Ticaboo would take Dan's position over. I don't hear that happening from any of the big 3 and there really should be.

But, I'm getting at least 5 calls each week now that the lake is coming up and that is what prompted this post.

 

[Dave I.]

Dave, although the prospects look good for this type of business, I could see where a one man shop could get overwhelmed very quickly. It's a great idea though, in an area where there is a lot of need.

Could VERY easily get overwhelming. That is kind of the reason why I am here. Would houseboat owners prefer to have someone full time like Dan was (which is the obvious "yes"), a "part time" repair service on the water or no options at all.

Truth be told, The off-road recoveries are doing awesome and really enjoy doing those. My record is 25 in one week so far this year. Really don't want to give those up. And unknown future water issues at the lake have me hesitant on pulling the plug on a good gig and switch to houseboats.

Considering dipping my toes in and see what happens but being overwhelmed is something I don't want to become.

 

[POk3s]

It’s all understandable Dave. Tough decisions! The risk to take this on just flat out may not be necessary!

 

[Dave I.]

It’s all understandable Dave. Tough decisions! The risk to take this on just flat out may not be necessary!

That's what I'm trying to figure out and, to no surprise, my friends here at WW are a great source of input.

Maybe if I quit getting calls for on lake services, the question would go away but right now, at the beginning of the season AND none of the big 3 being available, I'm getting 4 calls a day on average. This is without any advertising. Just word of mouth that I am good at what I do and affordable.

I am leaning towards a hard no, but then I think about how many people may need this service. But then, I also think that winter work would be completely doable when the tourist traffic slows down.

I'm an optimistic type of person and I'm sure there is a medium ground here. Still questioning where though.
Seeing how the season is ramping up, I'm not seeing a possibility to be reliable with the "on water" services during the summer. But that doesn't mean the door is closed either.

Keep the ideas and thoughts coming!

 

[sparkin5280]

That's what I'm trying to figure out and, to no surprise, my friends here at WW are a great source of input.

Maybe if I quit getting calls for on lake services, the question would go away but right now, at the beginning of the season AND none of the big 3 being available, I'm getting 4 calls a day on average. This is without any advertising. Just word of mouth that I am good at what I do and affordable.

I am leaning towards a hard no, but then I think about how many people may need this service. But then, I also think that winter work would be completely doable when the tourist traffic slows down.

I'm an optimistic type of person and I'm sure there is a medium ground here. Still questioning where though.
Seeing how the season is ramping up, I'm not seeing a possibility to be reliable with the "on water" services during the summer. But that doesn't mean the door is closed either.

Keep the ideas and thoughts coming!

Sounds like you are kind of zoning in on it. Maybe keep doing your summer out of Hanksville thing, and then when it get's slow in the off season doing some winter work on people's boats. But maybe, just maybe you offer some sort of Emergency, let's just get it done bro, sort of thing with a name-your-price sort of situation. I'm telling you, you're not taking advantage of someone that their only other option is to ruin 2,3,4 family's worth of vacations. We're boat owners in one of the most remote locations in the USA. We know what we're up against and are happy when anyone is there to help.

 

[PowellBride]

Dave, it Sounds like the natural start would be to sign folks up for winterization and off season work. If nothing else, winterizing boats would keep you busy from late Sept-end of Oct That’s a win for you with additional revenue as your busy season starts to slow, and a win for North Lake boats that want to stay in a slip/on buoy for the winter

 

[BartsPlace]

@Dave I. Even though we haven't met, everything I've heard about you has led me to believe that you're the kind of person (skills, temperament) who could probably tackle this. Lots of positive comments from WW'ers. I do think it'd be difficult (for anyone) to take it on as a side-gig. Dan's operation was a full-time business all by itself. If you can't, or don't want to, restructure your current life/obligations, then I like @PowellBride's suggestion. Maybe you could portion off some slice of Dan's former business model that makes sense according to your availability (off-season, previously scheduled, etc)?

It'd still be really great if someone took over the on-demand repair portion of his business. In my opinion, this was by far the most attractive and valuable offering. And, as has been stated earlier, could also be the most lucrative. This service has saved untold numbers of vacations over the years. When you've spent several thousand dollars on food, fuel, houseboat shares & dues, jetski rentals, etc, for seven days on the lake with extended family and friends, only to find the generator won't start, you're willing to go to great lengths ($$$) to save the trip.

This exact scenario played out for our family a couple of years ago. Dan answered the phone after hours and was on our boat early the next morning. He found a cracked fuel supply line that was allowing air bubbles into the fuel. It took him about 30 minutes to replace it and get us all patched up. His price was reasonable, but we would have gladly paid considerably more to save the huge investment already made in one of our bigger trips.

Only you can decide if that's something you want to get into. Either way, thanks for all of the help and support you've given us Lake Powell aficionados over the years. Good luck!

 

[Dave I.]

Sounds like you are kind of zoning in on it. Maybe keep doing your summer out of Hanksville thing, and then when it get's slow in the off season doing some winter work on people's boats. But maybe, just maybe you offer some sort of Emergency, let's just get it done bro, sort of thing with a name-your-price sort of situation. I'm telling you, you're not taking advantage of someone that their only other option is to ruin 2,3,4 family's worth of vacations. We're boat owners in one of the most remote locations in the USA. We know what we're up against and are happy when anyone is there to help.

That's what I am kind of leaning towards. Doing a "winter only" thing at the lake, just like you said. But, on the flip side, the tourism demographics in the Hanksville area is really changing so we need to see how this all works out. There is a lot of variables to consider which haven't ben brought up here but don't really need brought up either.

It is getting into the boating season and really too late to get a new CUA for this summer thru the park but this coming winter is an option still.

Dave, it Sounds like the natural start would be to sign folks up for winterization and off season work. If nothing else, winterizing boats would keep you busy from late Sept-end of Oct That’s a win for you with additional revenue as your busy season starts to slow, and a win for North Lake boats that want to stay in a slip/on buoy for the winter

That looks like the most feasible option this late in the spring. Really too late for anything to be done this summer due to Gooberment processes. One would think a service like this would get rushed thru the pipeline for customer satisfaction, but that might be an ultimate pipe dream. haha

@Dave I. Even though we haven't met, everything I've heard about you has led me to believe that you're the kind of person (skills, temperament) who could probably tackle this. Lots of positive comments from WW'ers. I do think it'd be difficult (for anyone) to take it on as a side-gig. Dan's operation was a full-time business all by itself. If you can't, or don't want to, restructure your current life/obligations, then I like @PowellBride's suggestion. Maybe you could portion off some slice of Dan's former business model that makes sense according to your availability (off-season, previously scheduled, etc)?

It'd still be really great if someone took over the on-demand repair portion of his business. In my opinion, this was by far the most attractive and valuable offering. And, as has been stated earlier, could also be the most lucrative. This service has saved untold numbers of vacations over the years. When you've spent several thousand dollars on food, fuel, houseboat shares & dues, jetski rentals, etc, for seven days on the lake with extended family and friends, only to find the generator won't start, you're willing to go to great lengths ($$$) to save the trip.

This exact scenario played out for our family a couple of years ago. Dan answered the phone after hours and was on our boat early the next morning. He found a cracked fuel supply line that was allowing air bubbles into the fuel. It took him about 30 minutes to replace it and get us all patched up. His price was reasonable, but we would have gladly paid considerably more to save the huge investment already made in one of our bigger trips.

Only you can decide if that's something you want to get into. Either way, thanks for all of the help and support you've given us Lake Powell aficionados over the years. Good luck!

Thanks Bart! I am one of those genuine people with what you see is what you get and I am frequently looking at what is needed to help people on their vacations.

Just like always, Wordings have given some great advise and things to think about. Much like my idea about trying to save the steel pontoons with Argon or Nitrogen. That also was a great discussion and was a lot of fun.

That said Bart, I think we are getting to the point on this one where things will start getting repeated and get hair pulling annoying so I'll make one last statement and feel free to close the conversation after that. people can always call, message or text me if they have some further input or questions. Thanks for your input.

 

[Dave I.]

Thanks for the input guys! Nothing has been decided but my number is always open to anyone that has some comments or questions if needed.

As I knew, Dan's lake services were an asset to the lake and just about everyone that has a houseboat out there. When I was first starting my business, I actually considered doing lake services 100%. Talked it over with the wife and got the green light to do it. But anyone that knows me knows that I will treat others 150% how they treat me. I met with Dan and we got along great. I've never had a problem with Dan and even though he said there was room enough for a second on lake service boat, I never wanted to step on his toes and pursue that avenue. Sadly, his service is now gone and I'm REALLY surprised no one has stepped up to fill that void. Actually, VERY surprised.

When I first started thinking about this about a week ago, my first thought was, "It really is a full time need. I doubt a part time effort will be enough." and many of the comments here second that thought. And I'm still thinking along those lines and the on lake services does need to be a full time hustle to meet the demand. But without that demand met, a cracked fuel line will end a families 6 day vacation trip. That is the dilemma I see happening and I see the need for the service. But, it ultimately needs to be a full time thing. Break downs don't happen on a 2 day schedule each week as everyone knows but a scheduled repair would be better (I think) than the feeling of hopelessness of a vacation ending prematurely.

One thing which weighs on my mind is the lake level, but rather, the mentality of many people I hear from. For years, I have been told from people that the lake is going to get drained. My beloved neighbors have been telling people for years the lake is going to dry up. That's another discussion though, so no need to talk about it here. But after these low water years, I am getting people on a weekly basis that are surprised they are launching boats and that the lake is coming up so great. So, what the water level does is a big part of this thinking process. Considering that I have houseboats here that were abandoned solely on low water premises, the fears are real with this concern with many people that come to the lake. It is just the sad truth and weighs heavy, especially since Powell is the reason we moved here.

Now, Bart will probably close this discussion, which I hope he does. There is plenty of input to go off of and continue from.
Like always, anyone can always message me here, call or text my number. It's not secret at all.
Or, my favorite, stop in and give me a reason to chat.

On a side note, if someone does want to pursue a full time on lake services gig, I would support them how I could 100%. I have walked many people thru a repair over the phone over the years of being open and will continue to do just that.
It will take someone that knows a lot about everything which would be the scariest thing for someone even thinking about doing such an endeavor. But that is what is really needed, even if a band-aide is offered just for now.

Happy boating everyone!

I'm off to Flint trail for my 12th rescue this week. It's going to be a crazy summer. Hope to be back before noon.

 

[BartsPlace]

Closed at OP's request.