Marshall Boats
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Marshall Boats stands out as a 'gem for Madison' with its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, making the rental process for canoes and kayaks very easy. It's an ideal spot for recurring family celebrations and summer-long water activities, offering reasonable rates and convenient online booking. Parents appreciate the focused customer service, including assistance with launching and landing boats, and thoughtful amenities like readily available bottled water.
Key Highlights
- ✓Staff consistently described as 'the best,' 'super friendly,' 'helpful,' and 'chill,' actively assisting with boat selection, launch, and landing.
- ✓Rental process is 'very easy,' facilitated by mandatory online booking (at this time).
- ✓Offers specific boat types: canoes and tandem kayaks.
- ✓Known for being a perfect venue for 'birthdays and celebrations' annually.
- ✓Takes 'many precautions' including requiring masks for check-in/out (at this time).
- ✓Provides a unique experience with mentions of a 'secret canal' to explore.
- ✓Offers the convenience of having bottled water available if forgotten.
- ✓Allows customers to bring their own paddle and life jacket.
- ✓The lake itself is described as 'absolutely beautiful'.
Standout Features
- ⭐Consistently excellent and helpful staff.
- ⭐Easy online booking system for all rentals.
- ⭐Reasonable rental rates.
- ⭐Availability of bottled water.
- ⭐Assistance from staff for finding the right boat and facilitating launching and landing.
- ⭐Membership option for frequent summer use.
- ⭐Opportunity to explore a 'secret canal'.
- ⭐Flexibility to bring personal paddles and life jackets.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →All rentals must be done online; plan accordingly before your visit.
- →Be prepared to wear masks during check-in and check-out (as per current precautions).
- →If planning multiple visits throughout the summer, inquire about their membership option.
- →Ask staff about the 'secret canal' for a unique experience.
- →You can save money or ensure comfort by bringing your own paddle and life jacket.
- →Don't worry if you forget bottled water, they have it available.
Price & Value
Rates are described as 'very reasonable'. A membership option is available for those planning to use boats all summer, suggesting good value for frequent visitors. No hidden costs were mentioned, and the option to bring your own gear (paddle, life jacket) can potentially reduce costs or enhance comfort.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Bottled water is available for purchase or convenience; no other food or drink policies mentioned.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking situation is not mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not directly mentioned, but the mention of mask precautions and online booking may suggest they manage popular times or have systems for potentially busy periods. The business being a 'gem' and a 'favorite' implies it can attract crowds.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Takes 'many precautions' including asking people to wear masks during check-in and check-out (at this time).
- •Helpful employees assist with launching and landing boats, which aids in safety.
- •The ability to bring one's own life jacket implies life jackets are standard safety equipment for boat rentals.
Pricing/Package/Events
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Staff foster a welcoming atmosphere.
- • Pontoon Captains ensure passenger safety.
- • Camp counselors keep kids engaged and safe (for Camp Wingra, but implies general safety standards).
📅Booking Policy
- • Groups & Private Parties available.
What People Say
What's Great
- Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 8 reviews)
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Great for birthday parties (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Amy Jo Behling
10 months agoJust exploring all their locations today. This was my favorite. Hoping to return soon. What a gem for Madison. Working nearby for summer school. Shucks all boat captain jobs are filled. Linkedin. Marketing and teaching. Wingra and Brittingham locations were interesting too.
Michelle Black
4 years agoOur experience at Marshall boats today was nothing short of perfect. They are taking many precautions and asking people to wear masks while checking in and checking out. All rentals are to be done online at this time. The rates are very reasonable and the staff was super friendly. We rented a canoe and a tandem kayak. What a great place!
M. Roldaniewski
10 months agoGreat staff! Very easy all the process for renting. We do this every year for birthdays and celebrations and it's always fun and enjoyable.
Vee Yeo
4 years agoLiterally the best staff. My 3rd year as a member and they never let me down. If you plan on taking boats out all summer, this is your place. They are literally the friendliest, most helpful, and chill boat staff you will ever know and the lake is always absolutely beautiful. Ask about the secret canal :)
Patricia Paulson
3 years agoIt's so nice to be able to rent a kayak when I come to town! Always good customer service, they have bottled water if you've forgotten some, and helpful employees to find you a good boat and launch and land you. I also appreciate that I can bring my own paddle and life jacket!