KICKING SUMMER UP A NOTCH

with Erie Shore Rentals & Detailing

by Kelsey Leyva-Smith

Lake Erie lovers looking for premier services in a single location need not look further than Erie Shore Rentals and Detailing.

Whether it’s car detailing, boat washing, or jet ski renting, business partners and co-owners Chris Haynes and Eddie Widok cut no corners when it comes to running their business.

Located on Lorain’s East Side, Erie Shore opened for its first season in the International City on March 1, offering a variety of car detailing packages.

“We do good work here,” Widok said. “We’ll take good care of you.”

Widok and Haynes initially met while working as detailers at a car dealership, and from there, they started a boat detailing business in Vermilion called Aquacare Detailing. After taking a short hiatus from the detailing realm in 2014, Haynes and Widok teamed up again in 2019 to bring jet ski rentals to Vermilion with Erie Shore Wave Runners.

After two successful seasons on the Vermilion River, Haynes said they realized the business was quickly outgrowing the 20-foot concessions trailer that served as their rental hub. While considering their options for 2021, Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain contacted Haynes and Widok.

“When you meet Eddie and Chris, it’s clear that they have a passion for this without a doubt,” said Nate Moyer, Oasis Marinas regional manager. “You get that in the first 15 seconds. They do things the right way.”

Haynes said the idea of having a building with a garage year-round, full restroom facilities, an onsite restaurant, and the support of the marina next door was too good of an opportunity to pass up. With the added space and room to grow, the business partners decided to expand beyond just jet ski rentals and get back to their detailing roots.

“It’s almost like two heavyweights coming out of retirement,” Haynes joked, adding things are going great so far with a few auto detailing jobs a week.

In order to fit vehicles in the garage, Haynes said he, Widok, and Shop Manager Steve spent about 90 days—roughly 3-5 days a week —cleaning, painting, replacing the flooring, and reconfiguring the space.

“We took what was an old storage garage with very little workable space and tore it wide open,” Haynes said, noting the overhaul involved 30 gallons of paint.

Haynes and Widok’s attention to detail extends to their method of offering jet ski rentals. Their fleet currently includes four rental skis and two chase skis, meaning two experienced jet ski riders can accompany every group. Before leaving the dock, each group receives a thorough overview of what they need to know to operate a ski.

“With us, it is an experience we’re selling,” Haynes said. “We do everything to make sure you go out and have a good experience.”

In fact, Erie Shore Rentals and Detailing is in the process of installing walkways on the jet dock blocks to make it easier to step onto the jet dock.

Jet ski rentals begin Memorial Day weekend and are then available seven days a week through the summer months. Haynes highly recommends booking a minimum of seven to 10 days in advance, especially by July, as they normally completely book by then.

Looking to the future, Haynes said he hopes to add more skis to the fleet. They are also exploring the potential of purchasing a boat for charter rides to be able to take families out on the water.

“Oasis wanted an attraction, and that’s what we’re trying to establish,” Haynes said. “Everything we do, I promise you we’re going to be the best at it.”

Watercross tour coming to Port Lorain September 2021

www.erieshorewatercross.com