Looking to explore Oshkosh's waterways this summer? Head to Fox Harbor Marina for kayaks, pontoons and an electric boat | Streetwise

Katy Macek, Oshkosh Northwestern
·4 min read

OSHKOSH – Summer is the perfect time to explore Oshkosh's many waterways, and a new company is hoping to help more people get out on the water.

Brothers Christopher and Michael Amos opened MidWest Rental Co. with their friend Nathan Twinde in June 2021 at the new Fox Harbor Marina, which they also own.

Christopher Amos said the business started as an idea in summer 2020, shortly after he left the military and was figuring out his next steps. He owned a boat and a Jet Ski and started renting those out on an app.

"We got pretty busy, so we decided to get another Jet Ski," Amos said. "That first year, I was just meeting people at a launch ramp, putting the boat in and coming back to take them out of the water."

They have since upgraded to a full fleet of watercraft.

Chris Amos, left, and Nathan Twinde, center left, assist Alex Stafford and Diane Banas, of Cleveland, with launching rented Jet Skis on Tuesday at Fox Harbor Marina.
Chris Amos, left, and Nathan Twinde, center left, assist Alex Stafford and Diane Banas, of Cleveland, with launching rented Jet Skis on Tuesday at Fox Harbor Marina.

MidWest Rental Co. offers kayak, paddle board, Sea-Doos and pontoon boat rentals off the marina at 1000 Bauman St. The three stayed busy last winter completely renovating the formerly private marina, including adding new docks, clearing out trees to open up the space and adding a small general store that sells snacks and drinks.

"When we started it was just a little shack," Amos said. "We did all our business out of that on my cellphone."

In previous years, driving past Bauman Park on Bauman Street, you may not have even noticed a marina. Sue Everhard, who grew up in the area, said she didn't even realize one existed.

"It was really overgrown," she said. "But I guess it wasn't public."

Amos said it took him a minute to realize it, too. He went for a bike ride one day last spring and noticed the property was for sale. He called the number on the sign and gave the previous owner an offer.

The three opened Fox Harbor Marina on June 1, 2021. Since then, the upgrades have drawn attention. Amos said last year was "super busy," and though this year saw a slower start, it's picking up.

The rental company has pre-bookings through August, especially around the Fourth of July and Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture convention, July 24 to 31. Amos expects it'll remain busy throughout the summer.

More: This couple is bringing more daycations to Oshkosh with a Tiki boat on the Fox River

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MidWest Rental Co. offers two-hour, half day and full day rentals for Sea-Doo personal watercrafts and boats as well as half- and full-day rentals for pontoons. Costs range from $150 to $695, depending on the type of boat and rental time.

Amos said customers have to have a boater's safety certificate to operate a Sea-Doo or pontoon, unless they were born before 1989. The certificate can be obtained via an online boater's safety class.

The company also offers single and double kayak and paddle board hourly rentals that range from $20 to $70. They serve Oshkosh to Waupaca and also have drop-off services available as well as seasonal membership options.

Fox Harbor Marina is also the new home of Sue and Bob Everhard's Elektra Cruise, a Duffy electric boat guests can rent with or without a captain. It operated in partnership with Fox River Brewing Co. last summer, but the Everhards moved this spring.

"We thought this would be more synergy in trying to position this location as a place to rent boats from," Sue Everhard said. "We're happy we're at this location."

Elektra Cruise owners Susan and Bob Everhard pose on their Duffy 22 electric boat June 21, 2021, at Fox River Brewing Co. in Oshkosh. Elektra Cruise has relocated this summer to Fox Harbor Marina, 1000 Bauman St.
Elektra Cruise owners Susan and Bob Everhard pose on their Duffy 22 electric boat June 21, 2021, at Fox River Brewing Co. in Oshkosh. Elektra Cruise has relocated this summer to Fox Harbor Marina, 1000 Bauman St.

Experienced boaters can rent the electric boat hourly for up to 10 passengers. The cost is $175 per hour, plus tax, with a two-hour minimum. Elektra Cruise also offers Captained Charters for up to six guests. Those are $265 for a 90-minute guided tour of the Fox River or $295 for a two-hour tour. Guests can bring their own snacks and beverages.

She said because they run just one boat, they are able to offer more customization including longer cruises or catered snacks for an additional cost. Visit elektracruise.com or call 920-252-8118 to learn more.

Amos said the companies may be small, but they're united in having big dreams of serving all of Oshkosh. They are one of just a couple boat rental services in the city.

The Oshkosh Parks Department offers aqua bike, kayak, canoe, paddle board and mini-pontoon rentals for an hourly rate out of Menominee Park.

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Contact Katy Macek at kmacek@thenorthwestern.com or 920-426-6658. Follow her on Twitter @KatherineMacek.

This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: MidWest Rental Co. at Fox Harbor Marina offers watercraft rentals