CLASSIC BOAT RIDES CELEBRATES NEW ADDITION TO MARITIME FLEET AND EXPANDS SERVICE TO MOLLY PITCHER IN RED BANK WITH ELECTRIC BOAT ‘WATTS UP’
“Life’s a Journey, Enjoy the Voyage – On a Classic Boat Ride!” Captain Dan Schade
Classic Boat Rides, a family-operated boat charter company specializing in private charters for events such as family celebrations, birthdays, graduations, group social outings, non-profit fundraisers & business events, is celebrating a new addition to the fleet. The ‘WATTS UP’ is a 22-foot Sun Cruiser built in 2021 by Duffy Electric Boats.
SHE departs from the Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank, N.J., and is available for private charters for hotel guests and the general public. The ‘WATTS UP’ has a full enclosure with side windows that can be opened to allow for a cool sea breeze. She also offers seating in the stern (the back) of the boat for those who like to soak up the sun. The ‘WATTS UP’ is commonly referred to as a six-pack boat, meaning she carries a maximum of six passengers.
The sailing route along the Navesink River – ‘The Mansion Tour’ – provides an exceptional view of the magnificent mansions of the rich and famous. The main seating area in the shade is ‘U-Shaped’ with a dining table in the middle. The ‘WATTS UP’ is available for private events like birthday parties and special celebrations. Guests may bring their own wine & cheese, light fare and other refreshments. The boat is also equipped with a Bluetooth sound system for your listening enjoyment.
This is the sixth boat for Classic Boat Rides, which will commemorate 20 years in business in 2024, a major milestone for any business. Owned by Captain Dan & Vicky Schade, a dynamic duo who manage the day-to-day operations, they are especially proud of their newest addition of an electric boat to the Classic Boat Rides fleet.
“We attended a boat show in January and really had no intention of purchasing another boat. When we saw the electric Duffy boats, we thought this would be a nice addition to our fleet. She is very quiet with no engine sounds or any exhaust fumes. We are thrilled and particularly pleased that she is docked at the Molly Pitcher Inn, a wonderful hotel that offers great amenities before or after cruising like lunch, dinner and cocktails. Passengers can also arrange catering with the concierge for the boat excursions,” stated Captain Dan.
In The Beginning
Classic Boat Rides started in 2004 with restoration of a 1958 Chris Craft docked in Highlands, NJ. Captain Dan laughed as he recalled giving 20-minute boat rides for Jay Cosgrove and his guests at Bahr’s Landing. Those short rides, however, were the springboard for the purchase of a much bigger boat, ‘The Mum Runner,’ a beautiful 28-foot wooden skiff. She was built in Keyport, NJ by famous boat builder Olaf Olsen and
became a sentimental favorite amongst tourists and locals alike. Captain Dan added musical entertainment to the open public charters – ‘Anchor Jams – and the business grew immensely in popularity. Captain Dan started making plans to relocate to Atlantic Highlands and search for even bigger boats.
And Then There Were Three: The Fleet Grows
Classic Boat Rides is now a fleet of three: the Navesink Queen, an old-fashioned paddlewheel boat built in Deltaville, Virginia, won by auction in 2019 and massively restored; The Mariner, a one-of-a-kind wooden mid-size boat also built in Deltaville, Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay, and the new electric boat the ‘WATTS UP.’
The Navesink Queen is suitable for groups from 30 to 100 people. The Mariner is best for smaller groups of 6 to 40 people. All boats are equipped with Bluetooth sound systems. The ‘WATTS UP’ is the company’s intimate boat, perfect for six passengers or less.
Waves Of Success
Steadily building through the years and surviving the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Captain Dan and wife Vicky are happier than ever. “To be honest, I had no idea when bringing her here that the Navesink Queen would have such massive appeal. It’s wonderful to be able to do what I love best and to keep growing our fleet,” Captain Dan said. “And so far, everyone who has chartered the ‘WATTS UP’ has loved her. She’s a fun little boat.”
Classic Boat Rides operates from April through the end of November. In April the private charters typically begin, while May marks the scheduling of the ever-popular public cruises and ‘Anchor Jams’ featuring top-notch local bands like Carl Gentry, 10 STRING, Peanut Butter Bridges, The Danjos and others. In July, fireworks cruises allow for great up-close viewing. In October and November, Fall sightseeing & leaf-peeping cruises always sell out in addition to the very popular Steel Drums & BBQ cruises, Octoberfest, Local Beer Tasting cruises, and Sunday Funday, a kid-friendly cruise. Classic Boat Rides also offers burial at sea services.
The ‘WATTS UP’ is located at The Molly Pitcher Inn, 88 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, N.J. The Navesink Queen is located at Frank’s Pier at Slip 65 (toward the end). The Mariner is located on Pier 1, Slip 3 (just to the left of the Charter Fishing Boats at Atlantic Highlands Marina).
Information on chartering and cruising on all boats is available by contacting Classic Boat Rides by telephone at (732) 337-9292, by visiting the website at:
www.classicboatrides.com or by using the contact form at: https://www.classicboatrides.com/contact.
Cover Photo: The ‘WATTS UP’