MACKINAW CITY, MI -- Several people will make Northern Michigan their vacation destination this summer and in a popular hotspot, one man has started a unique business that gives you an up-close and personal look at maritime history.
Chris West was living in Maine, saw a lobster boat for sale, and knew this was it. He’s originally from Michigan, so he decided to bring it here and fill a missing gap in the Straits of Mackinac's maritime history.
“It's just something different that hasn't been done around here and people are just really excited about it," said West.
He bought the boat ‘Ugly Anne,’ kept the name, and now, he's taking people out on the water and giving them a tour of the straits. His business is called Straits Area Tour Company.
Not only will you get to check out the Mackinac Bridge up-close-and-personal, this tour will also take you over some of the most historic and ancient boat wrecks in the straits area.
Throughout the tour, an interactive video will discuss the history of the more than 80 shipwrecks known to have happened in the straits of Mackinac.
“There's not a lot of ways to get out on the water and experience that history," said West.
He says he took a major chance and it hasn't been easy. He got a loan and some small business help to launch the boat. Small things continue to nickel and dime him, like the failed horn he had to replace.
“You jump through one hoop, you think you're good, then there's 10 other hoops that line up behind it," West laughed.
But he says it's well-worth it, and he's optimistic this one-of-a-kind straits business will be something that won't only pay the bills but give people an experience of a lifetime.
“I thought it was a great idea, my husband on the other hand said, 'Pat, you probably need to talk him out of this, what are we doing?' I said, 'No, he needs to try it.' He is so excited about doing this, so we support him!" said West’s mother Pat.
In fact, his mom, and at first reluctant but now proud dad, work for him as this new business gets off the ground.
There are four different tours a day, three during the day, and a sunset cruise at night.
To learn more, visit their site by CLICKING HERE.
