Reviews for Beanies Marina

Lakeland, Minnesota

15 Reviews for Beanies Marina
Average rating
Write a review for Beanies Marina

 There are better options

Review by Debbie on 7/31/22, 6:22 AM

I only used the boat launch so I can't speak to friendliness or service. I would not use this boat launch again. There is a one way road down a steep hill to get to the water because they allow people to park on the side of the road on the hill, and you can't see what's at the bottom to know if you should go down or wait at the top. We ended up having to back our pontoon up through this narrow drive all the way up the hill to let 2 boats out of the drive. The landing in the water is bumpy and not level and drops off very fast so the trailer sits sideways and the back of it too deep making it very hard to get the boat on straight. I am a seasoned pro at driving my boat right on the trailer and I missed the first time. Then there is the parking. There are maybe 10 to 12 boat with trailer parking spots at the bottom so we had to go back up and try to find a spot along the streets, most of which have signs that say no boat/trailer parking. If you find one you are walking blocks to get back to your boat. It was a long wait to get on the water and back off with just a couple of boats in front of us. Then there is the $20 launch fee which was not worth that. I could have paid $30 in Bayport which is just a short drive and would have included parking. I would rather drive than endure the circus that this was.

 There are better options

Review by Debbie on 7/31/22, 6:17 AM

I only used the boat launch so I can't speak to friendliness or service. I would not use this boat launch again. There is a one way road down a steep hill to get to the water because they allow people to park on the side of the road on the hill, and you can't see what's at the bottom to know if you should go down or wait at the top. We ended up having to back our pontoon up through this narrow drive all the way up the hill to let 2 boats out of the drive. The landing in the water is bumpy and not level and drops off very fast so the trailer sits sideways and the back of it too deep making it very hard to get the boat on straight. I am a seasoned pro at driving my boat right on the trailer and I missed the first time. Then there is the parking. There are maybe 10 to 12 boat with trailer parking spots at the bottom so we had to go back up and try to find a spot along the streets, most of which have signs that say no boat/trailer parking. If you find one you are walking blocks to get back to your boat. I would rather drive to find better

 Five stars

Review by Jamie and Cindy on 7/15/22, 10:22 AM

We rented the small pontoon on 7-14-22. From check in to check out could not have asked for a better experience. The employee James was very informative, walked us down to the pontoon that was very clean, and helped us launch. Wonderful four hour trip! When we arrived back James was at the dock to guide us as to how to position it back into its slip. Very accommodating and friendly! Will absolutely be back next year! Kudos to Beanies!

 *Do not book your boat reservation with Beanies Marina!

Review by Y on 7/14/22, 3:22 PM

I find it incredibly difficult to NOT criticize the owners and employees when asked about the service, price and hospitality. To start, Beanies over promised and under delivered on our reservation for two boats July 4th weekend on Sunday evening. The Friday before our reservation, I get a personal call from the owner, Chris stating that the boats they ordered had not arrived in time, leaving us with the option to reschedule or upgrade but to a morning time slot from 10 AM-2PM. With hesitation, we agreed to the slight upgrade and rearrange finances for the new reservation payment. In addition to this unnecessary stress; Upon returning from our morning time slot at 1:30 PM we pull up within view, near a no wake zone 40 feet from the shore, turn off the engine WITH the propeller and anchor up. On the rocking boat, we try to take a photo and in a brief moment the photographer drops the phone into the lake and jumps in after. It was too deep and he could not reach the bottom. While in a stressful state attempting to figure what just happened, we find ourselves harassed by the staff on ski boats yelling at us about our timing and that we "looked" too close to the shore. As we slowly pull up to the dock, the Beanies employees Josh and another were shouting at us for no apparent reason; causing a big scene. We pull up to the dock just fine. A full day later, I find a $200 charge for damages. I call Beanies Marina (Tuesday) to speak to the owner but instead spoke to someone who was of no help, owner is no where to be found. The part time employee says we've been charged with a fee because we damaged the boat when we pulled into the dock. I ask for photographic proof with a date stamp. (As they have rented the boat for a day and a half after our reservation at this time). He then sends me an unclear photo of a silver propeller in water photo stamped not on the day of our reservation. I dispute the damages saying there was no proof and asked why it was not brought to our attention when we had returned the boat. He dismisses my facts and NOW tells me that damages must have happened when by the neighboring shore (where we lost the phone). While they refunded me $100 for the damages, the inconsistency in their story concludes that Beanies Marina is an unprofessional and racist, targeting my diverse group and charging us fees that ultimately was more than what we had originally paid for and annulling the "upgrade" they gave us when THEY dropped the ball. I'm highly disappointed in the conduction of business at Beanies Marina. The services and hospitality of this establishment was horrid and I DO NOT recommend renting with them! We are in the land of 10,000 lakes, there are better options and more inclusive boat rentals available out there. https://www.boatsetter.com/a/boat-rentals/search?action=search&sem_account_id=F119UURS&sem_campaign_id=414898476&sem_ad_group_id=1278732440136673&sem_device_type=c&sem_keyword=boat%20rentals%20near%20me&sem_matchtype=e&sem_ad_id=79920879531563&sem_network=o&sem_target_id=kwd-79921012838651:loc-190&sem_feed_item_id=&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=boat%20rentals%20near%20me&sem_location_id=53857&sem_placement=&sem_placement_category=&utm_campaign=Add3|Bing|Demand|NB|All-Boats|National|IM-Local-Intent&sem_location_interest_id=109060&loc_physical_ms=53857&loc_interest_ms=109060&sem_bid_matchtype=be&ctype=im&msclkid=8f62d602a49d13d63282b4d2d24da469

 *Do not book your boat reservation with Beanies Marina!

Review by Y on 7/14/22, 3:21 PM

I find it incredibly difficult to NOT criticize the owners and employees when asked about the service, price and hospitality. To start, Beanies over promised and under delivered on our reservation for two boats July 4th weekend on Sunday evening. The Friday before our reservation, I get a personal call from the owner, Chris stating that the boats they ordered had not arrived in time, leaving us with the option to reschedule or upgrade but to a morning time slot from 10 AM-2PM. With hesitation, we agreed to the slight upgrade and rearrange finances for the new reservation payment. In addition to this unnecessary stress; Upon returning from our morning time slot at 1:30 PM we pull up within view, near a no wake zone 40 feet from the shore, turn off the engine WITH the propeller and anchor up. On the rocking boat, we try to take a photo and in a brief moment the photographer drops the phone into the lake and jumps in after. It was too deep and he could not reach the bottom. While in a stressful state attempting to figure what just happened, we find ourselves harassed by the staff on ski boats yelling at us about our timing and that we "looked" too close to the shore. As we slowly pull up to the dock, the Beanies employees Josh and another were shouting at us for no apparent reason; causing a big scene. We pull up to the dock just fine. A full day later, I find a $200 charge for damages. I call Beanies Marina (Tuesday) to speak to the owner but instead spoke to someone who was of no help, owner is no where to be found. The part time employee says we've been charged with a fee because we damaged the boat when we pulled into the dock. I ask for photographic proof with a date stamp. (As they have rented the boat for a day and a half after our reservation at this time). He then sends me an unclear photo of a silver propeller in water photo stamped not on the day of our reservation. I dispute the damages saying there was no proof and asked why it was not brought to our attention when we had returned the boat. He dismisses my facts and NOW tells me that damages must have happened when by the neighboring shore (where we lost the phone). While they refunded me $100 for the damages, the inconsistency in their story concludes that Beanies Marina is an unprofessional and racist, targeting my diverse group and charging us fees that ultimately was more than what we had originally paid for and annulling the "upgrade" they gave us when THEY dropped the ball. I'm highly disappointed in the conduction of business at Beanies Marina. The services and hospitality of this establishment was horrid and I DO NOT recommend renting with them! We are in the land of 10,000 lakes, there are better options and more inclusive boat rentals available out there. https://www.boatsetter.com/a/boat-rentals/search?action=search&sem_account_id=F119UURS&sem_campaign_id=414898476&sem_ad_group_id=1278732440136673&sem_device_type=c&sem_keyword=boat%20rentals%20near%20me&sem_matchtype=e&sem_ad_id=79920879531563&sem_network=o&sem_target_id=kwd-79921012838651:loc-190&sem_feed_item_id=&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=boat%20rentals%20near%20me&sem_location_id=53857&sem_placement=&sem_placement_category=&utm_campaign=Add3|Bing|Demand|NB|All-Boats|National|IM-Local-Intent&sem_location_interest_id=109060&loc_physical_ms=53857&loc_interest_ms=109060&sem_bid_matchtype=be&ctype=im&msclkid=8f62d602a49d13d63282b4d2d24da469

 *Do not book your boat reservation with Beanies Marina!

Review by Y on 7/14/22, 3:21 PM

I find it incredibly difficult to NOT criticize the owners and employees when asked about the service, price and hospitality. To start, Beanies over promised and under delivered on our reservation for two boats July 4th weekend on Sunday evening. The Friday before our reservation, I get a personal call from the owner, Chris stating that the boats they ordered had not arrived in time, leaving us with the option to reschedule or upgrade but to a morning time slot from 10 AM-2PM. With hesitation, we agreed to the slight upgrade and rearrange finances for the new reservation payment. In addition to this unnecessary stress; Upon returning from our morning time slot at 1:30 PM we pull up within view, near a no wake zone 40 feet from the shore, turn off the engine WITH the propeller and anchor up. On the rocking boat, we try to take a photo and in a brief moment the photographer drops the phone into the lake and jumps in after. It was too deep and he could not reach the bottom. While in a stressful state attempting to figure what just happened, we find ourselves harassed by the staff on ski boats yelling at us about our timing and that we "looked" too close to the shore. As we slowly pull up to the dock, the Beanies employees Josh and another were shouting at us for no apparent reason; causing a big scene. We pull up to the dock just fine. A full day later, I find a $200 charge for damages. I call Beanies Marina (Tuesday) to speak to the owner but instead spoke to someone who was of no help, owner is no where to be found. The part time employee says we've been charged with a fee because we damaged the boat when we pulled into the dock. I ask for photographic proof with a date stamp. (As they have rented the boat for a day and a half after our reservation at this time). He then sends me an unclear photo of a silver propeller in water photo stamped not on the day of our reservation. I dispute the damages saying there was no proof and asked why it was not brought to our attention when we had returned the boat. He dismisses my facts and NOW tells me that damages must have happened when by the neighboring shore (where we lost the phone). While they refunded me $100 for the damages, the inconsistency in their story concludes that Beanies Marina is an unprofessional and racist, targeting my diverse group and charging us fees that ultimately was more than what we had originally paid for and annulling the "upgrade" they gave us when THEY dropped the ball. I'm highly disappointed in the conduction of business at Beanies Marina. The services and hospitality of this establishment was horrid and I DO NOT recommend renting with them! We are in the land of 10,000 lakes, there are better options and more inclusive boat rentals available out there. https://www.boatsetter.com/a/boat-rentals/search?action=search&sem_account_id=F119UURS&sem_campaign_id=414898476&sem_ad_group_id=1278732440136673&sem_device_type=c&sem_keyword=boat%20rentals%20near%20me&sem_matchtype=e&sem_ad_id=79920879531563&sem_network=o&sem_target_id=kwd-79921012838651:loc-190&sem_feed_item_id=&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=boat%20rentals%20near%20me&sem_location_id=53857&sem_placement=&sem_placement_category=&utm_campaign=Add3|Bing|Demand|NB|All-Boats|National|IM-Local-Intent&sem_location_interest_id=109060&loc_physical_ms=53857&loc_interest_ms=109060&sem_bid_matchtype=be&ctype=im&msclkid=8f62d602a49d13d63282b4d2d24da469

 new owner as of 2018 is a complete asshole

Review by river rat on 8/13/19, 2:41 AM

don't let pre-2018 reviews fool you the new owner is a clueless ass, example line 14 of rental agreement... if his boat breaks it's your problem, read it close it's a money grab period. there is 0 customer service and the guy is a complete liar

 Got-cha business practices

Review by Andy on 6/29/19, 2:23 PM

We reserved a boat for a week out in the morning and called back early afternoon to cancel as we found a similar rental company renting for $140 cheaper. They do not allow cancellations even if I made the reservation earlier the same day and they will not price match. What 21st century company doesn't allow you to cancel a reservation made a few hours ago! I bet half their revenue comes from this ridiculous policy!

 Stay away

Review by JB on 7/27/18, 5:50 PM

We had a similar experience with the weather. Was horrible raining and windy, but not rainy or windy enough for the owner. I didn’t even want to cancel, just move it to the next day ( a Monday). No go. A boat full of wet and cold kids. What an ass.

 Stay away

Review by JB on 7/27/18, 5:50 PM

We had a similar experience with the weather. Was horrible raining and windy, but not rainy or windy enough for the owner. I didn’t even want to cancel, just move it to the next day ( a Monday). No go. A boat full of wet and cold kids. What an ass.

 Very reasonable

Review by Liz on 8/8/17, 7:02 AM

I had a pontoon boat reserved for a family outing. The evening before we were supposed to take it out, two of our family members got sick. As you can imagine, we were all pretty disappointed! I called on the morning of the reservation day, and they allowed me to reschedule for a different day, and still use my deposit. It was a great relief and we are VERY grateful to the employees for all their help! We love Beanies!

 great experience

Review by Sharingjoy on 5/23/16, 9:03 AM

We walked in and rented a boat for the evening. The staff was pleasant and quick to answer our questions. We enjoyed our time on the water. Wonderful experience all around. Thank you for being there! Joy =)

 STAY AWAY! UNETHICAL, UNREASONABLE OWNER.

Review by Unhappy after traveling across the country. on 9/13/14, 1:43 PM

Zero stars if it was possible! STAY AWAY!!! Abysmal management (Kevin). Greedy, unreasonable owner (Gary)! I booked a pontoon rental in the hopes of having a fun 30th birthday celebration with 15 friends. As sometimes happens, the week before I flew here from Los Angeles the weather dropped from summer to 60 degree fall temps. Gary's website states they will cancel the reservation and return the deposit if inclement weather occurs. Apparently the owner Gary and manager Kevin only consider high winds, torrential rain, and lighting to be inclement weather, as explicitly stated by both. I asked several times why this isn't listed in black and white on the website, and couldn't get a straight answer out of either one of them. After two calls to the establishment both men were unwilling to refund even HALF the deposit due to the inclement weather which was beyond my control. Gary also muttered about "forecasts being wrong" and needing to cancel 7 days in advance. Well, 7 days ago the weather was supposed to be great. After he said forecasts are often wrong I asked him about reality, such as the reality of cold temperatures the day of the booking. He reiterated that it needed to be lightning, torrential rain, or very high winds. STAY AWAY FROM THIS BUSINESS. Unethical business practices and grumpy, greedy, unreasonable owner. Now I'm off to figure out a back-up plan for 15 people.

 Just be ready to talk to a brick wall

Review by The people they've screwed over on 9/13/14, 1:38 PM

The cancellation policy listed on their website is vague-at-best, listing "inclement" weather. However, low-60s for a four-hour-long boat trip doesn't fit into that policy, according to them. After spending far too long on the phone with the manager, Kevin, and owner, Gary, we were stuck with the bill. They wouldn't even reason, and give us half the deposit back. His reasoning was that "the weather is generally wrong." The money isn't really the point here. The fact that Gary wouldn't even meet us half way is very telling of the type of business man he is. The type of person with whom I don't like to do business. I won't be doing business with them in the future. Judging by the reviews so far, you probably shouldn't either.

 Good place to rent boats

Review by Repeat patron on 8/11/14, 10:47 AM

Customer service is very good. They make renting a boat fun, easy, and affordable. We have used them for 15+ years

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