Duffy Electric Boats

Local biz owner offers the chance to unwind, unplugged

Mr. Textor has a small fleet of electric Duffy boats available to rent from his office at 200 North Harbor Place, just downstairs from the North Harbor Club at Davidson Landing. He also has models available for purchase.

“It took a while to educate people and get them aware of our presence,” Mr. Textor said, “but business is definitely growing now.”

He has five boats available for rent and three models for sale on-site, as well as models available for purchase through special order.

Duffy boats are designed for cruising, not for speed, Mr. Textor said. “They’re like golf carts on water,” he said – they’re electric, easy to drive and the engine always starts. And their flat, wide hulls are designed to minimize wake.

The boats are great for small groups looking to head out for a day of sun and swimming on the lake or a dinner cruise at sunset, he said. And for the latter, he partners with Trudi Zangardi, owner of the Lake Norman Cottage, in the same building.

For interested groups of 6 to 8 people, Mr. Textor will provide a boat and a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain, and Ms. Zangardi will provide a 4-course meal with wine. The wine cruises cost $40 per person for the wine, food and two hours cruising on the lake.

“No, you’re not going to go fast, but you’ll have a great time and enjoy the company,” he said. “It’s like sailing but without all the work.

Giveaway: Win some great gifts for Dad - Orange County Register

Have you figured out what to give "good 'ol dad" this Father's Day?

If you're anything like me, finding Dad the perfect gift is always a challenging task. I always wanted to find something fun and unique he would treasure forever, but in the end, it seemed like I always came up short.

But, like most Dads, my father loves whatever I give him every Father's Day, and he shows his appreciation and love by giving me a bear hug and big sloppy kiss.

If you need some help finding the perfect gift for Dad this year, OC Moms has found some gifts that Dad is sure to enjoy.

There will be two lucky winners - each winner will win one of two gift packages. The winners will be drawn at random.

A winners will be chosen at random at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 12. The winner must be able to pick up the prize at the Orange County Register offices in Santa Ana. Good luck!

PRIZE LIST:

DUFFY BOAT RENTAL: A gift certificate for a two-hour Duffy Electric Boat rental (Monday through Thursday, a $170 value) from Duffy Electric Boat Company of Newport Beach.

I've actually had the pleasure of captaining one of these boats myself, and I had a great time with friends on a relaxing cruise of Newport Harbor. The only thing I regret is that I didn't invite more people!

These boats can accommodate up to 12 adults (10 comfortably) and you don't need to worry about getting sunburned or cold from the wind because they have a full canopy top (they look like Disneyland's Jungle Cruise boats) and full window enclosures to keep everyone comfortable. The boats are equipped with a CD player with an iPod hook-up, so be sure to bring some good music.

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