Celebrating 20 Seasons on Narragansett Bay

This season, Wickford Boat Rentals turns 20, marking two decades of unforgettable boating experiences on Narragansett Bay. Known officially as Wickford Boat Rentals, the company has spent the last 20 years giving locals and visitors a flexible, accessible way to enjoy Rhode Island’s coastal waters—without the cost and commitment of boat ownership.

Wickford Boat Rentals Turns 20: How It All Began

Wickford Boat Rentals was founded by lifelong boating enthusiast and former Navy Officer Captain David Fetherston. 

After decades of adventures on family boats in Long Island and Rhode Island, he encountered a challenge familiar to many boaters: the cost of boat ownership simply didn’t align with the number of days spent on the water.

Rather than step away from boating, Captain David set out to create a smarter alternative—one that offered freedom, quality vessels, and ease, without the long-term expense of owning a boat.

A Prime Wickford Location on Narragansett Bay

In 2006, Captain David discovered a small boat rental operation for sale in Wickford, Rhode Island. Its location—next to the Hussey Bridge with immediate access to Narragansett Bay—was ideal.

Perfectly positioned along the west shore, Wickford Boat Rentals allows boaters to reach top destinations comfortably in a single day, including:

  • Newport
  • Block Island
  • Quiet coves, beaches, and anchorages throughout the Bay

What began as a small business operating out of a shed quickly evolved. New boats were added, a professional website and marketing strategy launched, and Wickford Boat Rentals began its transformation into a trusted name in Rhode Island boating.

20 Years of Growth: Wickford Boat Rentals by the Numbers

As Wickford Boat Rentals Turns 20, the milestones tell the story:

  • 33 boats purchased and rotated through the fleet
  • Expansion from a shed to a dedicated training center
  • Nearly 3,000 customers served
  • 80% repeat customers, returning season after season

More than a rental company, Wickford Boat Rentals has become a close-knit community of mariners who share a love for Narragansett Bay and the freedom of being on the water.

Building Confident Boaters Through Training

In 2017, Captain David partnered with Captain Carol Beecher to launch In-Command Seamanship Training (ICST). 

The program was designed to help boaters develop real-world skills to navigate the Bay safely and confidently—whether renting or operating their own boats.

ICST has built strong partnerships with leading organizations, including:

  • US Powerboating
  • Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
  • Massachusetts Environmental Police
  • BoatUS
  • National Safe Boating Council
  • Northeast Maritime Institute

Since its first class, ICST has trained over 2,800 students, offering public courses, private on-the-water instruction, and partnerships with yacht clubs and vocational schools to support the next generation of mariners.

Wickford Boat Rentals Turns 20 — Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re deeply grateful to the customers, students, and partners who have helped shape Wickford Boat Rentals over the past 20 years. 

Our mission remains unchanged:

To deliver a unique, safe, and memorable boating experience on Narragansett Bay—season after season.

Here’s to many more adventures ahead.

Come on… get out there. 🌊⚓

Frequently Asked Questions: Wickford Boat Rentals Turns 20

❓ How long has Wickford Boat Rentals been in business?

Wickford Boat Rentals turns 20 this season, celebrating two decades of providing boat rentals and on-the-water experiences in Wickford, Rhode Island. The company was founded in 2006.

❓ Where is Wickford Boat Rentals located?

Wickford Boat Rentals is located in Wickford, Rhode Island, next to the Hussey Bridge, with direct access to Narragansett Bay.

❓ What destinations can you reach from Wickford Boat Rentals?

Boaters can comfortably reach Newport, Block Island, and many beaches, coves, and harbors throughout Narragansett Bay in a single day.

❓ Why choose Wickford Boat Rentals instead of owning a boat?

Wickford Boat Rentals offers the enjoyment of boating without the long-term costs of ownership—no maintenance, storage, or year-round expenses—just time on the water.

❓ Does Wickford Boat Rentals offer boating education?

Yes. In-Command Seamanship Training provides hands-on courses, safety training, and private instruction for renters and boat owners.

❓ How many customers has Wickford Boat Rentals served?

Over 20 years, Wickford Boat Rentals has served nearly 3,000 customers, with approximately 80% returning for repeat rentals.

❓ What makes Wickford Boat Rentals unique?

Its prime Wickford location, emphasis on safety and training, high-quality boats, and strong community of returning boaters set Wickford Boat Rentals apart on Narragansett Bay.