Lanier Tiki’s boat can hold up to 24 passengers.
Lifelong boater David Schauer is turning his boat dream into reality.
“I’ve always wanted to have a charter boating business and since April, that’s just what I’ve been doing,” said Schauer, who opened Lanier Tiki boat charters last spring. “From barbeque picnic cruises to private parties, our custom-built 40-foot Sanibel Cat provides an open and inviting setting, a stable and smooth ride and a chance to just relax while enjoying the lake.”
Headquartered at Aqualand Marina, Lanier Tiki’s boat sits atop a catamaran hull and travels via two 60-HP Honda motors.
“It’s whisper quiet with wide open sides so that people can feel the breeze and look around a full 360-degrees,” he said. “We can take 24 people at a time, plus we provide music and a really fun time on the water.”
Lanier Tiki offers Friday and Saturday evening picnic cruises, catered by Pig Tales. Leaving from Dock Q at Aqualand by 6:30, the two-hour trip includes dinner and music. Alcoholic beverages are BYO.
“These Friday and Saturday evening barbecue picnics are by reservation only at a per-person rate,” he said. “It’s fun to put a group of friends together for a cruise on the lake, or just come as a couple and meet new people.”
Guests can also hire the boat and captain for special occasions – birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, family reunions and bachelor or bachelorette celebrations. The base price for a private charter includes eight passengers; additional passengers are charged per person, up to a total of 24. They are available in 2-, 3- and 4-hour charters.
“With our private charters, you can bring all your food and beverages and the boat is just for your event,” he said. “We’ve also partnered with a couple of local breweries for periodic beer-tastings. Check out our website for dates and costs.”
The Lanier Tiki is captained by Wade Hoffman, who has boated on the lake for more than 45 years and holds an Master Inland license.
Growing up in Hawley, Pennsylvania, he skied, sailed and boated on Lake Wallenpaupack. After living in Florida for several years, he moved to Cumming and works for Lowe’s.
Schauer also owns Sanibel Cats, a catamaran hull-building business. The company makes both 22- and 40-foot fiberglass catamaran hulls like the ones used on Lanier Tiki.
“We can build catamaran hulls for houseboats, and outdoor floating cabanas,” he said. “We’ve even got an order in process for a floating helicopter pad in South Florida.
He envisions expanding the business in North Georgia over the next few years, providing other Tiki boats to be used for charter businesses or privately owned.
“I’ve started my first charter business, but it will be handful of years before I do this fulltime,” he said. “I’m right where I want to be – boating, enjoying the lake and creating a great social setting for people who want to have fun on the water.”
For more information or to schedule a cruise, visit laniertiki.com or call 470-457-1302.
Photos: provided by Lanier Tiki
