my experience here was extremely below average. Before getting there, I called to see if we needed to book a spot or if we could just walk in, I also called because there was a storm coming and I wanted to see if they were still renting and the man on the phone promptly said he'd check the radar. I asked if we came within the hour would we be better off and he said " i don't know i don't control the weather". When we arrived we filled out paper work and paid (45 dollars for an hour even though the website said 20). He didn't say anything about the price until my friend asked, where he then said there's a two hour minimum (nowhere on the website does it say two hour minimum). After paying we were asking questions about which way to paddle with the given wind, to which he said "if you have to ask these questions maybe you shouldn't be doing this". Which is unbelievably rude, we are not professional kayakers. We also asked what we should do if we got stuck or wasn't able to get back, to which he said that if we listened to him and paddled out against the wind, we wouldn't, to which we asked what if we did listen to him and still got stuck, to which he replied that we wouldn't, but if we did we would be charged extra for them to come get us. My friend who was paddle boarding said that her paddle had a screw sticking out as well. All in all, completely sub par experience. Do not recommend. read more

NO-Star Review I would add NEGATIVE stars if I could. A year later and this is place still the worst. A keyboard-warrior owner who can't respond to FACTS with any sort of humility or accountability. Steer clear of this place at all cost. ---- I rented a pontoon boat from Starky's in LBI for a birthday with 7 middle-schoolers, and it was by far the worst rental experience I've (we've all) ever had. The boat was completely unsafe, dilapidated, and quite frankly embarrassing for such a special occasion. Here's what we encountered: Unreliable Motor: * Constantly stalled, barely had power, extremely smoky old 2-stroke that smelled like gas the entire trip. No Ladder: * Nearly impossible for kids to get in/out of the bay safely. Yes, I know they say "no swimming," the bay was only about two feet deep where we docked during our short, miserable outing. We all just wanted to get off the wretched boat and enjoy the water for a little while--because that was the only part of the day that felt tolerable. Unsafe Design: * Exposed gas tank - no cover on housing. * Trim aluminum around decks ripped open with jagged shards and protruding screws/rivets--serious cut hazards, making it EVEN HARDER to get on and off the boat with no ladder. * Railings you couldn't touch without risk of being cut. Filthy Condition: * Moldy, green junk around bottom of seats by floor, that smelled like a stagnant lagoon. * Ripped seats "repaired" with rusty staples sticking out. * Dingy, stained, moldy life jackets. No Working Features: * Dead electronics. * Broken motor trim button. Unstable Ride: The boat listed to one side the entire day, making it unsafe to navigate even small wakes. We had to cut our trip TWO HOURS short because it was simply unsafe and miserable. The cost vs. what we received was outrageous. This was not just disappointing--it was dangerous and embarrassing to take out a group of preteens on. For the actual record: * We did not stay out the full time. We cut the trip 2 hours short, left early, and didn't come to the owner after directly because it would not have ended well based on his responses here on google, and his lack of any kind of care for the business - it's a loss I took the second i booked the boat last month. * I listened closely during the haphazard "safety class", have rented boats in the past and have experience with boats, boating and anchoring in the Barnegat Bay - and this is an experience i'll hopefully soon forget. This is simply a factual list and round up of our experience. Bottom line: I'm shocked no one was injured. This was a hazardous, dilapidated boat that should not be rented to anyone and the business should be under scrutiny by the appropriate agencies. read more

Tried calling this guy twice to inquire on renting a jet ski and some kayaks. Never returned my call. Walked over here around 9am to see if I could find someone, but there was no sign of life. Spoke to some locals who advised to stay far away from this business. Lots of bad public relations. read more

Why do I have to give any stars? Garbage owner, garbage equipment, great sitcom material. Believe the reviews - this place is a rip off. Rude employees (particularly the trash of a human owner), broken equipment and harassment after you ask for any type of refund. Avoid this place at all costs. read more

If I could give ZERO stars I would. Not only was the boat dirty and run down, it was inoperable at least an hour of our 4 hour trip. It ran at a snails pace, the alarm would consistently go off if you tried to speed up at all and within 4 hours it didn't start 4 different times. It took us at least 20 minutes to get it going each time we stopped. The weather was beautiful so not a total loss and the deck hands tried their best to make it a nice experience when we said it was run down and when they struggled to get it started but certainly not a relaxing and peaceful boating experience, especially at $500 for a 4 hours. The worst part was when I tried to tell the owner that repairs were needed, he immediately became aggressive, was so obnoxiously rude I couldn't believe this was how he treated his customers, just HORRIBLE. He called me a complaining "Karen", when I asked his name, he asked me my political party -why?? and just continuously berated and disparaged me anytime I tried to speak. He was out right mean and has no right serving the public. Try another marina, this one was horrendous! And I will add to my review that he is an outright LIAR , says we should have called and he would have sent a new boat but we were told there were NO more boats available when we asked in the beginning if there was a more updated, better running boat. He responded to my google review with the same aggressive, combative obnoxiously rude remarks that he showed in person, (wow, I'm so shocked -NOT). He only takes cash, wonder why??? I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't reporting his earnings either. He says the same "scripted" asinine remarks in all his responses to his MANY negative reviews. Funny, we had 10 people and all agreed the worst piece of crap boat any of us have ever been on but he seems to think it's in good shape, hmmm. read more

I am shocked at the way the supposed owner of this business treated my friend yesterday when she wanted to discuss our experience on his boat : enduring the stress of drifting on a broken down excuse of a boat that wouldn't restart again and again for 4 hours. We didn't call because we were firmly told there were "no more boats available." We made the best of the outing- thank goodness we didn't hit anything- and though disappointed with the customer service and the sharp metal cuts we left with, it was the appalling demeanor of this "owner" and his disparaging, aggressive and combative manner toward us that ultimately made us regret every penny we spent supporting this business. read more

ZERO stars!! In a moment, i will to review my experience renting a pontoon from this establishment. To save time, allow me to give you the owner's responses to this post ahead of time. The owner will say the following: 1) i will not talk to you, you are not the captain 2) you are a complaining "karen." 3) any issues were "operator issues" 4) If you had an issue and the boat didn't start, it is your fault for not calling immediately 5) you are a loser 6) you are just trying to hurt a local business that has been here for 21 years 7) No, i am not intoxicated, i just don't respect a woman enough to hear her opinion. 8) i don't care if you are trying to let me know my boat is unsafe, you only want free stuff 9) if you saw that my employees were having such difficulty starting the boat, why did you accept it? 10) you should have called if the boat wouldn't start - we would have sent another boat (he informed us prior that he was sold out of boats.) our experience: Arrived on time and an experienced boater in our group named as the captain. The mates attempted to start the boat and had a short delay, unable to start. in 4 hours, the boat would not start 4 times. each time, approximately 20 minutes where we had to continuously try to start it until it would turn over. The boat is in horrible condition. Pieces falling off, sharp metal edges, general disrepair. We returned and the wife of the captain addressed the issues with the owner to let him know of the many issues, specifically for safety reasons. Immediately, the owner became abusive, confrontational and extremely aggressive. In fact, he seemed to request to fight the son of the woman he incessantly berated when he chimes in to say "don't talk to my mother like that" There are several reviews that express nearly identical experiences but, more importantly, the unhinged owner responds with the same level of aggression publicly for all to see. There are likely bright spots, the weather was beautiful and the mates were wonderful and helpful. However, there are other rental places on the island. Try: Causeway Marina. 609-494-1371 Bobbie's boat and bait. 609-494-1345 i hope someone sees this and chooses wisely read more

Disgusted. Wish I could give negative stars. The owner is terrible and has no customer service skills The boat was in terrible condition. We've owned boats for 25 years and the front kept sinking, My husband is also in the coast guard. The owner told us we don't know how to drive. We had 2 children who were frightened to be in it. We docked off the sandbar and then told there was no ladder because swimming is not allowed. We returned the boat after an hour and the owner told us too bad and it's user issues. Disgusted. Do yourself a favor and save yourself the $400 (cash only-how shady) read more

Didn't even bother going here after the way the guy spoke to me over the phone this morning! No call back after leaving a detailed voicemail yesterday. Extremely rude and condescending when I called back again today. No wonder why you have shitty reviews! I'll take my business elsewhere. Thank you to everyone who posted for the heads up to avoid this place! read more

MUST READ THIS IF YOU PLAN ON RENTING A BOAT!!! I wish I could give zero stars. I wanted to ignore the other reviews so badly, but thought I would give it a chance.... don't make the same mistake that I did! The guy (apparently the only one who answers and who's been there 19 years) who runs the boat rentals is a liar and an asshole. Over dumb shit but it's horrible customer service! I think it's an ego thing with him. He basically didn't tell me it was cash only when I first called and when I called back I was a little shocked, but was fine with it. Well he tried to make a point that he said it was cash only (again I was ok paying cash, just surprised bc it was the first time I was hearing it) and just kept making the point over and over again even after I had already put a card down! And he made a final asshole comment before the conversation ended. He was just a dick the whole conversation about everything. Basically lines up with all the other bad reviews. Well I found another boat rental place and then called Starky's back to cancel just a few minutes later. He literally said he didn't give a fuck when I said why I was cancelling (he asked why). So really, I don't think he "gives a fuck" about anyone's business so don't give it to him. Save yourself a headache and rent from anywhere but here - the boatyard, pollys dock (where we ended up renting bc they have bigger boats), etc. There are tons of other nice, respectable boat rental places on the island. **Also writing this review as evidence I did cancel my boat rental for August 7th in a timely manner in case he tries to charge my card** read more

Arrogant, smug, owner who could care less if you rented one of his overpriced family float boats. Place looked like it is dying. Help was not knowledgeable. Working radius too close. Only want it easy for him , Not a full service marina. Just a place for cash grab until he dumps the place. Do not go there unless you are desparate. read more

If I could give a ZERO I would!! Just so rude! I called last week to see if a small boat the person on the other end was EXTREMELY RUDE! However, giving them the benefit of the doubt, I let it slide. So I called back today to confirm I had the correct location and operating hours and the person on the other end said "if you know all of this why are you calling again?!" I explained I just wanted to make sure I had the correct information, because I'm traveling 2 hours tomorrow to enjoy a day of crabbing with my family. Before I could even say goodbye he had hung-up!? So I took my business to Bobbies boats in Barnegat Light 609-494-1345 read more

If I could give zero stars I could. Firstly, the boat they gave us for the insane asking price was basically torn to pieces and could barely run. But more importantly was the way the staff acted. The boy working on the dock cursed us off and said "tips are greatly appreciated especially when you F up a boat this bad," I don't know what convicts this place is hiring but I am not surprised by all the bad reviews. Also the owner is a jerk. Also they don't have live bait which is cringe. Steer clear at all costs and give your money to someone more appreciative. read more

This place is doo-doo. Boat broke in the middle of the bay leaving us stranded for 30 minutes. When we called to get their help they answered "well you aren't a mechanic you don't if it's broken" when they came the exact thing we said was what was wrong. Young employees were very kind but the older people gave us an attitude. They also "accidentally" over charged us read more

My husband and I rented a double kayak this morning. Reasonably priced, and the gentleman working was helpful and friendly. Would definitely rent from Starkey's again. read more

Starky’s Ship Bottom Marine Center - Fishing Near Me - Ship Bottom, New Jersey

Too bad I had to give any stars at all. How this company stays in business is a question that will never be answered. The customer service sucks and the people who run it are rude and obnoxious. I would never recommend this place for any boat rental. read more

Very conveniently located in the middle of the long beach island. Great views, as well as near many other facilities. Very reasonable rates as well. What else can you expect? We rented 2 jet skis, and my daughter had a great time with one of them. Unfortunately, the other one stopped working once inside and simply would not start. We are not the type of person to make a mess about it, so we asked the guy, and he tried his best but couldn't make it work. We had no option but to simply stand on the skis and wait for the other one to finish the time & then go back. Our jet ski was pulled ashore by the observer. I was expecting & asked the owner to provide me with at least a refund, if not full. But their response left me truly speechless. I would expect that in some other parts of the world, but not in America. Well, it looked like my son wasn't willing to ride any more and let it go. Why? Because they thought that he was too new, and was having difficulty navigating anyway. I mean, whether you would make good use of it or not, you would probably want to have it for an hour if you paid for it? Why would someone refuse to have something after paying for it? Even more, I was expecting to ride for sometime as well, but I guess, in their opinion, I also refused to accept rental. I mean, pay but refuse the rental? FYI, I was a rider and my son was a driver. Jet ski is a machine, and it can stop working any time. No issues, and the person on duty tried his best to re-start. Even more, we tried to help his as much as we could, and stayed calm. Our luck is a factor. But what happened after that was something really disturbing and may take some time to forgo. read more

The absolute worst. We got a torn up boat that was so old and had bird shit all over it. And then our boat broke down the second we got on they blamed us. We literally got charged full price with the offer of "two hours credit". In the future? It's 5pm so did they want us to float on a broken boat for two more hours? The boat didn't run at all and when the guy finally showed up after three phone calls he laughed at us. Because he said a fuse was sideways. And then he 'fixed it' but they literally barely got back to the dock. Then the owner took no accountability and was so rude. So not for us. We have had such great experiencing with renting down here but not at this place. Such a bummer for my brothers birthday surprise with his 3 and 5 year old. Frustrating. read more

BELIEVE THE REVIEWS!!! I am not the person to go out of my way to write a review, especially a negative one, but I felt obligated to warn others about the terrible experience my family and I had. It seems to be a pattern of broken boats in the midst of the journey and unbelievably rude customer service by the older people who run it. My family and I rented a 10 person pontoon boat, which looked old and shabby just from outward appearances. After getting on the boat we broke down 30 minutes into the trip. We were stranded in the bay anchored waiting for help. The answer to get back to shore was to "turn the boat off and wait a half hour". With ten people on the boat, we HAD TO DRIFT INTO THE HARBOR!!! This took about an hour. As soon as we get into the harbor one of the young workers yells out "to pump the fuel line" -WITH OUR HANDS! Once we got to the docks, we were offered another smaller, same condition boat. No refund, nor a portion of our money was given back. We did take the second boat (bad choice) and luckily it did not break down. Later when we finished our time we asked for the difference between the 10 person boat and the 8 person boat, and WERE ACCUSED OF BREAKING THE BOAT BECAUSE WE ASKED FOR THE DIFFERENCE!! The older guy at customer service threatened that "he would get his lawyer involved." It was a very weird, very bizarre experience and I wish I read the extremely accurate reviews about what happened at Sparky's SHITBottom. Moral of the story: don't go here unless you want a miniature "survivor" experience what it's like to be marooned on a shit pontoon boat. read more

This is by far the worst place to rent a boat. The owner was a fake and used disgusting discriminatory language against my brother. He proceeded to not care and throw threatening comments saying he was going to call the cops. Maybe next time be more specific about the price instead of faking it the whole time and then overcharging when it's time to pay. Overall, the owner is a disrespectful miserable old man who will suffer from doing this to his costumers. KARMA IS REAL!!!! Wish I could give a 0 star rating. read more

I called Starky's today in hopes of renting a pontoon boat for a family vacation. The worker on the phone was SO rude. When I asked for availability on a second date after he told me the first date we asked for only had a morning slot open, he rudely yelled "No. If you were listening I already told you there is only a morning slot." He was so aggressive, and he wasn't even listening to my question because it was about another date. This experience was extremely shocking and to be honest would never want to give my money to someone like that. They definitely lost my business today. What a shame! read more

Went wave running for the first time today with my 16 yr old nephew. We have been talking about this adventure for the past 3 yrs. These guys are the nicest people I have met in a long time. We had an absolute blast and cannot wait to go again! If it's something you'd like to try, we highly recommend Starky's!!!! read more

Believe everyone else's reviews. We were 20 minutes into our ride on a 10 person boat and the engine stopped working. We were stranded for 1 hour before they came to fix it. They got it working just enough to get us back to dock and said the only thing they could do was give us another boat but 2 of us had to get off since it only held 8. This place knows their boats hardly work and are opportunistic. They're taking advantage of people by knowingly renting out boats that don't work. When we asked for some help since we paid for a 10 person boat, they assumed that we broke the boat and wanted to get a lawyer involved. Why would we rent a boat just to break it? This place is a scam read more

Stopped by to inquire about wave runner rentals. Owner was unhelpful and rude. Will take my business elsewhere.

Made a reservation for Saturday morning. Got a call back a couple of hours later saying problem with boat and cancelled. Then got a call boat was good to go. Showed up five minutes before time and met nice guy who explained everything. Rang up a bunch or prices and price seemed high. I asked to see print out of prices and he glossed over the " taxes" at the bottom which happened to be a 5 percent credit card surcharge which was never explained. But it was going to be a nice day so I didn't want to complain plus had relatives with me. Met another guy who explained rules and boat operation. Everything seemed pretty easy so we boarded and pulled out. Here's the problem- all the furniture was ripped and broken, stale water was under all the cushions, the driving console was loose, console had holes in it, and the boat seemed to struggle moving through the water. For $500 for four hours, I expected a clean boat. This was a junker not even worth $500. There has to be better boat rental establishments on LBI. read more

They do not care about their customers in the slightest. The employee was extremely rude and tried to charge us more than the original price we agreed upon. Do NOT rent from here!! read more

Dishonest, rude, and obnoxious owner...stay away don't rent from this place...charges are higher than quoted...stay away, stay away!!!!

Recently rented a pontoon and I had an amazing experience! All the workers were super friendly and helpful with any questions my family and I had. I will definitely be back again! read more

I was skeptical about coming here after reading other reviews, but I decided to not judge a book by its cover and I'm glad I didn't. The owner was actually polite despite what the other reviews may have said (maybe hes grown from his previous mistakes), and he had also suggested a "money saving" option to me and my boyfriend. The wait was less than 15 minutes for jetskis, the prices were reasonable, and the equipment was good. A supervisor was with us on the water, but I was glad because that ensured our safety and he was pretty chill too and definitely didn't bother anybody. Hope to come back here, we enjoyed our time! read more

I just inquired about waverunner rentals and the guy insulted me. I asked what it would cost for four separate waverunner rentals and he said "I only have three available - its basic math I only have three" with serious attitude in his voice. How does someone insult their prospective customers and expect to win business? Stay away. read more

Don't even bother. We didn't. The gentleman on the phone was rude with the worst customer service. We called on a Sunday and since we did not get a call back we came again on Monday. The gentleman who answered the phone was rude and basically hung up on us before we could book. So we called right back, no answer. My husband left a message. Hours pass still no return call. Therefore, at 330 pm I call. Once again, a rude gentleman picks up the phone very abrasive. I look into reserving a boat. He seems very annoyed by my questions. I go to reserve a boat, provide my info and ask the cost which he never brings up. He tells me the price. I told him that was more than we wanted to spend. He states then why you calling. He proceeds to scold me and tell me we have been calling all day. I stated we never were told the price since we were hung up on and never called back. He then tells me the prices are on his website. Really???? We didn't even know the website. We saw the advertisement in the local paper. FYI no website listed in the ad only a phone number. Horrible Horrible horrible. Glad we didn't proceed. This business does not deserve our money or anybody else's. read more