Economics of Bumper Boat Pond Operation

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The possible incomes for a bumper boat pond vary depending on many different factors. Among those variables are location, climate, other adjacent complimentary attractions, and operational quality. The following is a potential revenue for this attraction. Like most boat ponds, it has three months of prime usage and two months of secondary. Most bumper boat ponds have a short season due to the necessity to get wet in order to have a fun time.

CRITERIA: 10 Boat Pond, 4000 sq. ft., 100,000 drawing population, 5 minute ride (8 minute cycle)
TOTAL RIDES PER HOUR: 7.5 x $5.00 x 10 = $375.00 per hour
MAXIMUM REVENUE PER DAY: $375.00 x 12 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) = $4,500.00

Due to weather, school, people working during the day, etc. very few locations will run anywhere near 100% capacity. Thus, the following schedule shows possible revenues for the pond. Allowing for five rain days a month, there are an average of 25 operating days a month. 25 x $4,500.00 = $112,750.00 per month max.

	3 Prime Months	2 Off Months	Total
15% Capacity	$50,625	$16,857	$67,500
20% Capacity	$67,500	$22,500	$90,000
25% Capacity	$84,375	$28,125	$112,500
30% Capacity	$101,250	$33,750	$135,000

As the revenues increase, so does the labor necessary to run the pond.
The following is a brief summary of the costs of running a pond:

	15%	20%	25%	30%
Gross Income	$67,500	$90,000	$112,500	$135,000
Labor	$7,500	$8,250	$10,000	$12,250
Insurance	$6,500	$7,500	$8,500	$9,500
Miscellaneous (20%)	$9,450	$12,600	$15,750	$18,900
Net before taxes	$44,050	$61,650	$78,250	$94,350

Note: Gas, Maintenance, and Miscellaneous = 20% of Gross
Note: Because of the variables involved in any pond, the above figures are in no way to be construed as what your pond will do. The figures are based upon revenues at existing parks doing revenues similar to those shown above.

Rough Costs to Build 4000 Sq. Ft.
Bumper Boat Pond (10 to 14 Boats)

These are approximate costs to start a Bumper Boat business. These costs will vary based on the contractor, site work, type of construction and local costs.

CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE based on criteria such as: 4,000 sq. ft. of pond surface with 7.5 hp pumps and 3' 36" sand filters; hand rails for maximum 14 boats; fence 360 degrees around pool; lights around pond (30' high 4 fixtures 400 watt)	$75,000 - $95,000
10 boats to start	$49,000
ESTIMATED TOTAL	$75,000 - $95,000

By using a pond liner, the cost of building the ponds and deck can be reduced substantially (up to 30%). The appearance is limited to rectangular shapes instead of the more attractive free form shapes of gunite.