Pirates Chest

a floating ice cream stand

 Have you ever been on a hot summer day in the boat, out on the water and all you have is a cooler that has since warmed over? What a hassle of going into shore to dock to then get a drink or a treat. Then you are out of the mood of boating and decide to put it back on the trailer. The day is done.

 What if you could easily pull over to a spot in the middle of the river to get cooled off? Just like when you pull up to your favorite drive thru on land to get your ice cream. Here you can pull your boat up to the Pirates Chest Ice Cream boat in the river and get a cool treat or even for those that need an afternoon cup of coffee. Then you're back to enjoying you water sport.

 Pirates Chest is an owner/operator boat that has an ice cream stand on it, that will also be serving limited selections of cold and hot drinks, with other prepackaged goods. All of this will take place on the waterways in Western New York. Think of your local ice cream truck, going into your neighborhoods but my business is on the water.

 If you were to catch us at a mooring spot, the walk up approach would be like this...

 Once at my boat you will be able to board on our gang plank, taking you up to the service area. This is a small area under the roof of the boat. Cooling fans blowing on you as you wait in line.

 Here I have the display cooler in front of you. The hard ice cream choices are …vanilla / chocolate / strawberry / moose tracks / orange sherbet / also a sugar free choice. Novelty ice cream - a few premade ice cream treats like…ice cream sandwiches / nutty buddy / Spongebob Popsicles & regular Popsicles. Also a soft serve ice cream machine with vanilla and chocolate choices or the best of both - a twist!

 We also have chilled bottles of pop and water available. Keurig coffee machine with coffee, tea, iced tea, and hot chocolate. A very quick one cup offering made to order. I can supply any specialty flavor in these like Dunkin Donuts brand / Starbucks brand etc, without having a full brewing pot sitting all day.

 We also sell bags of ice and other items that you may need out on the water.

 Are you out with your dog walking the trails or on a jog? We make a great pit stop. Stop at our boat and use the dog water bowl on us. You can use your water or buy one from us. We hate to see an overheated pet on such a beautiful day. And if it’s ok with you, maybe the Captain will toss your pal a biscuit.

 Not only can you get service from us on the docks but out in the water as a drive-thru for boats. From the water approach you will see...

 As you steer towards the boat to see what it is, you will be able to view several of the dreaded skeleton pirates onboard. Some of these pirates will have movement to animate their love of the water and ice cream. You will then see that there is signage showing you where to pull alongside on the port side (my left) and tie off. You stay on your boat as I will come to you to take the order. We do not want any of them dastardly pirates getting to you. I create your choices and bring them to you. We accept cash with Canadian money at par/ credit/ debit/ and gold doubloons. The transactions complete, we part ways and you enjoy your day.

 An added feature is having my website locator or be a Twitter follower, where you can get updated info as to where I currently am. Google maps will show the current positioning of the boat.

 Even more is with the phone number and marine radio reference number visible on the side of the boat, for land lovers and other boats to see. In calling my number as I am in your sights, I can quickly come to you to with the boat to sell treats.

 You can even book us for a private party or group rates. Are you looking to celebrate that special birthday event? Packages include ice cream treats for everyone. You can bring your party to us or we can come to you (depending on water depth conditions). We cannot have guests on our boat while in motion but you would be welcome to come and explore it while docked.

 If you are out on the water and in need of a First Aid kit, we can assist you with that. Make sure it is not a life threatening issue first. If it is call 911. But we carry simple treatments like Band-Aids/ peroxide/ cold packs etc. We offer these free to those in need. Being a former first responder as a fireman and EMT, we just can’t stop helping people that need it and glad to take the time to do so.

 We are also huge supporters of non-profit organizations that give Christmas toys to kids. Listed here is the info for the groups we support. These organizations cover the WNY area and Canada that we live and play in. Our money comes mostly from our local communities and we want to give back to those that need it. On our boat is a toy chest that you can drop off a new unwrapped toy or even cash, any time of the season. We also will hold events throughout the season to support this fund like our Christmas in July and the end of the season ''Empty the Chest'' events. Check our calendar for specific times/ dates and info on specials.

 At the end of the year we will divide all of the loot and split it between all four groups. I'll try to post some pictures of that but we pirates are kind of shy when it comes to being thanked for the stuff we do. We are supposed to be dastardly pirates after all.

 And no,''Gary the Happy Pirate'' is not a family member or connected to us in any way. He is ''Happy'' all the time, where we are true ugly pirates all of the time...well mostly.

a) Gary the Happy Pirate ~ 'Pirate Toy Fund'

Rochester, NY 14609 ph: (585) 271-5519 www.piratetoyfund.org

b) Don Caroll ~ 'Toys for Kids' in Batavia NY 

 www.doncarrollrace.com

c) 'Toys for Tots' ~ Buffalo NY 14202

ph: (716) 885-6529 x3511   http://buffalo-ny.toysfortots.org

d) Project share ~ 4129 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

ph: (905) 357-5121 www.projectshare.ca/