Ash Riviera RV Park

Sam

We rented a fishing boat from Ash Riviera Resort to accompany our houseboat for the weekend. Before confirming the rental, I called twice to make sure the boat would include all the proper lighting and safety equipment required for night boating. The houseboat company we were renting from didn’t have smaller boats equipped with navigation lights and recommended a nearby resort that could provide one. During both phone calls, I made it very clear that our top priority was a boat that was fully equipped and functional for safe, legal night operation. I was assured that it would meet those requirements. When we arrived to pick up the rental, the fishing boat was delivered to the houseboat company. We did a brief walkthrough — I was familiar with that type of boat, and the resort staff pointed out the lights, so we didn’t test them at that time. Given how clearly I had emphasized our need for working lights, I assumed such a basic safety check had already been done. Unfortunately, when we prepared for night boating, we discovered that the contacts for the stern light were broken. The damage was clearly not recent — it appeared that someone had previously forced the light into the socket incorrectly, breaking the embedded contacts. We contacted the resort and temporarily improvised by attaching a small lantern to the stern light pole. The red and green navigation lights initially worked as we departed, but shortly afterward, the dashboard and lights began shorting out completely. At that point, we discovered multiple issues: the stern light was inoperable due to broken contacts, the navigation lights and dashboard kept shorting out, and the fuel gauge didn’t work. When we called Ash Riviera that night, they suggested using a cell phone as a light and said they would come in the morning. They arrived late, brought a small clip-on stern light, but couldn’t repair the electrical problem. They also insisted the boat was “legal” with just the rear light, which is simply untrue. While the engine and trolling motor worked fine and there were enough life jackets, the boat was poorly maintained and unsafe for night use. For the price we paid, that’s unacceptable. Suggesting a phone as a navigation light was both irresponsible and dangerous. When we returned the boat, we expressed our disappointment and provided feedback on what was a complete failure to provide a functional vessel. They offered a small discount, but the malfunctions completely ruined our ability to use the boat as intended.

John C.

We rented a boat from Ash Riviera to use along with a houseboat specifically to attend a Night Sky event. We clearly stated that we needed a boat with navigation lights. Our houseboat comes with a boat, but that boat does not include nav lights. First, a couple of positives: the engine worked well, it had enough life jackets, and the boat included a trolling motor. But beyond that, the rest is a HUGE disappointment and nearly dangerous, as in risking people's lives. On the night of the Night Sky event, we discovered the following: - The contacts for the stern light were bad, and the stern light didn't work. - The front navigation lights and the entire dashboard electrical system would work for about a minute and then short out. - The fuel gauge didn't work. We contacted Ash Riviera the night we discovered these issues, and they suggested using a cell phone as a light, stating they would come in the morning. They didn't arrive until late morning and provided a clip-on battery stern light, but could not fix the shorting problem with the navigation lights and dashboard. They also told us we were legal with just the back light. This is not true. A boat of this size needs a white stern light and red and green navigation lights. For the price we paid, we expected a newer, well-maintained boat. What we received was an old boat with numerous problems that ruined the main event of our trip and could be dangerous to use at night. I cannot recommend this company to anyone if they can't do the bare minimum to ensure that something as basic as the lights are working on their boats, and suggest that their customers operate their boats illegally.

Bryan Gallagher

0 stars would be far more appropriate for this place of "business". Incredibly rude owners who act as though they are doing you a favor by being there. There are several other options very close by. Do yourself a favor and choose one of those. Skip this place at all costs.

Cheryl Ware

Not one of our favorite spots. It is close to the Ash River and Voyageurs National Park. However, check in and out were unorganized. I had paid a deposit, which they couldn't seem to find and with no cell service I couldn't check myself. I ended up paying cash and checked our credit card once we had service. I had paid the deposit! I called and gave them all the information and they did refund the deposit right away. It was just frustrating to do their work for them.

Pamela Lindholm

Love getting up and looking at the river. Service was great they came around with fire wood ever evening. And love there busses thet took us to the drop off to go tubing. Going next year with the familes.