Bumper Boats Are Back!

Everyone remembers the thrill of riding bumper cars at carnivals, and maybe bumper boats, too. Now it’s possible to relive those carefree days right here in Lake Havasu City.

Jennifer and Chad Whetten, owners of WhettRods Jet Ski Rentals in the English Village, are adding bumper boats to the boats, jet skis, standup paddleboards, kayaks and paddleboats they have been offering in the eight years they have been in business in Havasu.

Chad and Jennifer Whetten remove a bumper boat from a truck to place it in the Bridgewater Channel. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Chad and Jennifer Whetten remove a bumper boat from a truck to place it in the Bridgewater Channel. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
“We just thought it would be fun for visitors to ride amusement park bumper cars for sale,” said Jennifer. “There used to be bumper boats under the bridge about 18 years ago.”

They have purchased three bumper boats, and may add more in the future. There will be a blocked-off area in the Bridgewater Channel for the bumper boats.

The Whettens purchased the bumper boats from J&J Amusements in Oregon. J&J was started in 1975 by twin brothers whose love of amusement parks moved them to create their own business. The brothers invented and patented bumper boats in 1975. They design and manufacture go karts, bumper cars and other rides for amusement parks. The business was moved from California to Oregon in 1993.

Whettrods will have the bumper boats available for rent by Sept. 14, Jennifer said, and they will have a special offer for Havasu residents. On Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, Havasu residents may ride the radio controlled bumper cars free between 5 and 7 p.m.

One of the bumper boats after it was assembled in the Whett Rods shop. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
One of the bumper boats after it was assembled in the Whett Rods shop. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
No reservations are required to use the bumper boats. In fact, Whettrods requires reservations only for boats. Whettrods is located at 507 English Village, by Kokomo’s, and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They occasionally have special evening events.

The bumper boats hold one adult and two children and the rental fee is $5 for adults and $2 for children for a five-minute ride. Children must be 40 inches tall to ride in the bumper boats.