The EAST LAKE CHARTER COMPANY,INC.

The East Lake Charter Company, Inc. was originally started around 1997 by Capt.Paul Benzler, to provide a charter boat service to local divers to the shipwrecks in the eastern end of Lake Erie and the upper Niagara River. This was a part time operation providing many satisfied customers a wonderful experience aboard the BLUE WAVE II a 31' Chris Craft Commander, which he set up with tank rack seating for 6 divers plus crew.

In 1998 Capt Roger J Pettygrove, helped Capt Paul out a few times when other obligations would not allow him to operate the boat. Then while vacationing in Florida during jan. 1999 Capt paul found JUPITER DIVE CHARTERS ,JUPITER ,FL for sale.Well have you figured out Capt Paul Wanted to operate in the sun, and purchased it. Now, what to do about EAST LAKE CHARTER COMPANY?

Well, He approached Capt Roger, who not only was a USCG Licensed Master,but, also was a SCUBA INSTRUCTOR as well, and also knew the boat and company. We spent the better part of 1999 setting up a way to keep EAST LAKE CHARTER COMPANY,INC. Operating under the new ownership of Capt Roger. So in October of 1999 with the paper work done and our season closed here in the north we put the BLUE WAVE II to bed for the winter.

During the spring 2000 setup,we found a problem with one of the motors. Capt Roger did not want to take a chance just to repair one motor, so we found two remanufactured 454CID marine engines and had them installed. Then spent the rest of that season did nothing but shake down the boat to be certain that when divers and passengers came on board there would be NO problems.

In 2001 and 2002 we can proudly say that approximately 300-400 divers and passengers have enjoyed diving and riding around the eastern part of Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River drift dives in safe comfort. We plan to continue that policy for many more seasons to both local and out of town visitors, enjoying the wonders of the underwater world here in the Buffalo,NY area.

What's new for 2003? Those that have dove with us know Firstmate SUE, well we are proud to say, she has taken the US Coast Guard Exam and became a USCG Licensed Master over the off season, and is adding SUZY BUBBLES a 28' Chris Craft Catalina Express, which will be able to take the smaller 2-4 diver groups that wasn't economical to do with the BLUE WAVE II. So we will now cater to those couples and small groups that want to miss the larger groups for more intimate diving experience. HELP ME - WELCOME CAPT SUE and her boat SUZY BUBBLES to EAST LAKE CHARTER COMPANY. WELCOME ABOARD Capt SUE!!

We use only Licensed Captains and certified Divemaster/crew here at East Lake Charter Company,Inc. Also O2 is always on board, everybody is trained in CPR/ First aid and oxygen administration.