We had the good fortune of connecting with Capt. John Fanti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Capt. John, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I am doing something that hasn’t been done in ages on lake st clair. Not only that, what sets me apart from the next person in my industry is my passion and love for it. Many people say to be careful making your hobby, your career. I wouldn’t have it any other way. If money were no object in the world I would still be doing what I’m doing everyday.

-To set yourself apart in the boating industry you need to be innovative and refreshing. That is exactly what I have done with the spirit cruise boat.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I realize that this is the “fun” business and always try to remind others of that fact.

-Look, taking folks out on the water for a happy-go-lucky booze cruise sounds easy! It’s beautiful on the water, music is playing and everyone is having a good time. What sets me apart is the experience and readiness to handle ANY situation.

Weather it’s the drills myself and the crew practice to handle a maritime emergency, or the ability to tell someone nicely to have a water break after they’ve had a few too many, it’s all in a days work. You literally have to be ready for anything.

Perhaps the most important thing I want people to know about the Spirit boat is that I grew up riding it! It was formerly the Detroit yacht club’s shuttle boat and as a boy my brother and I would terrorize the poor captain and crew. When I was about 12 or 13 my parents split and “bye-bye”went boating. It was not until my father and I began working on boat engines (kind of by accident) that I was reunited with her( the spirit of lsc).

I was contracted to do some work on the engine and I would daydream about turning it into a tour boat or water taxi for the public. Shortly thereafter the club moth-balled it. It wasn’t until the lockdowns of the Covid pandemic that I would finally receive an opportunity to purchase and restore it.

I want people to know I was not given this boat or opportunity. I do not come from money. Often people say “wow, you must be rich”. Truth is, I’m just good at being poor! I personally put my hands on her every step of the way. From replacing rotten wood and re-wiring it top to bottom. Varnish, paint, the toilet, you name it. All the stuff no one sees, that yacht owners tend to farm out. I get a massive amount of satisfaction knowing that I’m not a millionaire playing with a boat business, I’m an honest working-man that was blessed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well my friends from out of town know I’m a fabulous tour guide. You can catch me at the tigers game on friday nights with a coney dog stop to follow (laffeyette. Iykyk). Of course, Saturday and Sunday are still for the boat! In addition to SPIRIT I’ve got a couple “play” boats for hitting the sandbars and bays of lake st clair. A restored 1969 Marinette painted light blue, reminiscent of the fl keys and a Boston whaler to match.

During the week you’re on your own! I could play armchair QB for them but honestly too busy at the marina to play so I hope they visit on the weekend!!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Everything I have been able to apply to boating , business and LIFE I credit to my father, Capt. John Fanti sr.

On my 18th birthday he gave me a tool set and told me as long as I had it, I would never starve. He sure was right! Together we started a mobile boat engine repair company which is still going strong 18 years later.

That knowledge I gained afforded me the opportunity to own the Spirit Cruise Boat. Thanks dad!

Website: Www.spiritcruiseboat.com

Instagram: @spiritcruiseboat

Facebook: Spirit cruise boat

Other: Folks can Call/text ANYTIME 586-606-2126

Image Credits
Brad oz

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