Today we’d like to introduce you to Luann McElroy.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My husband Joe and I started Voyagers Rentals in 2014. I grew up boating, and Joe grew up surfing and spending his days on the water, so being by the harbor has always felt like home to both of us.
We began with just one Duffy boat and a shared dream to create something that would let people experience Newport Harbor the way we did—peaceful, fun, and full of connection. In the early days, we both kept our other jobs. I worked remotely, so I’d take care of the day cruises, and Joe would run the evening charters after work. It was a lot of long days and late nights, but we loved every bit of it.
Over time, our little side business grew into something bigger. Word spread, and our fleet expanded one boat at a time. Today, Voyagers has seven Duffy boats, a small team we’re proud of, and a loyal community of customers who’ve celebrated birthdays, engagements, family gatherings, and simple sunset cruises with us.
Looking back, it’s humbling to see how far we’ve come from that first boat. At its heart, Voyagers is still about the same thing it was when we started—sharing our love for the water and giving people a chance to slow down, laugh, and make memories together in Newport Beach.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most small businesses, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Newport Beach is beautiful but busy, especially in the summer. Limited parking and waterfront access can be challenging at times, and we do our best to help our guests navigate that.
Running a boat rental business also means dealing with constant maintenance. The ocean and weather take a toll, so we’re always repairing, updating, and caring for our fleet to keep everything in top shape.
But honestly, those challenges have made us better operators. We’ve learned to adapt quickly, stay patient, and focus on delivering great service even when things don’t go perfectly. It’s a lot of work, but it’s rewarding work.
As you know, we’re big fans of Voyagers Rentals. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Voyagers Rentals offers private electric Duffy boat rentals in the beautiful Newport Beach Harbor. Our guests can explore the harbor at their own pace—whether it’s a quiet morning cruise, a sunset ride with friends, or a family celebration on the water.
What sets us apart is our personal touch. We truly care about our guests’ experience from start to finish. Joe and I are hands-on owners, and our team goes the extra mile to make every voyage easy, fun, and memorable.
We’re also proud of our location right on Balboa Island. It’s one of the most charming and historic parts of Newport, and being here allows our guests to start their cruise surrounded by the island’s small-town coastal charm.
Brand-wise, we take pride in maintaining beautiful, well-kept boats and offering genuine, friendly service. We’re not just renting boats—we’re helping people make memories on the water.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Joe and I have both been really blessed to work for and alongside some of the most creative and business-savvy minds in Orange County. Over the years, we’ve learned how valuable it is to surround ourselves with people who inspire us and challenge us to grow.
One of our biggest mentors has been Joe’s brother, Thom McElroy. He’s guided us in so many ways—both personally and professionally—and his example has had a huge impact on how we approach business, relationships, and leadership.
We’ve never been afraid to ask questions or reach out to people we respect for advice and feedback. That openness has helped us grow and stay grounded through all the ups and downs.
When it comes to networking or finding a mentor, I think the key is to build real relationships, not just professional ones. Be genuine, show up, and give back when you can. The right people tend to show up when your heart and intentions are in the right place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://voyagersrentals.com
- Instagram: @voyagersrentals
- Facebook: Voyagersrentals
- Yelp: Voyagers
Image Credits
James Lugo
