Peconic Paddler Up for Grabs

After 47 years of renting and selling canoes and kayaks to those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Peconic River, Jim Dreeben, owner of the , is calling it a day. 

Dreeben has listed his long-established business with North Fork Commercial Real Estate of Riverhead for $900,000.

"It's time to move on," said Dreeben, who said he will miss the day-to-day bustle of his business.

But, never one to remain idle, Dreeben has plans to start a new business in the days ahead. Dreeben says he doesn't play to spend his retirement sitting back; instead, he said he wants to paddle-board. And not just for pleasure -- he said he intends to start a paddle-board touring business.

"I've been getting requests for years from people who want guided paddle-board tours," said Dreeben, who said he hasn't been able to bring the dream to fruition because he has had to attend to the daily business of Peconic Paddler.

"It will be nice to wipe the slate clean and start fresh," said Dreeben, who imagines that he will rent a space in downtown Riverhead for his tour business.

Dreeben said he hopes that someone will come in and simply take-over Peconic Paddler, which he says has always done well with lots of foot traffic. However, he said he is willing to sell the property so someone can start a new business. 

For more information, contact listing agent Joseph Knoll at 631-477-6626.