AUSTIN, Texas — Lady Bird Lake is one of Austin’s biggest attractions. You can see people kayaking, paddle boarding and rowing every day. The hike and bike trail is also a nice way to enjoy the natural landscape by foot. 

But one family in Austin wanted to enjoy the lake in a different way. That’s why they brought retro boats to the water. Retro Boat Rentals ATX, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, has become a gathering place for Texans and tourists.

On the surface, these 1950s-1960s era boats are sleek and colorful. But on the inside, they’re equipped with newer, eco-friendly technology.

The boats’ engine casings are just there for show. Each one has been replaced with a zero-emission motor. The boats are plugged in every night and good to go for the day.

Sam Kohler, the manager and owner’s son, recognizes how important it is to take care of the surrounding wildlife.

“We see it down by our dock, all the awesome wildlife,” he said. “So it’s very important for us to preserve that. It’s very important for us to be a part of the solution going forward.”

And the business is moving forward with even more eco-friendly technology. Kent Kohler, the owner, is expanding the dock to include solar panels. He will also add four more boat slots so he can increase the fleet from eight to 12 boats.

Retro Boat Rentals ATX is a family business, which is part of the reason why it’s so inviting for all who want to join in on the fun. 

“It’s been something that’s important to us, and it’s a family thing, so we’re putting our full effort into it,” Sam Kohler said.

Sam makes the boats feel like family too. Each one has a name: Gidget, Gladys, Midge and Babs are just a few.

“It’s personally quite funny to us to give them a little bit of a persona,” Sam Kohler said. 

For Austin resident Lana Rowder, riding in a retro boat was the best way to show her out-of-town guests the city.

“You get to be on the water, and you get to see everybody on the hike and bike trail, and everybody out and about,” Rowder said. “And then you have the skyline. They get a glimpse of our life and why we moved here and why we love Austin so much.”

Follow Charlotte Scott on Twitter.