Boat rental can offer a variety of benefits: fun and adventure on the water without the cost of maintenance, docking/storage fees, monthly loans, etc. Plus, it might not be necessary to tow the vessel to the launch site.
Renting a boat gives the perfect option to try out a different lake or type or class of vessel at minimal expense. The rates to book a preferred type of boat for a daily or longer outing is significantly less than the ongoing costs of ownership. A multi day rental is usually a quite cost-effective option.
Below are eight tips to help with hiring the next rental boat:
Why choose that rental company
Any well established boating destination or lake is certain to have several boat rental companies offering a choice of boats for hire. Just conduct a search using the phrase ‘boat rentals’ and add on the preferred region or lake. A large marina might be worth investigating to see if it has a choice of boats to rent out for several days.
Decide on the type and class of vessel
Rental boats will closely relate to the local waterways and experienced gained. A fishing boat is great for the major fishing sites, a pontoon or deck boat is perfect for larger groups or parties, and a Bowrider is a practical choice for the longer tours. Let the rental service know the planned cruising itinerary and they should be able to provide a boat that closely matches.
Moving from location to location
A rental company might be based on the sea or river front which makes it easy to use the local waters. A boat waiting in a marine slip is certain to be the easiest option to get underway. Alternatively, a trailerable boat gives the option to move further afield and explore areas that interest the most.
Do you have a qualified helmsman in charge?
Boat operators, states, and lakes can vary when it comes to classifying someone as qualified to take on responsibility for a boat. Anyone that has completed a boat safety course will help their cause and make it possible to be accepted as the person in charge. Make sure to check the rules and regulations published by the rental company to ensure you are able to comply.
Also, certain rental companies will be willing to provide free of charge tuition for the specific type of vessel that you will be hiring. This increases the chance of being able to safely operate the boat once out on the waters.
Get the vessel a visual inspection before use
Before setting off and accepting responsibility for the boat, make sure to give it a careful and thorough inspection. Inspect the boat for signs of loose or broken fittings, missing parts, prop damage, cracks in the windshield, dents, and scratches. Make sure any defects are noted before accepting the keys and leaving with the boat.
Is the vessel outfitted with the relevant safety equipment?
A further area to get familiar with is the safety equipment on-board. A life jacket should be available for each member of the crew and passengers on the boat and at the appropriate sizes (child to adult). Make sure you are aware of where everything is kept so that it is easy to access in the event of an emergency.
Is standard insurance protection in place?
A rental agreement should indicate the insurance limits and liabilities. Most of the boat rental agreements state the user is the sole person responsible for problems or issues that materialize whilst on hire. Check the agreement to ensure you are able to comply with the terms and conditions listed. Use an insurance agent to check the details if you aren’t entirely certain of what is noted on the form.
Limitations or restrictions in the rental agreement
Read the rental agreement to be certain you know what you are getting into. Limitations in the contract might relate to the distance traveled from the launch ramp or port. Usability options can vary – certain operators will ban the use of skiers or towable tubes. Night time boat handling might be limited. Plus, make sure to be aware of how forced cancellations are handled.