Renting a boat is a good option if you’re just getting started in boating and want to ease into the boating lifestyle before forking over big bucks on boat ownership. Here are a few tips to get your bearings.
Types of Boats
There are many different types of boats available for rent. Selection can vary depending on your location. The following list of boats can have overlap, but it’s common to find: pontoon boats, fishing boats, bowriders, ski boats, speedboats, cabin cruisers, sailboats and catamarans. For the purposes of this article, we will concentrate on powerboats – boats with engines – and ones that are available to rent without a captain onboard.
Pontoon boats most notable feature is a large flat, open deck. The deck is supported by 2 or 3 large hollow metal tubes (pontoons) to provide buoyancy for the vessel. Pontoon boats offer more space and seating than any other boat type for the price. With all the seating, they are an excellent choice for families.
Fishing boats of the size you can rent are usually going to be open fishermen. These boats are distinguishable by a central helm station or center console that is home to all the controls and any electronics. The rest of the deck is open to provide maximum space for fishing activities.
Bowriders are small powerboats with extra seating up-front (the bow). They are another good choice for families with all the additional seating. They’re also good choices because of their flexibility to do all kinds of different water activities like: skiing or tubing, swimming or snorkeling, or just island or beach hopping.
Ski boats and speedboats are differentiated by their power. These boats are equipped with larger, more powerful engines to enhance the ability to pull skiers or just go fast.
Determine Size of Boat and Budget
To a large extent, the size of the boat will determine the cost. After you have chosen the type of boat that best fits your needs, then look at the options as far as size and see what fits within your budget. Know that the prices go up substantially as the boat increases in size.
The cost of boats varies wildly by location. I’ve seen prices vary by many hundreds of dollars for similar boats within a 50-mile radius of a particular location. So, it literally pays to be flexible and do some shopping around.
Know the Rules and Your Limitations
Many people who are new to boating think of a boat rental like a car rental. Aside from the steering wheel, driving a boat is nothing like driving a car. Plus, there is the added responsibility of the captain to his/her passengers. Remember, in boating you may not have the ability or opportunity to simply pull over and get out of the vessel. For some of the basics, check out our post on Navigation Basics, Rules & Tips.
If you’re not familiar with operating a boat, please take the time to take a basic safety course. A safety course is also required in many jurisdictions, but even if it’s not required, it’s a very good idea if you are just starting out. Here is a link to several Online Boating Safety Courses.
Please humble yourself and know your limitations. So many negative situations can be avoided by simply not getting into them. In boating, this requires actively and continuously assessing your situation. Always be aware of all the other boats around you and remain vigilant. Be alert to the sea state and the wakes being produced by other boats – especially if you are in a smallish vessel.
What to Expect
Don’t expect a new boat. Most boats available for rent have been used quite a bit, and it shows. Cushions may appear worn and torn. There may also be visible damage to the boat and its paint job.
This is where it pays to inspect the boat before you actually rent it. If possible, visit the boat rental company on the days before your rental so there are no surprises.
Do your research online and select one or more boats you are interested in and then pay them a visit. On your pre-rental visit you can look at the actual boats you will be renting, discuss prices and insurance (if additional).
Some rental companies have written and hands-on proficiency questionnaires and tests. Be prepared to prove you can handle the boat you’re renting. If you are satisfied with the boat and pricing, you may be able to get some of this paperwork done in advance to make your day of boating more enjoyable and seamless.
Inspect the Boat
Look for any visible damage to the boat. Before leaving the dock, look for any damage to the boat’s hull (exterior), inner liner (interior), cushions, windshield, accessories, and most importantly the engine and lower unit – make sure you take closeup pictures of the boat’s lower unit and skeg (if it’s an outboard).
The most common damage in rental boats is damage to the lower unit from groundings. Groundings happen when you drive the boat into an area that is too shallow for the draft of the boat and the engine and/or the hull make contact with the bottom. Depending on your speed and the hardness of the bottom, the damage can be substantial.
Groundings happen quite frequently in rental boats because users are not familiar with the vessel and sometimes lack the local knowledge of the area. For these reasons, when you take a picture of the outboard’s lower unit and skeg, you will likely notice previous damage. This is why it’s important to document any damage that exists before you take control of the vessel.
Before you leave the dock, there will be some type of orientation on the boat’s operation, safety features and gear. These orientations will convey a lot of information very quickly. It may be difficult to remember all this information. It’s a very good idea for someone in your party to take a video that you can refer to in a pinch.
Read the Rental Agreement
The boat rental industry is not as standardized as the car rental industry. Agreements can contain all sorts of surprises so make sure you read it thoroughly. I would suggest calling the rental company in advance and requesting a copy so you can review at home and not while your family and friends are standing behind you anxious to get on the boat.
Here are some things to look for. Know the amount of your security deposit and the circumstances under which it would be withheld. Know what your insurance costs and options are. Many firms offer different insurance plans with varying options and costs. For example, one option may be cheaper but will not cover the cost of replacing the anchor if you were to lose it.
Know your responsibility for fueling the vessel. Most boats are rented with a full tank of fuel and it’s your responsibility to refill the fuel tank before returning. Be aware boats use much more fuel than cars and that marine fuel at the dock is much more expensive than your local gas station. It’s not unusual for a full day of boating to require several hundred dollars of fuel.
The agreement likely also includes something regarding the area of operation – where you are allowed to take the vessel and how far. If you run into any problem that requires you to contact the rental company or get a tow, and you happen to be outside of the allowed area of operation, your problems will be magnified.
It’s impossible to know the weather with any accuracy outside of 2-3 days. If possible, do not reserve your boat or leave a deposit before you have a good idea of the weather – especially the winds. High winds will make boating in a small vessel uncomfortable (higher chance of seasickness) and potentially unsafe. If your itinerary is fixed and you have to make a reservation well in advance, make sure you are aware of your rental agreement’s provisions for weather related cancellations. Some rental outfits have very restrictive weather clauses and/or may only issue credit for future rentals.
Boating is fun! But boats are expensive and renting them is not a trivial matter. Being prepared and aware is a great way to have a positive boat rental experience.
