Renting a boat is a great way to spend some quality time with friends and family. At the same time, you don’t have to worry about the maintenance, care, and other costs that come with owning a boat.

Living in the midst of a pandemic has forced us to cancel all our trips and vacations. Now, renting a boat is a great way to have some fun while practicing social distancing from the rest of the world. But even if you intend to buy a boat for yourself, renting first is ideal. This allows you to gain some experience before you buy one. See if it suits your requirements before going on to make the final purchase.

Renting a boat is a fantastic way to try boating and enjoy some relaxing time in the harbor with your family or friends. But you need to keep a few things in mind before you consider renting a boat.

This article is a guide on what you should expect when you rent a boat. We will also go overcharges you will incur per hour or per day, along with some other tips and rules.

Plan Beforehand

You must plan your boating trip a few weeks prior. This is a smart decision to make, especially if you live in an area where boating is rare and seasonal. Chances are you might run of seats during peak season, and you will not be able to make a rental reservation.

In most cases, summer weekends are the busiest when it comes to boating. Marinas may not even have any boats available as they are occupied in sunny weather, especially if they intend to walk in and schedule a boat ride. Plan your ride as early as possible during these seasons. This allows you to secure a spot earlier. You can avail of it later on when you want to ride it.

Get There Early

On the day of the boat ride, arrive earlier than usual. Arriving ready and on time will allow you to finish all the paperwork and checks necessary while you are on the water. This also minimizes the time you have reserved and paid for. Every moment counts, especially when planning a short trip and will be back by a certain time. When paying for every hour, you want to make sure you spend most of your time on the water. Therefore, it is necessary that you show up at least 45 minutes before the scheduled time, so you are just in time for the fun.

Rates

Pricing is an important factor if you’re considering boating. First, you need to decide the kind of boat you require. That means considering the specifications and other features. You will also want to know if it is suitable for any guests. Typically, the cost can fall within affordable ranges as low as $30-40 per hour. However, if you were to rent a motor yacht or cabin cruiser, the price would be quite different and possibly 20 times higher than the average. The bigger your boat, the higher the price would be.

The rates start at $500 a day for daily pricing and can go up to $2500 per day. Again, it all depends on the kind of boat you wish to rent. If you intend to rent one for longer, it is wise to first rent the boat for an hour or two and then book it for an entire day to ensure you don’t waste your money.

Smooth Check In

One of the best ways to enjoy a hassle-free check-in is to thoroughly read the confirmation letter and to know what you need. If you carefully read all the details, check-in is most likely to go smoothly for you. Don’t be worried about having to sort through so much information as these documents are mostly concise. Most companies even state any kind of documents that you should bring along, the time of arrival, other accessories and equipment that will be provided, and other important guidelines.

You could also consider having a copy of your confirmation that you can give the company on arrival. This will make it convenient for them to look you up and escort you to the check-in process.

Rent the Right Boat

When you consider renting a boat, choose the right type of boat. You must be well informed of your requirements. For instance, it may not be suitable for you to take on a sailboat if you do not know or have never sailed before. Keep in mind the number of passengers accompanying you, so the boat is not overcrowded. On the other hand, if your plans include watersports, you will require a boat that has enough power to support your sports equipment.

Check the Condition of the Boat

Sure, the boat isn’t yours, but you still need to keep it in good condition. Nothing is more terrifying than being stranded in the water due to engine failure or any other issues. Conduct all necessary safety checks prior to your departure to prevent any problems from affecting your trip.

Follow the Rules

The last and most important tip is to abide by all the boat laws. Every state may have different laws and restrictions. Ensure you follow them thoroughly to avoid any serious repercussions against you. Go over the state law and guidelines, so you are extra careful with where you boat and how you go by it. From launching the boat to swimming in specific areas, prohibitions differ from area to area.

If you are a first-timer renting a boat, the process may be intimidating, and you probably feel clueless about what you should expect. Keep these few things in mind whenever you wish to rent a boat, and we bet you will enjoy a smooth, hassle-free boating experience!