5 TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST BOAT RENTAL
Hanging out on a boat with your friends while cruising the waters is a great way to have a good time on a sunny afternoon. If you don’t own a pontoon boat, you can rent a 20 foot one that will fit up to six people for a decent price. If you’re planning to head out on the water for the first time, there are some things you should know to get the most out of your experience. Here are five tips for your first boat rental.
RESERVE IN ADVANCE
Marinas get incredibly busy during the summer season. You may not be able to find a party pontoon boat available if you just walk in to rent one. It’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early on the day of your boat rental so you can get through the check-in process before your scheduled time. You don’t want to waste your money spending time filling out paperwork instead of being out on the water.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOAT
You will want to choose the right party pontoon boat that is best for you. If you’ve never rented before, a full-sized sailboat may be too much. Know your limitations. Choose a boat that is a comfortable fit for the number of passengers you have on board. If you plan to engage in water sports, make sure your boat has enough power to pull the equipment.
Inspect the boat thoroughly before taking it out on the water. You want to make sure that the engine is running smoothly and there’s no damage on the outside of the boat. If you do see something suspicious, report it to the company immediately before use. This is excellent advice to heed on a boat, as it can help protect you from being charged for damages you didn’t cause when you return the boat back at the end of your rental.
HAVE A SAFETY PLAN
It’s a good idea to have a boat rental safety plan in case something unexpected happens while you’re out on the water. You don’t want to end up stranded with no way to reach anyone for help. Get the marina’s contact information and let someone know how long you plan to be out. Make sure you have a way to tell time and a fully charged phone to contact someone while you’re on the boat as well.
UNDERSTAND BOATING REQUIREMENTS
Every state has certain requirements to meet before renting party boats. Most require you to be at least 18 years old and some may require you to take a boater’s education class or a boat rental safety tips course. Make sure you follow these regulations because you could be fined if you don’t. Plus, basic knowledge of party boat rental safety will keep you and your party safe so that you can make the most of your time out on the water!
BE AWARE OF BOAT RENTAL COSTS
Understanding rental costs is another essential on our list of five tips for your first boat rental. How much it will cost to rent will depend on the type of party boat you choose as well as how long you plan to be out on the water. It will cost even more if you hire a captain to charter a boat for you. You may be expected to pay a deposit in full before being allowed to take the boat out on the water. It’s also a good idea to invest in insurance to protect you against anything that might go wrong.
Knowing what to expect with your boat rental will help you avoid any unexpected issues that would cause a damper on your desire to have a good time. Now that you have this information, you can head out on the water and have a blast with your friends. Go hit those waves!