You are all set for your coastal vacation and all you need to know is how to rent a boat. Renting a perfect boat is not as easy as many think and it requires some degree of judgment. We have compiled some tips and tricks to help you rent your next boat. We hope these will help you figure out how to rent a boat and make your coastal vacation fun and adventurous.
How to Rent A Boat – All You Need to Know
When it comes to renting a boat, it is not very simple but it is not very difficult either. If you follow the below instructions, you will set yourself up to have a wonderful boating vacation. Remember sailboats are different than regular boats. If you love adventure then you might prefer a sailboat either, but renting a sailboat has different considerations to keep in mind than the regular one. For now, Check out the below tips and have an amazing sail on a regular boat!
But how about we cruise you through the entire post at top speed? Check out the slides below:
Plan & Reserve Your Boat in Advance
Congratulations! You have decided to rent a boat. Many other vacationers are trying to do the same, so you had better get your ducks in a row, so to speak, to ensure you have exactly what you need when you arrive.
There is a huge rush throughout the boating season so if you delay everything until the last minute you might be disappointed in the options—or lack thereof—when you arrive. You might not even get a boat at all. Bear in mind that when traveling with kids you must be extra cautious to select one with enough room. Do not procrastinate.
You might be wondering about cancellations. But many companies offer refund or pay when you arrive options as well. So weigh the costs of booking in advance before you go ahead with it.
Start Early – Maximize Your Rental Period
Step two of our guide of how to rent a boat is to arrive early. There will be the ubiquitous paperwork that must be filled out before you finally sail. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes. If you arrive at the scheduled time this will cut into your sail time. The advisable thing to do is arrive earlier and finish the paperwork well before your scheduled start time. This way you will be able to spend the entire time sailing for which you have paid.
Also, it is advisable to start early in the morning. If you have booked the boat for the entire day, most of the time you need to close by the sunset. So the earlier you start the more time you will get.
Carry Your Documentation
Next on our guide of how to rent a boat is to carry the required documentation. At the time of making the reservation, you will be given a list of documents you need to carry. These are mostly your identity-related documents but might be more than that.
If it is not clear to you what all is needed, it is best to ask when you receive your booking confirmation. Once you know what to bring, it is advisable to keep it handy. At times, it is also better to take a print of your booking confirmation instead of relying on your phone. Sometimes they are unreliable when you need the most. Be sure to bring large zip-style baggies to carry your paperwork and electronics in to protect them from the water.
Picking the Right Boat
There are several things you need to consider while picking a boat. The most important thing is who will be sailing it. If you are an expert sailor then you can pick any boat, even the full-sized one.
However, if you have not sailed before, or are only a novice, you might want to pick a smaller boat. Many locations will allow you to charter a captain, but this must be done in advance. Be sure to inquire in advance if that option appeals to you. This is most appropriate when you have never sailed or just want to enjoy the ride.
The next thing to consider is the number of passengers. Pick a boat that has enough room for everyone. The boat should be rated weight of the people. It should not be cramped as well.
Finally, you also need to think of what you are planning to do on the ride. If you plan to participate in water sports, then make sure you pick out a high-power boat. Otherwise, you can cut your costs here.
Frugal Packing Is the Key to A Successful Sail
So weight is the biggest safety concern when it comes to how to rent a boat. You need to know what will you be taking along on the ride. You also need to know whether your boat has sufficient room for all your stuff.
It is always advisable to carry only the necessary items and travel light. However, it does not mean you should not pack the essentials. You can get an overview of what you can carry along while making your reservations.
Some must-have things are required clothing (wind protecting), sunscreen and a hat, food and water, and some towels. Other than that you may pack fishing poles and supplies if you intend to fish.
At times, people go sailing for longer than a day. In that case make sure you have enough blankets, bathroom supplies, and an extra pair of clothes.
Costs & Other Money Aspects of Renting A Boat
Find out the most appropriate boat within your budget. You might want to rent the boat during the weekdays when there is less rush. You will definitely get a better price. Weekends are always packed. Not only will it cost you more, but you might not be able to get your desired boat.
Another thing you need to know is that most marinas and boat rental companies charge a security deposit. This is a refundable deposit that you will get after you return the boat in its proper condition. So make sure you have enough cash on you to cover the deposit. You can confirm the amount at the time of the booking, most of the time it is mentioned on the confirmation.
Safety Is the Most Important Aspect
There are many factors that you need to consider while renting a boat when it comes to safety. It is always best to rent your boat from a reputed company. It might cost you a little more but there are lower chances of facing engine trouble while you are out there.
You need to ensure that all the safety equipment is in place and properly functioning. On top of that, the weather is the most important safety measure. If the radar tells you that you might enter into troubled waters, then it is best to postpone the plan.
Follow the boating regulations of the state to the last letter. Make sure you meet the age requirement. Also, anyone piloting the boat is not permitted to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair your judgement and reflexes. Do not mix drinking and boating.
Take sailing education before you hit the sea if you have never sailed before. Many marinas offer classes, and the U.S. Coast Guard provides safety courses in many popular boating areas.
Be sure to protect your body from the sun by bringing an extra layer of clothes for when the quickly changing weather gets chilly or wet. Bring plenty of sunscreen and use it. Between the direct sunshine and the sunshine reflected off the water it is better to be safe than sorry. Bring more water than you expect to need as a day in the sun will dehydrate the body faster than you can anticipate.
Boat Rental Insurance
The last but not the least step on our guide of how to rent a boat is to go for a Boat Rental Insurance. As mentioned above, most marinas take a refundable security deposit. You might forfeit it if you damage the boat, as accidents can occur anywhere, but it is always better to have it and not need it than to need it and wish you had bought it. Although this might cost you a little, it will save a lot of out of pocket costs if you meet with an accident or damage the boat in any way.
We hope that our guide on how to rent a boat was both useful and thought provoking. These will help you have a wonderful coastal or lakeside holiday. Remember, safety is very important and should be your top priority while renting a boat. Everything else is secondary. Follow the simple steps of planning ahead to have the best time of your life.
If you want to rent it for more than a day, then make sure you pack the necessary items. However, if you are renting only for a day then travel as light as possible. But never forget the essentials. You do not want the experience to be more troublesome than enjoyable.
Boat renter’s insurance is one of the smartest choices to make in case of accident. Be sure to request it from the rental agency because the requirements vary from state to state. The last thing to keep in mind is to enjoy the ride. It is not every day you rent a boat. So make the most of it. It might sound like a lot, but it is all very easy if you plan your trip properly.
If you are planning a vacation soon, you can browse through Rental Trader to choose between the amazing properties we have there for you.
