Boats FAQ
Q: What is your Cancellation Policy?
Member & Renter Specific Information
Please read the information below as it applies to all of our customers, regardless if you are a Renter or a Member.
Common Q: Can we be over the rated capacity of the craft if some are babies or small children?
A: No. The DNR/Water Patrol simply count heads. Infants and small children also count. You will be ticketed if you violate the law. No exceptions.
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Q: What should I expect upon arrival?
A: The boat will be in the water already, uncovered, gassed up and ready for you to go boating!
Staff on site will be able to answer your boating questions - how to operate, all the functions/how to’s of the boat, stereo/Bluetooth, fish finder/GPS info, fuel and more!
What To Expect:
Staff can assist with carrying your gear upon request to and from your car.
Some locations have carts for hauling gear for your convenience.
You may be subject to waiting at times, either to get on or off a boat. People exiting the boats or docks will have the right of way.
We will take care of untying and tying up the boat for you.
Check-In Process:
Look for staff wearing YBC shirts/gear. Check-in with them first.
Please be on time for your reservation. Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your expected arrival time. If you do not know what time you will be there during booking, let us know as soon as you do know, so we can update your reservation details and plan accordingly for your visit.
Renters:
The Rental Agreement will be reviewed, driver info/driver’s licenses will be checked.
Insurance/Reduced Deductible Fee (RDF) will be discussed & offered if not already paid during booking.
The Rental Boat Check In & Check Out Process will be reviewed with the customer.
If you are keeping the boat overnight, docking instructions will be discussed.
Returning The Boat:
When your reservation is done, you will be asked to text the # inside the boat when you are on your way back in, so we can prepare for your return to the dock.
You will need to wait for the location staff to direct you in before approaching the dock.
Staff will assist you docking the boat. You will simply need to come in nice and slow and get close enough for the dockhands to reach you and tie you up.
You will check-in with the YBC staff to return the boat. If it is a location where you are responsible for fuel consumption, that will be taken care of, then you can be on your way.
We will take care of the rest!
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Some of our locations have fuel available for sale to the public, but this varies by location. *You can view specific Fuel information under each Location page of the website.
Dock staff will fuel the boats and answer any questions about fuel when you arrive.
All boats will come filled up and ready to go.
Cost per gallon is market price.
Rental Boats:
Boats will come with a full tank of gas.
This is separate from the boat rental cost and you will be charged for the fuel you use on your trip upon your return.
Member Boats:
Will come with a full tank of gas. YBC staff will fill it back up upon return.
Members are responsible for paying for the fuel they use at all locations.
If you have fuel credit on your account: Your fuel credits will be used first before your card begins to be charged.
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Visit the DNR websites for information about state regulations, laws & licensing. We have some helpful links here.
Q: Do you rent fishing equipment?
A: No. We do not rent out fishing equipment. At some of our locations we do have live bait and tackle for sale.
Q: Can I fish from the boats?
A: Yes. You will need to provide your own equipment and follow the state regulations & requirements for fishing.
Members and renters are required to take all unused live bait with them upon departure.
Cleaning fish is NOT allowed on our boats.
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Adult Life Jackets:
There are enough adult life jackets on board for the rated capacity of every boat. These are stored in the boat, within the seats or other storage compartments.
Used life jackets should be left out on the seats to be cleaned after each use.
We carry the U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type ll Adult Life Jackets.
Fits adults 90 lbs. and over (30"-52" chest). Designed as a one size fits all adult flotation device with one buckle donning with adjustable strap. 100% Polyester Oxford Fabric. Simple and straightforward to cover vessel requirements.
Designed specifically to provide minimum buoyancy and turn an unconscious person face up in calm water situations.
The life jackets that are provided in the boats are not appropriate for wearing while being towed behind a boat for tubing, skiing, knee-boarding, etc.
Children’s Life Jackets:
YBC requests that all Members & Renters bring their own child size life jackets.
In some instances we may have extras available, but children come in all shapes and sizes and it is impossible for us to guarantee availability. They are available on a first come, first served basis, so please plan on bringing your own.
Minnesota: Children under 10 years of age are required by law to have them on while on board.
Wisconsin & Illinois: The law states that children under the age of 13 are required to have them on while on board.
Florida: Children under the age of 6 must wear an approved Type I, II or III while the vessel is underway.
*SAFETY NOTE: A vest should be snug and not rise to impede vision/hearing when arms are raised.
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Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: You are welcome to bring your pet along if the boat does not specify “No Pets” in the Reservation System.
We recommend that you bring extra towels to put down on the seats in the boats to protect them, and to dry off your pet if they go in the water or get sand/dirt on them.
If the boat you reserve is labeled “No Pets” that means there will not be any pets allowed under any circumstances no matter what size or breed. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Q: Is there Bluetooth or a radio on the boats?
A: Yes, on all Runabouts & Pontoons.
18 ft. Lund Crossover fishing boats will have radio w/Bluetooth.
16 ft. Lund Rebel fishing boats have no radios.
Customers can bring speakers, radios and Bluetooth devices if they choose.
You can watch the video demonstration below on how to connect your Bluetooth device.
There is a federal law requiring all drivers to wear the Engine Cut Off Switch link (ECOS link) while driving. You can watch a quick summary video below.
The ECOS lanyard has two ends. One end has a plastic clipping mechanism on it which is the side the user attaches to themselves. The other side of the ECOS lanyard is a small circular plastic piece that is rounded on the edge.
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Allowed:
Coolers, food, beverages (no glass), personal items, fishing equipment.
Alcohol *However, the driver must not be over the legal limit at any time when operating the boat.
Decorations are allowed! We encourage you to have fun with your reservation, make new memories and celebrate!
Tips: Zip ties work best. String & scotch tape is ok. Balloons and battery-operated holiday lights are ok.
No confetti, silly string, duct tape or other strong adhesives. Nothing offensive will be tolerated.
Do not cover any Your Boat Club signage or the registration stickers that are on the side of the boat.
Do not block the driver's line of sight either forward/sides or back.
You will need to remove everything when you are done.
Not Allowed:
Smoking, grills, heaters or anything that could be a fire hazard. *Burns on our boats will result in an additional charge.
Excessively Dirty Boats
Members & renters should expect to find the Your Boat Club boats clean and in good working order upon their arrival for use. The Club's staff is responsible for all cleaning, fueling, covering and maintaining the fleet. In order to maintain proper service levels, the Members, Renters, Authorized Users and their Guests are asked to make a reasonable effort to return the boats as clean as possible. *Excessively dirty boats will result in an additional charge.
Helpful Links
How To Use Bluetooth
ECOS Lanyard
Renter Specific Information
Below are some of the common questions we receive in regards to boat rentals.
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Q: Can I rent one of the boats that say, “available with membership upgrade?”
A: No. These boats are reserved for our boat club members/memberships only. These are not available as a daily rental boat. No exceptions. *Please click here for more information about memberships.
Q: Is there a limit to how many rental reservations I can make?
A: No. You can make as many reservations as you would like. If it is available, you can book it.
Q: I want to book rental boats on several different dates and at different locations. Can I do this?
A: Yes, but please note that you can only process one location at a time in each transaction. Example: “I need 5 days at Gull Lake this week, then 3 days next week at Cross Lake. How do I go about this?”
Add the reservations for Gull Lake first and complete the check-out. Then go back through, add reservations for Cross Lake and complete the check-out.
Q: Can I reserve the boat for a different time slot than what is listed? Do I have to check in right at the exact start time? If I only want it for a few hours, is there a cheaper cost? (For Example: 6:00a-9:00a? Sunset 6:00p-9:00p? 2 hours only?)
A: We can only book the shifts that you see available.
The times and prices are pre-set and are not able to be altered. End times vary depending on the time of the season, the evening end time will change as it gets darker earlier.
Arrival and return times are flexible as long as it is within the shift time limits.
The boat can be used for as much or as little time as you want during that entire shift. It does not have to be used the whole time. There are no discounted rates if you want it for less time than what is listed. The price remains the same. No refunds or account credit for any unused time if you choose to arrive late or come in early.
If you are needing the mid-day times; we would recommend the full day shift.
If you arrive late, the reservations will not be extended to a later end time.
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Q: Do I have to be a YBC member to rent a boat?
A: No. Our rental boats are open to the public and are available on a first come first served basis.
Q: What is required to rent the boat?
A: Boater requirements are listed on the individual location pages and will vary by state. If the location you are reserving at requires you to bring a boater license or certificate you will be asked to provide that at check-in.
Create a rental account with basic demographic information including: Name, DOB, phone #, address, primary location, DL #, email address & password.
The card used to book the reservation will be used in the event there is any damage.
Payment is due in full at the time of reservation. No down payments or deposits.
Q: Is the YBC Rental Agreement Required?
A: Yes. This is required to be completed before boating. The location staff will go through this with you and verify completion upon checking in for your reservation.
It can be submitted electronically; it can be printed out and brought to the location or it can be done on site the day of the reservation.
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Q: Does my rental come with a driver?
A: No, your rental does not come with a driver. You or someone in your group will need to drive the boat.
*No drivers/captained cruises are being offered at this time. If you choose to find your own driver for hire, the driver will count in the head count and parking limits still apply.
Q: Can I add/change a driver for my rental reservation?
A: The name the reservation is booked under is the person responsible and is the assumed driver.
48 hrs. before your reservation you will receive an automated email: YBC Rental Agreement.
If someone other than the person on the booking will be driving, we require that the person's information is provided to the location on the Rental Agreement before they can operate the boat.
*If you booked for the same day/next day the Rental, the Rental Agreement on-site. Otherwise it will be emailed 48 hrs. in advance.
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Q: Can I pick up the boat and trailer it myself if I have a truck/hitch or towing capabilities?
A: No, we do not allow customers to trailer our boats on their own. No exceptions. *Only YBC staff are allowed to transport our equipment.
Q: Do you deliver rental boats?
A: Yes! We deliver rental boats from these select locations regularly: Eagle River (WI), Minocqua (WI), Lake Vermilion (MN) and Ely Station, Downtown Ely (MN).
All delivery reservations need to be booked by phone. Call us at: 612-208-1800.
If you are interested in a delivery from any of our other locations, we will review on a case-by-case basis to see if we can accommodate your request.
*5+ day minimum required for all delivery reservations.
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Q: Is there a fish finder/live well or trolling motor on the fishing boats?
A: All Pontoons include: Helix 5, 2D Sonar & GPS. No trolling motors on the pontoons. Fishing pontoons/rear fishing pontoons will include a live well & fishing seats.
All Runabouts: Helix 5, 2D Sonar & GPS.
All 16ft Lund Rebels: Trolling motor, Helix 5, 2D Sonar, GPS & live well.
All 18ft Lund Crossovers & Lund Impacts: Live well, Helix 7, 2D Sonar & GPS on the dash & a Helix 5 GPS on the bow by the trolling motor.
Q: Is there a GPS on the boat?
A: Yes, on all pontoons and fishing boats.
*Not on all runabouts.
Q: Is there a Tachometer (shows RPM’s) on the boat?
A: Yes, on all boats.
Q: Is there a Speedometer on the boat?
A: Yes, it is on the GPS/Depth finder.
Q: Are there bathrooms on the boats?
A: No. The location staff will give you details about restroom areas on site or nearby.
Q: What safety equipment is on the boat?
A: Safety equipment that is required by the local DNR will be provided.
This includes: Fire extinguisher, paddle, life jackets, dock lines (4 minimum), emergency lights - for emergency use only or fog.
Q: Does the boat come with an anchor? Throwable?
A: Yes, all boats will come with 1 anchor and throwable.
Q: Is there a ladder on the boat?
A: Yes, all pontoons & runabouts will have a ladder unless otherwise specified.
*Not on small fishing boats.
Q: Does the boat come with a Bimini/canopy/topper?
A: All runabouts, pontoons & fishing-pontoons will have a Bimini canopy top for shade unless otherwise specified.
Not on the fishing boats.
Q: What is the largest boat you have?
A: There is a 20-passenger pontoon at our Gull Lake (MN) location. This has a built-in two person driver’s seat. Patio chairs and folding tables are included on this watercraft. No tubing.
*Call for additional specifications.
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Q: Is insurance included?
A: All rental boats include Physical Damage Liability Insurance Coverage.
This covers physical damage to the boat.
We offer a Reduced Deductible Fee (RDF), it is $25.00 per boat rental reservation in the cart.
This is a pre-selected item that will be automatically combined with the cost of the rental in the cart, it will be paid for together in 1 transaction. *By paying this fee of $25.00, it lowers the deductible to $1,000 maximum out of pocket cost – in the event of damage to the boat.
If the customer decides to opt-out of the RDF during booking, click REMOVE FEE, a confirmation screen will open, click YES to remove the fee.
The maximum out of pocket cost when the RDF is opted out/removed from the order, will be $5,000 – in the event of damage to the boat.
The RDF cannot be added after a rental reservation has been paid either online or by phone with the CS Team. It must be added during the check-out process in the cart, before payment for the rental or it can be added on site, the day of the reservation.
Exclusions/Disclaimer
The customer is responsible for the boat once it leaves the marina.
RDF fee does not cover damage to Bimini tops and/or wake towers.
In the case of extreme negligence/deliberate acts by customers or their guests on the boat, we reserve the right to void any/all reduced deductibles and the customer is liable for all damage costs.
Q: What is your Cancellation Policy?
Our Cancellation Police is simple and strict, but fair. Click below for our full Rental Cancellation Policy.