Guide to Renting a Boat: Tips and Considerations

Boating is fun! Whether as a family vacation, an adventure with a large group of friends, or as a romantic getaway launching a boat and setting out to explore and enjoy life on the water is a memory-making experience. If you are interested in renting a boat to experience a boating adventure or to test different models before purchasing your own boat, then this boat renting guide is for you. Let’s jump in to provide you with the comprehensive information you need to rent a boat.

This boat renting guide will cover:

• The types of boats available to rent

• How the boat rental process works

• Boat rental pricing

• Boating tips for a successful rental experience 

Types of Boats Available for Rent

Every boat renting guide starts with figuring out what type of boat you want to rent. There is no use in renting a boat that does not fit your needs, so knowing what you want to use the boat for is important.

What type of activities do you want to explore with your boat rental? There are any number of possibilities, including fishing, swimming and water sports, island or sandbar hopping, exploring nature, or sightseeing from an on-the-water perspective, among others.

The other factor that helps determine what type of boat will fit your needs is size. How many people does the boat need to accommodate? Are you looking to comfortably fit your family for a day on the water? Or is it a large group of friends looking for a fishing adventure? Or is it a couple or two looking to spend a relaxing day taking in the sights?

These two considerations will help you hone in on what type of boat you will want to rent to fit your needs. This boat renting guide covers the typical boats available to rent, including:

• Runabouts

• Pontoons

• Fishing boats

• Crossover boats 

Runabouts

This is more a category of boat than a specific type and several different boats may fit under the category. Runabouts are generally a smaller powerboat that has either an outboard or stern-drive engine. They are open boats that range from about 14-24 feet and can accommodate between 4-8 people for a variety of suitable activities, including water sports, day cruising, and light fishing. It can be an ideal option for a small group that wants to experience a variety of different activities, but not any one activity too extensively. Runabouts offer versatility and are generally easy to maneuver in shallow water. 

Pontoon Boats

Pontoons are flat deck boats that are run by an outboard motor but use pontoons, sometimes called floats or tubes, to remain buoyant. The use of the pontoons for buoyancy allows the boat to have a large flat deck that can accommodate larger parties of people and relaxing activities, such as cruising, island hopping, lounging on a sandbar, water sports, swimming, snorkeling, light fishing, and beach exploring. They can accommodate a large group of people for a variety of leisure activities. Pontoons run slower than runabouts and can be harder to navigate, especially in strong winds or heavy waves. 

Fishing Boats

If your main reason for renting a boat is to test your fishing skills then renting a fishing boat is the way to go. Although you can fish on other types of boats, fishing boats are especially equipped for the activity, including open layouts for easy movement, fishing rod holders, live bait tanks, larger storage capacity, and more. If your aim is to “catch the big one” then this is the boat for you. The size of the fishing boat you rent will depend on the size of your fishing party and the size of fish you plan to catch and where. 30 to 40 feet is a common size for offshore fishing and can usually handle rougher water and weather conditions. 

Crossover Boats

Crossover boats are built to be both fishing boats and recreation boats, like for skiing, tubing, or wakeboarding. Much like the name suggests they crossover from one function to another. They are usually a bit bigger than a straight-up fishing boat but smaller and more powerful than a pontoon, yet larger than a runabout. They can offer larger groups versatile options for different water activities. 

How the Boat Rental Process Works

Knowing how to rent a boat can help a lot of people make the leap from wanting to experience a boating adventure and actually doing it. This boat renting guide is here to help you make the leap by providing you with everything you need to know about renting boats. 

Boat Rental Requirements

Not everyone can rent out a boat. There are requirements to rent a boat that must be met before setting out on your adventure. These include age, boating licenses and permits, proper identification, and an ability to pay.

Boat rental age requirements depend on the state regulations where you are renting the boat and also your boat rental company. In Florida, for example, you need to be at least 18 years old to rent a boat, but some companies require you to be as old as 26. 

Licenses and Permits

Most popular boating destinations, such as Florida or Minnesota, have state boating safety requirements that must be met to be eligible to rent a boat. In Florida, a Boating Safety Education Identification Card or Temporary Florida Boating Certificate is necessary to rent a boat. In Minnesota, a watercraft operator’s permit is required to rent a boat. 

Other Requirements

Valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, along with an ability to pay with a valid credit card is also required to rent a boat. Make sure to ask your boat rental company what they require to rent a boat because some companies have other requirements beyond meeting state regulations. 

The Boat Rental Agreement

Boat rental agreements can differ depending on the boat rental service, but standard agreements will most likely include:

• Renter’s contact information

• Rental term, boat type, and cost

• Boat equipment included or added to the agreement

• Condition of the rental boat

• Rental terms and service considerations

• Any notes from your boat rental inspection 

Boat Rental Inspection

This boat renting guide is not complete without emphasizing how important it is to conduct a boat rental inspection. Before signing your rental agreement, you should always inspect the boat you are renting. This is to ensure it is in working condition and to also note any minor damages that the boat may have prior to you taking possession, like scratches or dents. You do not want to pay for fixing something that you did not cause. You also want to make sure that any extras you paid for, any equipment that is supposed to be included in your rental, and all safety equipment is on board your vessel. In the end, it is just common sense to physically inspect the boat you are renting before you sign your agreement.

Safety Equipment

Boating is a fun experience, but it also carries some risks. The best way to lessen the risks is to practice safe boating behavior. This includes making sure your boat has all the safety equipment necessary for a safe boating experience. Necessary safety equipment includes:

• Regulation life jackets, one that is the right size and fit for each boat passenger

• Maps and/or GPS equipment so you know where you are going and the best routes to get there

• Ship to shore communication devices that are reliable and ready to use for the duration of your outing 

Read More: Boat Rental FAQs

Boat Rental Pricing

Another important consideration to cover in any boat renting guide is how much a boat rental costs. Pricing is often top of mind for most boat renters and understandably so. No one wants to overpay for an adventure, no matter how great it is.

Boat rental pricing, in general, is based on these major factors: the size and type of boat and duration of rental. Other factors that can affect price include extra equipment or features, gas, and any included services, like delivery, guides, or pick up locations. Boat rental companies may have hourly, half-day, full-day, and multi-day rates. Do your research and find the company that offers the duration and flexibility you require.

However, the upfront boat rental cost at one boat rental service compared to another can look like there is a wide range of pricing, but the extras included in your rental are always worth consideration. On top of that you do not want to just go anywhere for your boat rental. Reputable establishments that offer full rental service and newer, well-maintained boats are well-worth the cost. This may be the best boat rental advice that any boat renting guide can offer. 

Tips for Your Boat Rental Experience

This boat renting guide would not be complete if it did not cover how to best prepare for your boat rental. Below are a few tips for preparing for your rental. 

Know the Rules

When renting a boat, you do want to understand and follow local boating laws. These do differ from state to state and sometimes within different jurisdictions within a state. Make sure you are up on the boating laws, rules, and regulations that pertain to where you are going to be boating. Do this as you prepare for your boat rental excursion. 

Insurance and Liability Considerations

Boat rental insurance is often mandated by boat rental companies when you rent a boat, much like when renting a car. It is a type of insurance that covers accidents, damage, personal injury, and other liability claims during the duration of your boat rental agreement. It protects both you and the rental company from unexpected costs. Most reputable companies will require it, so do your homework to prepare for this coverage. 

Book Your Boat and Arrive Early

Book your boat rental ahead of time. Reputable companies, like Your Boat Club, will have online reservation systems and up-to-date availability posted on their app. Plan to arrive early to get your paperwork and inspection done so you can get on the water in a timely manner and start having fun. 

Boat Renting Guide: Final Thoughts

There is no question that boating is fun and that renting a boat can offer up that fun at a cost you can afford. For your next family vacation, friend-filled celebration, or intimate getaway a boat rental gives you the option to set out on the water and make memories that can last a lifetime. There are just a few important guidelines to follow that can make your boating experience more fun-filled than hassle-filled.