Renting a boat is a great experience, especially if you have the perfect destination and you’re with your friend and family. However, there are some things you should consider before renting a boat. In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know before going on a boating trip. Read on!
Get the Right Boat
A wide variety of boats is available in the market, so it’s important to choose one that fits your specific needs. If you’re boating with your friends or family, the boat should accommodate group-sized needs. Consider factors such as whether or not you’ll require onboard cooking facilities, a cabin room for small children, or washing facilities. Do you plan to have a cocktail party or go fishing? Make sure the rental boat is customized to your needs.
Consider factors such as whether or not you’ll require onboard cooking facilities, a cabin room for small children, or washing facilities. Do you plan to have a cocktail party or go fishing? Make sure the rental boat is customized to your needs.
Learn to Operate the Vessel
Before renting, it should be clear who will be operating the boat. Rental companies typically offer to assign a crew to the boat. This helps you relax and take a breather while the crew maneuvers the vehicle.
On the flip side, you can learn to operate the boat; know how to start it, operate the throttle, and steer. It’s wise to take a boating safety course, although you’re not required to do it. This doesn’t only improve your boating knowledge; it also ensures the safety of you and your group.
Check the Boat’s Condition
Never rent a boat without checking its condition first. Water leaks, sputtering, and vibrations are telltale signs that the vessel isn’t up to the task. Other signs you need to watch out for include:
● Overheating: excess engine heat is a red, hot flag you should avoid. This is a great cause of concern for boat owners, and as a renter, you shouldn’t rent a boat that experiences this problem.
● Steering Wheel Issues: if the steering wheel doesn’t move as it should, be concerned. This means the boat requires repairs and isn’t going to perform well on water. Steering wheel issues may indicate mechanical failure, faulty cable systems, and other serious boat problems.
● Leaning Boat: if the boat leans in one direction while on water, this might mean that the boat is filling up with water or has foam in the hull. This could result in sinking or capsizing — leading to accidents.
● Odd Smells: pay attention to the boat’s smell. It shouldn’t smell funky, musty, or moldy — these are health hazards. Apart from having mold and mildew problems, such smells may also indicate a hidden water leak problem.
Check the Rental Agreement
The boat rental agreement will outline your usage of the boat, including information about the rental and cancellation policies and deposit amount. Check the fine print, and make sure every term and condition is acceptable. You also want to see whether or not you’re liable for any damage that occurs while you’re using the boat. If you think you could be liable, look into purchasing some insurance for your trip. Moreover, see if you’re required to secure a permit for operation and if there’s any local law you need to follow. Checking all of these will spare you a ton of headaches later.
Check the Weather
Tune in and always check the local weather forecasts in your area. This will help you pack the appropriate clothing for the trip if there could be rain or cold while you’re at sea. You’ll also want to discuss your options with the rental company. They normally offer to reschedule your trip or refund your money if there’s inclement weather. Planning ahead for this will help you have the smoothest experience possible.