One of the best vacation ideas you can consider is going on a boat trip or even docking at the harbor for a few days.
But before you get ready to hit the deck, you need to know the guidelines when it comes to boat rental. While chartering a boat can be exciting, it can often be a strenuous process if you don’t plan ahead.
This quick guide will show you the guidelines you need to follow when it comes to boat charter.
Here’s how to go about renting a boat:
1. Know the Laws
Each jurisdiction will have different laws regarding how you can use a boat. These laws can range from how fast you can ride the boat, where you can dock, what you can bring on board, etc.
Make sure you first familiarize yourself with these laws before you choose a destination for your boat trip.
2. Consider the Kids
If you’re going on a boat trip with kids, you want to take extra care to ensure their safety and also their fun. Make sure you have floating devices that are tailored to the kids’ sizes.
If the kids enjoy diving, then you must consider buying a Lillipad diving board. This is a great way for them to practice their diving without compromising on safety.
3. Pricing
No boat rental should be too cheap but it shouldn’t be too expensive, either. Unless you’re chartering a luxury yacht, you shouldn’t pay more than a few hundred dollars for a boat rental.
Make sure you shop around for the best price before you embark on your boat trip. While you don’t want to overpay, it’s best to err on the more expensive side — as pricier boats are often maintained better.
4. Take Lessons or Hire a Captain
If you’ve never steered a boat before, then you want to take lessons first. It’s not that difficult to operate a boat but it does require some rigorous training.
Set aside two months to take lessons on the basics of how to steer a boat as well as basic boat safety. You want to ensure you know what you’re doing before your boat trip.
If you don’t have time to take boat lessons, then you must hire a captain to operate your boat.
5. Read the Agreement Before Renting a Boat
The final step is to read the rental agreement carefully before chartering a boat. You have to know the rules of how much you’ll pay, deposit fees, cost of damages, etc.
These rental agreements are often complex, so don’t hesitate to ask the boat rental company several questions before signing.
All Aboard
Now you know the guidelines for renting a boat and can enjoy your upcoming vacation.
Make sure you know the laws regarding operating a boat in your particular region. You want to also know what to buy to accommodate children on board.
Shop around for the best price and take lessons or hire a captain before your boat trip. Make sure you scrutinize the rental agreement before you embark upon your boat trip.
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