Living in Florida and driving by the ocean or the Intercoastal Waterway on a daily basis, makes the idea of enjoying the water almost a universal pursuit. After all, there is nothing that compares to spending a fun-filled day on the water with family or friends. But the expense of owning a boat makes this dream almost an impossibility. That’s when renting a boat seems to be precisely what you need. It gives you the opportunity to have an amazing experience without having to worry about the upkeep, cost, and care that is associated with boat ownership.
What should you know before renting a boat?
Here are some tips to keep in mind before heading out to rent a boat:
Reserve in Advance
If you are planning on renting the boat during the height of boating season, remember that marinas are usually quite busy during the summer, and just dropping in and expecting to find an available boat may not turn out to be realistic.
Plan your rental as early in the season as possible and get the boat you want to enjoy every time.
Start the Morning Early
If you are paying for a certain number of hours, you don’t want to spend a single minute of that time filling out paperwork and forms. Give yourself half an hour to get all this taken care of and then enjoy your day trip until the last minute when you have to return the boat.
Rent the Right Type of Boat
Know your limits. If you are not an experienced sailor, avoid renting a full-size sailboat. However, do rent a boat that will fit the size of your party so that the boat is not overcrowded and everyone can have a good time.
If watersports are an important part of the plan for the day, make sure to rent a boat with enough power to pull whatever sports equipment you have.
Pack What You Will Need
Whether it is clothes for all types of weather, enough sunscreen for everyone, food, and water, or enough towels, take the time to put together everything you will need before heading out. You don’t want to have to go back to the marina because people got hungry and you brought nothing to eat.
Ask to Look before Your Rent
Even though this is not a purchase, you don’t want to have any issues on your day off. No problems with the engine or having the boat stall on you. Do a complete check of the boat both inside and out, make sure that everything is working as it should. And if you have any questions, ask. You should get information as to how often the boat is maintained and any major repairs it has undergone.
If there are any dings or scratches, make sure they are noted on the rental agreement before you go out on the water. You don’t want to have to pay for them out of your own pocket.
With a large number of boats on the water at any given time, it is not surprising to know that boating accidents in Florida are very common. If you get involved in one, it is important to have the right legal representation to help you defend your rights.
