Helpful tips when renting a boat
Read the Best Kept Boating Secrets™ Safety Sections in our guides
Each of our boating guides have a detailed safety section providing you with important information you should know before enjoying a day on the lake. You’ll want to know these laws and regulations prior to renting a boat. Educating yourself allows for a fun and safe day for you and your family/friends. Each section also mentions the importance of life-jackets for any child you’ll have on your boat.
Click on the specific lake you’re boating on to read the safety section
Lake Winnipesaukee | Lake George | Lake Norman | Lake Lanier
Plan Ahead
Just like planning a vacation, it’s best to plan ahead when renting a boat. If you’re vacationing where rentals are seasonal, you’ll want to make sure you contact your chosen rental place well ahead of when you plan on renting the boat. Even if the rental company is year-round, planning ahead will guarantee you a boat for renting. Please note: depending on where you are renting your boat, some companies require you to watch a short video or take a written test. Ask your rental location if either of those are required. This is another good reason to show up early.
On the day of your rental, arrive early
Whenever you rent a boat, there is always paperwork you’ll need to fill out. They’ll also want to go over any safety tips before they let you on the water. Try to arrive 30 minutes early to allow everything to go smoothly before you’re enjoying your day on the lake in a rental boat.
Bring your confirmation
When you book a rental, you’ll receive a confirmation. Be sure to bring that along with you. Having your confirmation ready to go will allow the check-in process to go quickly.
Rent the boat that is right for YOU
Research what boat will be best for you and your party. You’ll want to make sure the size of the boat is the correct size. This helps reduce the risk of overcrowding. Watersports (Wake-Surfing, Wake-Boarding, etc) are all fun things to do on the lake, so make sure the boat you’re renting is the right boat for those activities if that is what you plan on doing for the day.
Check the boat
While companies keep their boats well-maintained, it’s still a good idea to check the boat yourself to make sure you don’t see any obvious problems. Tell the company right away if you do notice an issue with the boat. If those issues go unreported and the rental company sees that damage, you could face charges from the company when you return.
Pay attention to the weather
Safety is crucial. As time gets close to your rental day, make sure you pay attention to the weather. You’ll want to make sure the weather won’t be a danger to you or your friends/family. Bring proper clothing for weather just to be prepared.
Come Prepared
It’s a good idea to give the rental company’s information to someone you know who won’t be on the boat with you. Let them know how long you’ll be on the water. Even with the most cautious boat operators, accidents can happen. Having someone on land know you’re out there is always a good idea.
Be Ready for a Deposit
Most rental companies require a deposit prior to you taking the boat out on the water. Depending on the company, you may get that deposit back if the boat is returned in the same condition it was before you rented it.
HAVE FUN
Enjoy your time on the boat! The lake is a great place to make memories with your friends and family. And remember: we love featuring photos of your summer adventures in our boating guides. Send any photos (with the lake name in the subject) to info@boatingsecrets.net. We’d love to see them!