Questions to Ask Before Renting a Boat

The only thing better than being in the water? Being on it! 

Renting a boat is a surefire way to enjoy any sunny day out on the water, regardless of what type of body of water it might be! But to make sure your entire experience is smooth and enjoyable, there are some questions you’re going to want to ask in advance. Here’s a helpful guide to make the boat rental process as easy as possible so you can get on your way!

What types of boats do you have available for rent?

Before you rent, inquire about the different types of boats the marina or rental company currently has available. After all, different activities will require different types of boats—fishing boats, pontoons for family outings, speedboats for water sports, or luxury cruisers for a more leisurely experience. 

Do your research to better understand what type of boat is going to work for your particular situation, and don’t be afraid to ask the rental company about the pros and cons of renting each type of boat they do have available! 

Another reason you may want to consider renting a boat is if you’re currently in the market to purchase one of your own, but you’re just not sure which type is going to suit your long-term needs best. It never hurts to get your feet wet so-to-speak, and rent a boat to get familiar with what you do and don’t like about a particular type of watercraft!

How long can I rent a boat for?

Every boat rental company is going to have different rates and lengths of time available to rent a particular boat. These boat rentals can be flexible, with options for hourly, half-day, full-day, or even weekly rentals. Make sure to choose a duration that matches your plans and budget. 

If you’re planning a longer trip, you should also inquire about any discounted rates for extended rentals — it never hurts to ask!

What’s included in the rental price?

Since rental prices can vary widely from marina to marina, it’s also important to understand what exactly is included in the total cost. Does the rental fee also cover fuel, safety equipment, insurance, or other cleaning fees? Some marinas may offer packages that include extras like water sports equipment or fishing gear. 

Clarify these details to avoid any surprise charges at the end of your fun and relaxing day!

Is there an age or pet policy?

Another important thing to consider if you’re planning to bring children or pets along is to ask about any age restrictions or pet policies the company might have in place. Some boats may have age limits for operators or require that pets be kept on a leash — or aren’t allowed on certain types of vessels at all. 

Knowing this in advance will help you plan accordingly and make sure you and your guests are totally prepared for your upcoming adventure!

Are there additional services or amenities available at this marina?

Beyond the boat rental service itself, marinas like Morningstar Marinas often offer a range of other services, such as fuel stations, bait and tackle shops, or even on-site restaurants and accommodations. Ask about these other potential amenities to make the most of your time both on and off the water!

Do I need a boating license or previous boating experience? And what safety requirements and procedures do I need to be aware of in advance? 

Safety should always be your top priority, but especially when operating a new vehicle on the water. Ask about the safety equipment provided, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. 

You’re only going to want to rent a vessel that has been properly inspected, is in good working condition, and you feel comfortable operating without assistance. Also, it’s very important to familiarize yourself with the marina’s emergency procedures and communication channels in advance. 

Check out these helpful guides to properly securing your vessel to the dock and operating a marine VHF radio if you’re new to boating!

Now some marinas may require renters to have a boating license or previous experience, especially for renting their larger or more powerful vessels. If you’re a novice, you’ll probably want to inquire about available training or guided tours before venturing out on your own. 

Most marinas will offer a brief instructional session to ensure you’re comfortable operating the boat on the day of your rental, so come prepared with any questions you might have.

What do I need to know about local waterway rules?

Every body of water has its own set of rules, from speed limits to no-wake zones and fishing regulations. Ask the marina staff to provide a brief overview of the local waterway rules and any restricted areas. This information will help you stay compliant and safe.

Brush up on the basics with this guide to safely navigating new waterways.

What happens in case of bad weather? What does the cancellation policy look like?

One of the scariest things is how quickly weather conditions can change when you’re out on the water. Ask the marina about their policy in case of unexpected bad weather both before and during your rental trip. Be prepared and find out their refund and rescheduling options if your trip somehow gets cut short due to inclement weather. 

Even if it’s not weather-related, it’s still important to understand your marina’s cancellation policy, including any fees or penalties for last-minute changes. Some marinas offer flexible rescheduling options or refunds if conditions are unsafe. Just be sure you know what you’re agreeing to before you book your boat!

By asking these essential questions before renting a boat, you can make sure you’re set up to have a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free experience on the water. At Morningstar Marinas, we’re committed to helping you make the most of your boating adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time renter, our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Morningstar Marinas is here to help you have a safe and fun day out on the water

Your main goal for a day on the water should be to have fun—and that’s where Morningstar’s team comes in. Whether it’s getting you comfortable with the boat, helping you navigate Lake Wylie, or making sure you have all the snacks and supplies from our on-site store, we’re here to make your day unforgettable.

At Morningstar Marinas, we’re proud of the boating community we’ve built across the Southeast’s best spots. With our awesome facilities and a friendly, knowledgeable team, we’ll get you out on the water quickly so you can start enjoying your day. 

Morningstar Marinas isn’t just a place to store your boat—we’re here to make sure you have a great experience on the water every time.