Summer is the season for boating. Whether you’re interested in going on a fishing trip or simply relaxing out on the water, there is nothing better than enjoying a summer day out on the waves. However, purchasing a boat can be expensive. Plus, maintaining it often requires a lot of work. To save money and avoid the hassle of boat ownership, renting can be a great option. Before heading over to the marina to rent out a boat, there are a few things you should be aware of to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s what to know before renting a boat.
The early bird gets the worm
This age-old saying couldn’t be truer when it comes to renting a boat during the summertime. Renting a boat during the warmer months of the year isn’t the most unique idea. There are likely several other people who are interested in spending a day out on the water as well—especially during the weekend. As such, it’s important to put in your boat reservation as early as possible to secure a rental on the day of your choice.
The importance of being early doesn’t just apply to putting in your boat rental reservation—it also applies to checking in. Before taking your boat rental for a spin, you will have to fill out various documents. To ensure that you don’t waste your reserved rental time filling out paperwork, you should arrive at the marina about half an hour prior to your scheduled time.
Stay safe on the water
Before renting a boat, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some important safety tips to avoid injuring yourself or getting into a dangerous situation. Some essential boating safety tips to keep in mind when renting a boat include bringing an ample amount of water on board, staying hydrated, and wearing an appropriately sized lifejacket at all times.
In addition, it is also important to check the weather before heading out on the water. If it is supposed to be an extremely hot day, make sure to bring sunscreen to protect your skin. On the other hand, if it is supposed to rain or storm, you may need to cancel your reservation to ensure that you don’t find yourself in a precarious situation.
Learn how to operate the specific boat you’re renting
Another important thing to know before renting a boat is how to operate the specific vessel you are renting. Just because you know how to operate one type of boat doesn’t mean you can operate them all. For example, operating a speed boat and operating a sailboat are two very different things. As such, it is important to learn how to operate the exact type of vessel you will be taking out on the water before renting the boat. Failing to do so poses a serious safety risk for you and the other people on your boat.
