Taking a boat can easily be the best thing about your holiday vacation, although a few little mistakes might lead to rushing through the experience or even end up costing you quite a lot. First-time renters usually get into trouble not because they committed a mistake by deciding on the wrong place for their boating experience but because they did not get themselves ready for this task.
Recreational boating is among the most popular outdoor activities in the country. A report by the National Marine Manufacturers Association discovered that about 142 million Americans took to boating in a year, out of which 17 million were first-timers, hence the importance of basic tips in planning for a beginner boater.
For all first-timers, preparation for boat rentals is one of the most important factors needed to enjoy the experience. Below is a guide for ensuring that all the mistakes are avoided so that you get a boat that will work best for you.
Decide What Kind Of Day You Want Before You Compare Boats
Although it is relatively simple to log onto a booking site and begin comparing pictures, the booking site is often the wrong place to begin your search. Prior to considering sizes of boats and prices, you must first think about your intentions for the day.
If one desires relaxation, having lunch, and even swimming while traveling with their family, speed would not be the primary concern, but rather comfort. The pontoon would most likely provide more than enough space for one to board the vessel. Nonetheless, if you have something else on your mind, this might not be an ideal choice.
This is where you take into account the company that will accompany you on your travels. In case it involves grandparents, toddlers, or any individual who cannot balance himself/herself correctly, they might be more prone to prefer wider walkways and comfortable seats.
Do Not Assume That The Lowest Price Means The Best Value
You will definitely see a boat rental that is more affordable than any other boat rentals. But wait!
It’s better to consider the package first. It might be possible that one operator will offer free fuel, lifejackets, and a cooler, while another one will add fees for everything else. The lower-priced boat may become more expensive by the end of the ride than the more expensive one.
Length of the ride is important as well. It is good for a short ride before dinner. If your crew is planning to anchor at a sandbar, swim, or just relax for several hours, extra time will be appreciated.
Check These Details Before You Book
Before you book a rental, check these details:
- The meeting point – make sure that you know where you should go when you check in. There could be many docks at large marinas.
- The policy on fuel – some rentals provide fuel, some require paying for it.
- Passenger number – every boat has its own passenger capacity limit. Do not count on one extra person unless it is mentioned in the terms of the rental.
- Included items – look for life jackets, safety equipment, coolers or any other items that your party might need.
- Cancellation policy – you never know what weather conditions will change your travel plans.
If you are comparing several different operators, it will help you a lot to see the information all at once. This is one of the reasons why people use Greetwell, a platform to compare hundreds of boat rentals around the U.S.
Don’t Overlook Local Water Conditions
Every destination feels different once you’re on the water. A quiet lake doesn’t behave the same way as a busy bay, and coastal trips can change quite a bit between morning and afternoon.
When visiting new locations, inquire about typical conditions at the location during the rental period. In certain locations, departure at 8 a.m. would result in calmer waters while winds in the afternoon would give bumpy rides back home. This will be useful information when dealing with members of the party who suffer from seasickness.
This is particularly significant since boat trips are normally not done alone. As per the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 95% of active boaters spend some time boating with their families or friends. Thus, making the trip comfortable for everyone could increase its fun factor.
Here is also the perfect time to tell your group members about their preferences. Should your group prefer more leisurely days, calm lakes would be a better choice than open waters. Should none of the members want to drive the boat, then try a captained rental. The choice of the right experience for your group will definitely result in a much better vacation than trying the biggest and fastest boats.
Leave Room For The Unexpected
It’s natural to want to create an entire itinerary for your trip, especially when you’re trying to get many things done within one day. A boat rental is not always as punctual as a museum visit or lunch reservation.
You will be spending extra time observing the dolphins in the distance, seeking out a nice cove where you would all like to go swimming, or just taking your time when returning the boat. This is just part of the experience. If your next planned adventure is happening in 30 minutes in the opposite side of the town, then that’s going to make the day hectic.
Don’t try to schedule everything to the minute. You’ll have more fun and you won’t be looking at the clock for the last hour.
Pack For The Day Instead Of Assuming Everything Is Provided
Every operator will supply its own set of equipment; you should not expect the boat to supply all that you need.
Keep in your bag:
- Reef-friendly sunscreen: Put it on before you embark on the boat. This allows for adequate absorption by your body and eliminates the need to put it on while balancing on the boat.
- More water: Pack more than enough water because the sun and the wind will make you thirsty much faster than you imagine.
- Snacks: Rentals for longer periods of time are more fun if everyone has something to eat.
- Sunglasses with polarizers: Polarizers will help you see better through the water.
Make sure to check what the operator supplies before packing. Some operators supply coolers and ice; others do not.
Ask These Questions Before You Reserve
In case anything is not clear, inquire before booking. This will help clear any doubt that is not answered in the listing description.
Here are some useful inquiries to consider:
- Is this boat available for people with no prior boating experience?
- Is there an introductory safety lecture prior to sailing?
- Where should one park the car?
- Is it okay to have your own supplies?
- How does one go about check-in?
- Is there a refund for bad weather conditions?
These responses allow you to book with more certainty rather than assuming.
Take A Few Minutes To Compare Your Options
However, the first option that appears is not necessarily the final choice that you will make when it comes to renting. Having several choices side by side will help identify the differences in the types of boats offered, available gear, meeting points, and other rental details.
For those who would like to rent an experience on their vacation in the US, Greetwell offers the opportunity to compare the choices offered by local providers in over 500 destinations. There is no need to check different sites; everything is gathered in one place.
The first time that you rent a boat doesn’t have to be difficult either. Most of the time issues occur when people rush through the process rather than taking an extra few minutes to look at their options.
Plan out what date you’d like to use it, make sure to read the description carefully, ask questions about anything that you aren’t certain of, and pick one that works for you rather than trying to get the cheapest one.
