Nothing can beat the satisfaction of sitting on a boat and enjoying the marvelous sunset with your loved one.
Undoubtedly, owning a boat is still a dream for many, considering its storage, upkeep and maintenance costs, let alone its ownership fee. Thankfully, there are boat rental companies that rent boats for a day, so people can enjoy their time exploring, diving or sailing on the sea.
Doing so is easy-peasy, but there are a few pointers that you must keep in mind when hiring a boat from a rental agency. So, to help you out in this endeavor, we’ve compiled a list of tips that will come in handy for the same.
Let’s jump in, then!
8 Tips For Hiring A Boat
1. Make A List Of All The Boat Rental Companies
Of course, there are plenty of boat rental companies in Sydney, but not all are up to the mark. And that’s why you cannot simply hire from any company you find pleasing. The best way to find a good one is to simply search on Google and make a list of the ones that fit the bill.
Moving on, log in to their website, check their services, pricing, reviews and then decide if it’s worth investing in or not. This way, you’ll book only a genuine agency and stay safe from scammers while making the most out of your trip.
2. Plan Ahead
Making a reservation beforehand will let you book the boat you want. Not only that, but it will also save you from last-minute disappointments, especially if you’re planning a trip on the weekend.
Typically, boating season kicks off during the Memorial Day weekend and lasts until Labor Day. So, if you plan to walk into any rental company thinking you’ll secure a boat in no time, then think again!
Therefore, we suggest planning things to enjoy the day as you’ve imagined and have a pleasant boating experience.
3. Pick The Right Boat
Touring Sydney on a boat sounds like a fun way to enjoy a summer weekend with your family. But what if you end up choosing the wrong boat for your adventure? Indeed, it sounds no less than a nightmare.
And that’s why you must consider the type of boat you want to enjoy the sea in. If you’re with a large group, then larger boats are a viable option. At the same time, if you’re a family of four to six, then going for small boats will be your best bet.
4. Don’t Forget To Check The Condition Of The Boat
Not to deny, boat rental companies spare no effort to keep their boats in good condition. However, even then, we suggest you check the condition of your boat to ensure it’s fit for traveling because no one wants to get stranded in the middle of the sea.
From the outward appearance to the engine, don’t forget to check the entire boat and if you notice any damage, report it to the company before boarding to avoid extra charges or penalties.
5. Pack Your Stuff Properly
Of course, it isn’t your boat, so naturally, it may or may not have all the amenities you need. And that’s why make sure you carry everything you’ll need to make the maximum out on the water.
Sun protection, food, water, towels, clothes, a cooler, and pack all other stuff you think is necessary for the trip.
6. Learn Safety Measures
Boat rides are undoubtedly enjoyable, but they can be dangerous at the same time. Hence, it would help if you learned all the safety measures to avoid injury.
Also, don’t forget to ask the rental agency about their safety equipment to get a fair idea of everything. If the boat doesn’t have all the necessary safety gear, it’s pointless to hire it for your adventures.
Besides, you must check if they offer life jackets and first-aid boxes, as they are crucial.
7. Hire A Captain
One of the best ways to enjoy your boat trip to the fullest is to hire a captain. If you’ve got an experienced person behind the wheels, you won’t have to worry about collisions or other issues.
So, whether you want to go fishing or dive into the sea for snorkeling, you can do everything without worries. Also, make sure you hire a skipper with a boating license so that you can rest assured that the boat is being navigated by a professional.
8. Read The Rental Agreement Properly
Mostly, boat rental agencies make renters sign a waiver with them, so you’ll also have to do the same. But before that, make sure you read the document properly and double-check the claws to see what you’re signing for.
Normally, the waivers hold renters accountable for boats they rent and the people on board. Thus, you’ll be responsible for injuries caused to the people and damages incurred to the ship. However, the rental agreement varies from company to company, so no two companies will have the same clauses.
Summing It Up
Hiring a boat from rental agencies is the perfect weekend getaway with friends and family from mundane life. Not only do you get the opportunity to explore the seas, but you can also try out different types of boats.
Without a doubt, there are plenty of boat rental agencies on the market, and that’s why we suggest doing your homework before booking your ride to avoid getting duped.
On that note, it’s time to wrap up today’s guide. But before signing off, here’s a last piece of advice – make sure you prepare a budget as it will help you narrow down options and make an informed decision.
That’s it for today; hopefully, you enjoyed reading our guide as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Till then, bon voyage!