5 Common Boat Renter Mistakes to Avoid

If you’ve never been boating, or have little experience, renting a boat is always an option.

Why Rent a Boat?

• Not sure yet if you and your family will enjoy boating

• Limited free time to justify owning a boat

• The ability to try different types of boats and activities

• Hassle free and no worries about maintenance, insurance, storage fees and other costs. Owning a boat is expensive, especially if it is just a hobby or a pastime activity. But even if you have the resources to own a boat, it is also a very time-consuming hobby. Renting a boat is experiencing the best of both worlds – having fun without the hassle.

• Traveling to new boating destinations

There are some common errors that we know boat renters often make so we are sharing the inside scoop so you can avoid these mistakes in the future.

5 Most Common Boat Renter Mistakes to Avoid Them Before you get too excited about your upcoming boat trip, we advise you to look at these common mistakes that boat renters tend to make, so you know what to avoid.

1. Not Selecting The Right Type Of Boat

You must select a boat based on your needs and the activities you want to partake in. The sleekest power boat with turbo motors is not the best when you want to go out snorkeling or sightseeing. Similarly, you will likely be disappointed if you select a sailboat when you want to have a thrill of speed or reach somewhere fast. There are different types of boats allocated for different activities. For example, the best choice for snorkeling or cruising, in general, is a pontoon boat. A bass boat is the perfect one if you want to fish.

The best thing you can do before you select a boat is to talk to the rental company and ask for their advice, as they have ample experience to recommend the perfect boat for your activity.

2. Not Checking For Damage Before Renting When renting a boat, it is essential to check the features and conditions of the boat before heading out on the water. This includes inspecting the boat for any cracks in the fiberglass, checking all the electronic equipment, checking the engine, and ensuring no previous damage has been done to the boat. If you find any damage, inform the rental company before so that you are not held responsible for any damages.

3. Not Being Familiar with the Area The place you will be traveling to via your boat might have different laws and regulations you are unfamiliar with. It is best to have a brief idea of the necessary rules and regulations before you embark on your long-awaited boating adventure. Another thing that comes with a different location is different weather. Check the weather forecast to know if any winds or storms are coming your way.

4. Not Checking the provider’s reputation It is essential to check the reputation of a boat rental provider when renting a boat because the quality and safety of the boat can significantly impact your experience. With the rise of online reviews, it is now easier than ever to check for reviews from previous customers to ensure that the provider is reputable.

When looking for boat rentals in Sarasota or near Siesta Key, you will find many companies that will give you deals that are too good to be true. Do not trust random companies that have suspicious practices.

Also, check to see if the rental company is properly licensed to be even considered trustworthy. Avoid the risk of being stranded in the middle of the sea and do your research when picking a company.

5. Not having enough fuel for your trip

When renting a boat, it is essential to have enough fuel to ensure a safe and successful journey. Fuel consumption and range can be affected by factors such as sea conditions, load, and fuel gauge accuracy, making it difficult for inexperienced boaters to estimate their fuel needs accurately.

To ensure safe and efficient operation, it is essential to remember the tried and true formula of using one-third of the fuel tank for the journey out, one-third for the journey back, and one-third to be kept in reserve. Furthermore, it is essential to understand the process of correctly refueling a boat and the proper ventilation of the engine area after refueling to avoid fires.