Pontoon Boats, Ski Boats, Jet Skis, Sailing, Parasail
Rides, Kayaks
When renting a Pontoon Boat a few things you need to know: Questions you need to ask: What are you really getting for
your money? Businesses have to pay sales tax on boat rentals - ask to see sales
tax permit.
Insurance is required by law on ALL boat and jet ski rentals,
Vessel
Livery Laws
go to
31.111. operating vessel Livery ask to see their
insurance!
What happens if you wreck or total the rental or get you hurt?
Are they operating out of a city park with or w/o permission and no
insurance?
Got all the proper equipment and registrations? Overloaded?
Speeding, unsafe driving and DUI's?
The renter does sign a contract stating they are responsible for
ALL damages, DUI's and fines.
Now,
figure out how many guests you plan on inviting, this will determine
how big of a boat you need. Is your group 1, 10, 15, 20 passengers
or more?
Pontoon boats come in many sizes and are
rated for a specific number of people with so much weight.
Some rental companies rent you the boat with you as driver
and some provide their own driver. Drivers can be included
in the price (works on tips) and other charge per hour. Some rental companies
furnish gas at no additional charge and some don't and you
have to purchase fuel at their marina (3 to 5+ gal per hr. is avg)
(how much per gallon?). Some rental companies charge you a clean-up
fee or a fee if they find glass bottles. What are you really getting
for your money? Most
recreational pontoon boats have round pontoons and are not
recommended for large groups or commercial use. Commercial
grade pontoon boats will have a high weight capacity,
this will give your group a smoother and safer ride. Most
recreational pontoon boats are rated for 12 or less people
with 1800 lbs MAX. USCG-regulated average weight is now
185 lbs. per person. Example: if a boat is rated for 19
persons or 2800 lbs., you would all have to average under 148
lbs. and that does NOT includes ice chest, food, gear, etc. or
if there are 12
people at an average of 200 lbs. or 2400 lbs., now add the ice
chest (s), food, gear and the
driver, so how much does everyone and everything weigh? That
19-person boat just turned into a 12-passenger boat. Now
compare a pontoon boat with a weight capacity plate of at
least 4000 lbs. or more! Experienced boat drivers know their weight capacity
as wind and waves
play a large role in the safety, ride and handling of the boat. Remember If the boat is maxed out or overloaded with more people OR
MORE WEIGHT than recommended, this is dangerously unsafe,
uncomfortable and makes for a bad experience. Please get the
proper boat for your guests as too many are hiring the wrong
boat to save a few dollars.
For weight of your food and drinks, think about this:
16 oz. = 1 lb. or 1 case of 12 oz. cans =
almost 20 lbs., 4 cases of drinks with ice and food weigh
about 100 lbs. There are also different engine sizes,
different horsepower. Remember that loaded weight and engine size/hp has everything to do
with boat speed.
Please get the proper boat for your guests as too many are hiring
the wrong boat to save a few dollars. |