Note AWhat belongs on a boat rental checklist?
Include life jackets, passenger limits, operator eligibility, damage terms and weather cancellation questions.
Before booking and planning a charter week
Before booking, confirm who will operate the boat and what the rental agreement covers. Ask the operator about rental eligibility and the relevant agency about legal requirements.
For a charter week, use Bareboat, skippered or crewed charter to decide what you want to handle yourself and ask which services cost extra. Read Sailing certificates for bareboat charters and confirm which credentials the charter company accepts; American Sailing describes ASA 104 as providing useful cruising knowledge and experience, not as a universal rental requirement.
- Renting with a captain: Ask who provides the captain, what the fee covers and what credentials you need if you operate the boat yourself.
- Deposits, damage waivers and insurance: TripShock says damage protection is not insurance and excludes injuries and total losses.
- Age to rent or drive: Florida’s minimum rental age is 18 years. Some rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old.
On the day
Check life jackets and passenger limits before departure. Ask the operator how weather decisions and cancellations will be handled.
- What to bring and wear: Confirm that a properly fitted life jacket will be available for everyone.
- Passenger capacity: Check the boat’s posted person and weight limits where a capacity plate is required.
- Alcohol on a rented boat: Keep the operator sober; ask about the company’s passenger alcohol policy.
- Weather and cancellations: Ask who decides whether the trip proceeds and check NOAA National Weather Service forecasts.
- Tipping the captain or crew: Empire Cruises describes 10%–20% of the charter fee as customary for a captain’s tip.