| If you are into boating and thinking of purchasing | | | | Companies typically offer boats suitable for |
| a boat, renting a boat is probably one of the best | | | | anywhere from 4 to 12 people or more. These |
| ways to compare boat types and models before | | | | rentals usually come equipped as a land-based |
| deciding which boat to buy. There are a variety | | | | condo would, with a full kitchen, barbeque grill and |
| of boat rental options, from hourly and daily | | | | air-conditioning. Some may even have water slides |
| rentals to week long charters. Most boat rental | | | | and hot tubs. You can spend a week aboard |
| places don't offer a wide range of boat models, | | | | cruising casually with your family or you can just |
| but they do provide a good range of boat types | | | | have a night of fun partying with friends. |
| for you to explore. Even though boat rental fleets | | | | Boat Rental Tips |
| tend to lean toward basic models, by renting any | | | | 1. Make sure that the boat rental place is well |
| one of them you can find out what you like or | | | | maintained - It's best if you can get a reference |
| dislike about that model. | | | | or two from people who have already rented |
| Daily Rental: There are hundreds of marinas | | | | from this firm regarding their overall quality of |
| across the country that offer recreational boat | | | | service. |
| rentals by the hour or by the day. A larger size | | | | 2. The boat rental should be fully equipped with |
| marina will typically offer a variety of boats | | | | the most up to date charts of the waterways. |
| including small, aluminum, outboard-powered fishing | | | | 3. Check to see that all the required safety |
| boats, ski boats and stern-drive runabouts, | | | | equipment is available. By law, boat rentals from 8 |
| pontoon boats or deck boats and also | | | | m to 12 m (26 to 39 feet) in length require life |
| houseboats. Most of these are relatively easy to | | | | jackets or PFDs (one each of an appropriate size |
| operate, however state regulations regarding | | | | for each person on board). |
| powerboat operator licensing and certification may | | | | 4. Check the communication equipment that is on |
| apply. | | | | board. If you have a cell phone, you should bring it |
| Houseboat Rentals: Houseboat rentals have | | | | with you. Collect and keep available a list of local |
| become very popular on the large lakes and | | | | contact numbers such as nearby Marinas, in case |
| reservoirs of the south and west in recent years. | | | | of emergency. |