Electronics

Rent Responsibly How to safely rent a boat for a day of on-the-water fun.

Forget commercial cruises on the St. Lawrence

Seaway and Mississippi River or in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. My dream is to rent a sleek wooden boat and traverse the canals between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland, and eventually cross over the rotating boat lift called the Falkirk Wheel.

Not ready for an adventure in Scotland but still want to rent a boat closer to home? Here are some things to consider, with safety in mind.

Knowledge first When I loan something, it’s in the best possible condition. After all, it’s a reflection of how I keep things and it sets my expectations for having them returned in good shape. Sometimes what comes back might not be great — or maybe it’s never returned at all. Likewise, a boating rental agreement is designed to protect both parties.

Every boat rental company is different, but all must adhere to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) safety regulations or risk getting shut down with fines and/ or jail time. Rentals vary by company and state. Check the company’s reputation via online reviews. Study their rental agreement and cancellation policies.

Some rental companies allow you to rent boats by the hour, with more time usually being cost-effective; however, full-day rentals may be standard. Advance registration with a credit card deposit is typical but may be non-refundable, even for bad weather cancellations. Ask that the deposit is applied toward a future rental.

Then it’s time to decide on the boat; know its capacity before inviting the neighborhood.

Equipment check Request a VHF radio or mounted radio and know how to use it in an emergency. Also, ask how to handle a problem or breakdown on the water, especially if towing is needed.

Request charts or a chartplotter and get information on dangerous or off-limit areas.

Also, ask if you can rent equipment like tubes or waterskis, or if you can bring your own onboard.

Never go on a boat that doesn’t meet the minimum USCG boating requirements and doesn’t have a current registration or boat registration numbers on the boat.

The renter may be responsible for any and all damages that happen while renting the boat. A damage deposit fee may be added to the credit card while other damages are assessed afterward. Finally, check your homeowner policies, as a precaution.

Customer responsibilities What’s included with the fee? How about gas? Is the boat clean and stocked with appropriate serviceable gear? Never assume you know how to use boat equipment, so ask for tutorials.

Locate the first aid kit, fire extinguisher and life jackets. Even better, wear the life jackets at all times.

The captain/renter is responsible for the safety of the passengers and is expected to follow the Rules of the Road, be responsible with alcohol usage, adhere to the rental company’s policies and USCG boating standards, and practice courteous boating.

States vary in age restrictions to rent boats, either 18 or 21 years old, but all require a valid driver’s license and boating certificate, obtained from the U.S. Power Squadrons, Coast Guard Auxiliary, or an unexpired commercial license by the state or Coast Guard.

Boat responsibly 1. Check the weather and make an informed decision to go out or not. 2. Allow for ⅓ tank of gas going out, ⅓ gas coming back in and ⅓ tank for emergencies. 3. Establish a float plan. Get company phone numbers and leave your cell phone numbers. 4. Check for current signal devices and a charged fire extinguisher. 5. Be prepared for outdoor-related problems like sunburn and windburn, bring along medications, and stay hydrated with water. 6. Return the boat early to keep from paying extra fees and to remove your belongings and trash. Notify the company of any problems you encountered or things that need to be upgraded, like refreshing the first aid kit. 7. If you feel the boat isn’t working in good condition, return it and negotiate a refund. After all, safety is the first priority.

Using some research and common sense, renting a boat for a fun day on the water can be done with safety in mind, even for Scotland’s canals. My putter is ready. ★ ❖

Online Resources

Rules of the Road

DCO.USCG.MIL/NAVRULES

Rental Boat Safety

RENTALBOATSAFETY.COM

Boat Beat

BOATBEAT.ORG

GetMyBoat

GETMYBOAT.COM

HELEN AITKEN is a boating writer, photographer and science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is a U.S. Power Squadrons member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway. Visit her website at

AITKENHELEN.COM.