There’s nothing quite like spending a beautiful day on the water. However, the maintenance that comes with boat ownership is less satisfying, and towing a boat over long distances can be a hassle. This is where renting becomes an appealing option. Renting a boat allows you to enjoy time on the water without having to worry about the yearly costs for upkeep, storage, repairs, and other ownership headaches.
Nevertheless, boat rentals also involve a significant amount of responsibility. Prior to renting, you should research reputable boat rental companies and inspect the condition of the boat.
Today, we will cover the requirements and what you should consider when renting a boat. This article mainly focuses on renting a boat that you or someone in your party will operate, rather than chartering a boat, which usually includes a crew and has different rules.
The state where you rent the boat and the rental company determine the licensing requirements for operation. Just like a driver’s license is issued after successfully completing and passing a state-run exam, states also issue boat operation certifications, referred to as either a boat license, boater card, or certificate, to verify a person’s ability to operate a boat. Boating qualifications vary by state. For example, Alaska doesn’t require boat education, but Oregon does.
To obtain a boat operation certification, you typically need to complete a course and pass an exam administered by your state. Depending on the jurisdiction, an in-person course might be necessary. Some states offer free courses, while others may charge between $30 and $50. Certification requirements can vary based on the operator's age, the boat's length, and the watercraft's horsepower.
Before renting a boat, make sure you meet the minimum requirements set by both the state and the rental company. The minimum age to rent a boat varies by rental company. It can range from 18 to 25 years old. Also, if your boat license was obtained in another jurisdiction, it might still be recognized.
The purpose of boat rental insurance is to cover damage to the rented boat and injuries caused by the renter. Boat rental insurance requirements are determined by the state and by the rental company.
If you're renting a boat, you are responsible for any damages or injuries. Your current boat insurance policy might cover costs up to the limits specified by the policy, but it likely won't cover damages to the rental boat. Therefore, while your existing boat insurance may provide partial coverage when renting, it's important to review the fine print to make sure you're adequately protected.
The boat rental company might also offer an insurance option that can supplement your policy, ensuring that the watercraft you are renting is covered. In addition to your personal boat insurance, your homeowner’s insurance could offer some coverage. However, although your homeowner’s insurance personal liability policy might cover injuries and damages to the rented watercraft, it’s not meant to be used in lieu of boat insurance.
In addition to traditional boat rental companies, peer-to-peer boat rentals provide an alternative. Like car rentals through Turo or property rentals on Airbnb, this model involves boat owners renting their vessels directly to other boaters.
With 50,000 boats across 700 locations, Boatsetter claims to have the “largest and most diverse fleet of peer-to-peer boat rentals” in the industry. To rent a boat through the Boatsetter network, a minimum security deposit of $500 is required, though some boat owners may request a higher deposit. Additional fees may apply, including refueling charges, no-show fees, late fees, and administrative fees.
Along with state regulations, each boat owner's insurance requirements may differ for rentals. This can include requiring coverage for damage to the boat caused by the renter, damage to other boats, and coverage for injuries.
There are many ways to rent a boat, including chartering, peer-to-peer rentals, and boat shares. No matter which method you choose, the jurisdiction where you're renting will specify the minimum requirements for insurance, boat licenses, and training. The agency, club, or owner you're renting from will also have their own requirements. Before renting a boat, make sure you understand all parties’ stipulations and review your homeowner’s and existing boat insurance policies (if applicable) before you set sail.
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & Affiliates. Prices, products, and providers will vary if you shop online, by phone, by mobile device, or using an agent or broker. Coverage subject to policy terms and conditions. Not available in all states or situations.