Elite Boat Rentals Frequently Asked Questions
Our most frequently asked boat rental questions.
Our most frequently asked boat rental questions:
Q: What are the boat rental hours?
Full day boat rentals are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. ½ day boat rentals are 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Store hours are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Failure to return the boat on time without our approval will result in a rental charge of $500. If you would like to extend your time, you may call us to see if the boat is available. We will make every effort to accommodate you but, please understand someone may be scheduled for the afternoon.
Q: How old do I need to be to operate a rental boat?
Florida law requires if you were born on or after Jan 1, 1988, you will need a boater education card to operate a boat of 10hp or more. There is no requirement for those born before January 1, 1988. There is an exemption for operators accompanied on board by a person who is exempt from the education requirement, or by a person who is at least 18 years old, possesses the required identification cards, and is attendant to the operation of the vessel and responsible for any violation that occurs.
The boater safety course is available online at: https://www.boat-ed.com/florida/boating_law.html
Q: Do you have supplies at the marina?
Yes. Our beautiful ships store is fully stocked with ice, drinks (including beer & wine), live and frozen bait, tackle, snacks, sunscreen and a great selection of clothing and nautical items.
Q: What should I bring?
The following list is a reminder of what you may need: All are available in the ships store:
- Cooler with drinks
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Food or snacks
- Fishing poles and snorkel equipment are available for discounted rent
- Tubes are available for discounted rent
- Live and frozen bait and tackle is available in the store along with free advice
Q: Do you allow dogs on the boats?
Very small dogs are considered on a case by case basis.
Q: Do you offer Insurance on the boats?
We offer an optional damage waiver that will limit your liability for damage to the boat to a maximum of $1,000 at a cost of $30/day. Without the waiver, you are responsible for any damage you do to the rental boat while in your possession. The waiver covers the rental boat only and not liability.
Q: Is there music on the boat?
All rental boats are equipped with stereos and can also play music from your phone.
Q: Do you have life jackets provided?
Yes. We are required by law to have one life jacket for every person on board our rental boats, and the orange Mae West type jackets are on board for this purpose. In addition, we have vest type jackets that are more comfortable and recommended if they are going to be worn for the trip. Not only more comfortable but definitely more stylish.
Children under 6 are required by law to wear life jackets at all times and we will provide the vest type jackets for them. We strongly recommend that all children and non-swimmers wear life jackets at all times. In addition, anyone being towed by the boat on a tube or other towable are required by law to wear a life jacket.
Q: What time should I show up for my reservation?
We recommend getting here 20 minutes prior to your boat rental reservation to get checked in and choose any other equipment needed, get coolers iced down etc.
Q: Can I load the rental boat while I wait for the rest of my party to arrive?
Yes, if it is here and ready to go. We only have 1 hour between morning and afternoon reservations so it may not be ready until your reservation time.
Q: What if I am inexperienced operating a boat?
We offer a licensed captain to train you for 1hr, or to operate the boat for the entire trip. See Captain’s sheet for prices. Reservations are required. In addition, if you are not comfortable parking the boat, we will come out to your boat in the harbor and drive it in for you.
Q: Who in the party can operate the boat?
Only members of the party that have signed the contract are allowed to operate the boat.
Q: Do I pay for fuel?
Yes. You will pay for the amount of fuel that you use.
Q: What are Deposit and Cancellation Policies?
One Day Reservations require payment in full at the time of reservation. If not canceled within 24 hours of the reservation, the payment will become non-refundable and will be available as a credit towards a future rental within 1 year of the original reservation.
Multi-Day rentals require a 50% deposit at the time of reservation. Cancellation requires two weeks notice or the deposit will become non-refundable and will be available as a credit towards a future rental within 1 year of the original reservation.
Q: Where do I get a fishing license?
Fishing Licenses can be obtained on-line at https://gooutdoorsflorida.com/