10 Basic Steps To Boat Hire
1. Register on a boat hire marketplace.
2. Search the listings.
3. Select a Suitable boat for your specific wants and needs.
4. Chat to the provider directly via the app.
5. Book online.
6. Meet the provider at the locations specified on the day of the hire..
7. Get to know the boat with the provider and provide your marine licence.
8. Enjoy a fun filled and exciting day with your family and friends. Make Memories.
9. Return the boat at the agreed time and location.
10. Walk away and talk about the awesome day you had! ( Leave the clean up and
maintenance to the provider)
Understanding the Basics of Boat Hire
Hiring a boat is becoming one of the fastest growing boating economies in Australia.
Why? Well, with the current cost of living crisis and the ability to purchase a boat stretching the mortgages and finances it is a no brainer really.
Why outlay large sums of money on purchasing a boat that, let’s face it, the coat will probably sit idle in the front yard or in a storage facility (adding more cost). See our related article “Should I Buy Or Rent a Boat”
Your money is surely better spent offsetting your mortgage (if you have one) or paying off “Bad debt”.
Boat hire marketplaces such as MatesBoat™, which is the fastest growing boating marketplace in Australia, you can hire a boat that will suit your needs.
The beauty of this marketplace is that you can choose a boat that will fit the needs of you, your family and your friends. Each boat outing can be in a different location and for differing reasons.
The average cost of a small fishing boat, skippered by the hirer (Bareboat hire) is between $400 and $500 per day. There are no hidden fees or costs, the amount advertised on MatesBoat™ is the only amount paid for the boat hire. (some providers require fuel to be paid separately, please check this in the listing)
To hire a boat through a boating marketplace you will be required to provide your Marine license from the State or Territory you are from.
You will also be required to sign a hire agreement directly with each of the providers. This document is required to protect you and the provider should something wrong.
The majority of the boats listed are full sized boats with engines up to a maximum capacity of 330 Hp. They are not the small hire boats often seen with engines of low capacity and a restriction of 2 nautical miles from shore (or less). They are the real deal.
You are not stuck hiring a boat for a few hours (you can if you want), you can hire the boat for longer periods from a day or even on a weekly basis.
Just ask the provider through the easy to use MatesBoat™ app.
Choosing the Right Boat Hire for Your Needs
One of the best things about hiring a boat is the choices it provides. If you want to go fishing one day and then tow sports or on a bow rider the next then the options are there for you.
Boat hire in Australia is the fastest growing boating economy. However, there are some limitations to boat hire.
All the boats listed as rentals in Australia are required to be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Depending on the registration of the boat you are hiring, most will be limited to carrying four (4) passengers. This is an AMSA requirement.
So you must consider the number of people you are looking to go boating with. If you are looking for larger group sizes, then it would be best to look for a commercial operator.
The good news is they are also listed on the marketplace.The commercial boats are skippered by their own companies’ staff. An example is Melbourne Boat Hire whom have a commercial fishing vessel capable of taking up to 12 passengers. Check them out here.
You will need to decide on what your objectives are for your day out boating. Are you going in a bay such as Port Phillip Bay or are you looking for a river or lake cruise?
There are numerous options available but the most common are:-
1. Fishing Boats
2. Bow Riders
3. Multi-purpose run-a-bouts
4. Sailing
5. Tow Sport boats (Wakeboarding, Skiing, Knee boarding and Tubes etc)
Some of the boats listed above have a dual purpose and can be used for multiple options. Speak with your provider and find out the best option for you!
One of the most important considerations to take into account is your experience. If you have little or no experience in boating, that is not a problem!
The way to get the experience you need is to start small and work your way up to a bigger boat.
That is the beauty of boat hire, you can start with a small boat to learn the ropes and work your way up to a bigger boat with more engine capacity.
Don’t forget to check out what is offered with the boat. Check out the amenities and if you are going fishing, does it have all the necessary equipment onboard or do you need to bring your own? Is there any tow sport equipment included in the listing?
Essential Safety Tips for First-Time Boat Renters
Let me say this straight away, LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES! If you are required by law, or if you are worried about heading out on the water then wear a life jacket.
Make sure the provider shows you where the life jackets are located, how to use them and if you are required to wear them at all times. Make sure there are enough jackets for all passengers onboard.
Some water classifications and the size of the boat will determine if life jackets are required to be worn at all times. Ask the provider.
On the day of your boat hire, I know you will be excited and eager to get out on the water, the provider will show you how to operate the boat and all the safety gear onboard.
Make sure you take the time here to listen and ask questions.
Ensure you know what to do in an emergency, do you know how to operate the VHF radio? Will you be in phone service for the duration of your trip? Who do you call if the boat breaks down?
Familiarise yourself with the local boating rules and any “Tricks of the Trade” for the area you are operating in.
Use a weather and wind app such as Windy. You can also download the Google Maps of the water, Wavve Boating App, which comes with a 14 day free trial to assist with your navigation.
If you don’t know something, ASK! If you are out on the water, text the provider. The provider is there to help and make sure you have an enjoyable trip.
What to Expect on Your First Boat Hire Experience
Your first boat hire experience should be streamlined and straight forward. The service providers are experts in the boats they own and want you to have an awesome time.
On the day of the hire you will:-
- Meet with the provider at the designated time and location
- Produce your Marine Licence…must be valid and a photo will be taken of it
- A safety briefing and boat operation instruction will be given
- Take a video or numerous photos of the boat and its condition along with the service provider to ensure no disputes arise (We suggest an awesome video, with photos of any close ups required)
- If required, the provider will take you for a 5-10 minute drive to show you the operation of the boat and how to dock when you return
- A brief explanation will be given of the navigational aids in the area
- We suggest you use Wavve Boating App for your navigational purposes. It has a 14 day FREE trial
- The provider can suggest some points of interest, secret locations or fishing spots
- Take your family and friends on a memory making boat outing
- Return the boat to the dock as shown by the provider, hand over the keys and walk away! Leave the rest to the service provider
