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FIRST TIME RENTING A BOAT | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS

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🔰 Beginner’s Guide

First Time Renting a Boat? 15 Tips You Need to Know

Everything a first-timer needs to know—from what to bring and how to drive to questions to ask and mistakes to avoid.

Nervous about your first boat rental? That’s completely normal. The good news: if you can drive a car, you can drive a pontoon boat. This guide will have you feeling confident before you even leave the dock.

Before You Book

1

Start with a Pontoon

For first-timers, pontoon boats are the way to go. They’re slow, stable, and nearly impossible to tip. The controls are simple—throttle forward to go, back to reverse, wheel to steer. If you’re comfortable driving a car, you’ll be fine.

2

Book More Time Than You Think

Half-day minimums are common, but don’t underestimate how long things take. Getting oriented, cruising to your spot, having lunch, and returning all eat into your time. If debating between half and full day, go full.

3

Ask About Everything That’s Included

Is fuel included? Life jackets? Bluetooth speakers? Anchor? What about tubes or floats? Some rentals are all-inclusive; others nickel and dime you. Know what you’re getting before you show up.

The Day Before

4

Check the Weather (Really Check It)

Light rain? Usually fine. Thunderstorms? Dangerous. High winds? Miserable. Check the hourly forecast, not just the daily summary. Most rental companies will reschedule for severe weather at no charge.

5

Prepare Your Cooler Strategically

Pack more water than you think—sun and activity dehydrate you fast. Bring easy-to-eat foods (sandwiches, wraps, fruit, chips). Skip anything that needs cutting or utensils. And for the love of all that is holy, bring enough ice.

What to Bring

First-Timer Packing Checklist

☀️ Sun Protection

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Sunglasses (cheap ones!)
  • Hat or visor
  • UV shirt/cover-up

🎒 Essentials

  • Driver’s license
  • Credit card for deposit
  • Cash for tips/fuel
  • Waterproof phone pouch

🧊 Food & Drink

  • Cooler with ice (lots!)
  • Water bottles
  • Snacks & lunch
  • Reusable cups

👙 Comfort

  • Swimsuit
  • Towels
  • Change of clothes
  • Flip flops

At the Dock

6

Arrive 15-20 Minutes Early

You’ll need to sign paperwork, put down your deposit, and get your safety orientation. Rushing through this means missing important info. Give yourself time.

7

Actually Pay Attention to the Orientation

Yes, you want to get on the water. But the 10-15 minute briefing covers critical stuff: how to start/stop, where the kill switch is, how to anchor, what the depth finder means. Ask questions if anything’s unclear.

8

Practice Before You Leave

Ask if you can do a few slow laps near the dock before heading out. Get comfortable with throttle response and steering. Boats don’t stop like cars—they coast. Better to learn this at idle speed near the dock than at cruising speed near other boats.

On the Water

9

Go Slow Until You’re Comfortable

There’s no prize for going fast. Cruise at half-throttle until you feel confident. Pontoons max out around 20-25 mph anyway—you’re not going to set any speed records. Enjoy the scenery.

10

Stay Right, Pass Left

Just like driving a car. When meeting another boat head-on, steer to the right. When passing, go around their left side. When in doubt, slow down and give other boats plenty of space.

11

Anchor Like You Mean It

When you stop for swimming or lunch, actually anchor. Boats drift faster than you think, especially in wind. Drop the anchor, let out enough rope (3-5x the water depth), and give it a tug to make sure it’s set.

12

Assign a Spotter

The driver can’t see everything. Designate someone to watch for swimmers, obstacles, and other boats—especially when backing up. Communication keeps everyone safe.

Returning the Boat

13

Head Back Early

Plan to start your return 30-45 minutes before your rental ends. You need time to refuel (if required), navigate back, and dock. Late returns often incur fees—and stress.

14

Approach the Dock Slowly

Docking is where beginners struggle most. Go slow—like, way slower than you think. Coast in, use small throttle bursts to adjust. Better to take three attempts at low speed than one attempt that damages the boat.

15

Clean Up Before You Leave

Gather all trash, remove personal items, and give the boat a quick once-over. Rental companies appreciate responsible renters—and you’ll get your full deposit back without issues.

Common First-Timer Mistakes

❌ Avoid These Rookie Errors

🧴Underestimating sun exposure. You’ll burn faster on the water. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and don’t skip your scalp and feet.

🧊Not bringing enough ice. For a full day with 8+ people, you need 40-60 lbs minimum. It melts fast in the heat.

📱Phones in pockets near water. Phones WILL get wet. Waterproof pouches are $15 and save your $1,000 device.

⛽Forgetting to refuel. Most rentals require full tank return. Note where the gas dock is and hit it before returning.

🌊Letting swimmers near the prop. When people are in the water, the engine should be OFF. Period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to drive a rental boat?
Pontoon boats are very easy to drive—similar to a car. The hardest part is usually docking, which just takes patience and slow speeds. Most first-timers feel comfortable within 10-15 minutes.
What if I’ve never driven a boat before?
No problem! The rental company will give you a thorough orientation covering all the controls and safety equipment. Pontoons are designed to be beginner-friendly. You can also hire a captain for your first trip if you prefer.
How much does a first-time boat rental cost?
Pontoon rentals typically run $350-600 for a half day (4 hours) or $500-900 for a full day. Add $50-150 for fuel and expect a $500-1,000 security deposit that’s returned when you bring the boat back safely.
Can I rent a boat alone or do I need others?
You can absolutely rent alone—some people do it for fishing or just peaceful cruising. But boat rentals become much better value when you split the cost with friends or family.

Ready for Your First Adventure?

Browse our beginner-friendly pontoon rentals. We’ll make your first time easy.


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