With vacation season approaching, there are likely plenty of options crossing your mind. One excellent vacation spot is Miami, Florida. Now, we all know that choosing a destination is only half of the work.
Once you have nailed down where you want to go, you have to fill an itinerary with things to do. In Miami, renting a boat is always a good idea! It may be a little bit confusing to book a boat rental from out of state, but it’s a simple process. Keep reading to find out how to do it!
Why Should You Rent a Boat While on Vacation?
Most of the time when people choose to go to Miami—or any other city in Florida—they are going for the tropical weather. It’s nice to sit on the beach or go for a swim, but there is still more to do. A boat ride is a good choice. It gives you something exciting to do while still giving you an opportunity to relax. It’s also something you might not be able to do at home if you live in a cooler climate.
Types of Boat Rentals
There are two main types of boat rentals that you will come across. You may choose to rent a boat that includes a captain. This means that you and your family or friends can enjoy yourselves while somebody else does the work of operating the boat.
You might also choose to drive the boat yourself. This gives you and your friends a chance to decide exactly where you want to go. There will still be restrictions based on the rental company’s policies and the area owned by them.
What Is Required to Rent and Operate a Boat?
The requirements for boat rental will vary by state. Some will ask you to complete a course online ahead of time. Others will simply need a driver’s license and signed waiver.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “In order to operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.”
There may be more requirements for each rental company. This depends upon their own policies. It’s important to look into this ahead of time so that you can get everything together. You wouldn’t want to show up to rent a boat and not have the required materials with you. If you are confused about a company’s requirements, be sure to ask for clarification so that you can be prepared.
Where Should You Rent a Boat from?
While there are individuals who would let you borrow their boat for a fee, it’s best to go through a company. As mentioned, rental companies have laid out their own policies. They have legal plans for a variety of scenarios. An individual with a boat may not have legal protection for you, their boat, or themselves.
Boat rental companies have agreements that they expect the renter to follow. They will also have a plan outlined for you. These plans and policies will come in handy if anything happens to the boat. You will likely have to pay for any damage that is done to the boat, but you will at least be aware of this with a company.
Will There be a Deposit?
According to Angie’s List, boat rental security deposits can range from $50-500. This varies by rental service and the type of boat. Be sure to ask the particular rental company that you choose about any fees.
How to Find Boat Rentals in Miami?
It’s best to do a simple Google search for boat rentals in Miami. This search will show you the top rental services. You could also look for a website like Trip Advisor to find even more options.
Fast Boat Rentals is an example of a rental company that you might come across when you’re searching for Miami boat rentals. This particular company was rated #1 for their boat and pontoon rentals in Miami, Florida.
What to Look for in a Rental Company
When you’re looking for a company to rent a boat from, you should explore their website to find out more. They should have their rates and policies displayed on their website. This will help you to compare different services and find the one that works best for your needs.
For example, Fast Boat Rentals has laid out their policies on weather and cancellations. They also have an FAQ section to give you more information. These are good resources to have so that you can efficiently compare companies. You should be aware of their policies and information. This will help you to make an informed decision about your rental.
Overall, it is pretty simple to rent a boat in Miami. There are plenty of services available for you to use, so it should be easy to find one that works for you. Boating is a fun activity to do with your friends and family. It’s important to be aware of a company’s policies, as well as the state’s requirements for operating a boat.