Boating can be fun, fulfilling and a great way to unwind. But, your overall experience depends on whether you decide to own or rent the vessel.

Renters don’t have to worry about monthly loans, down payments, docking bills, and seasonal maintenance. They get to “own the boat” for a couple of hundred bucks plus fuel. That is practically a fraction of the actual cost of owning a boat. What’s more, they get to pick the craft on location, which works perfectly for holidaymakers and homegrown boaters as well.

However, there are a bunch of things to consider when renting a boat in Canada. Let’s check them out!

Find a Reputable Boat Company

With the age of the internet at hand, finding a reputable boat renting company is as easy as typing boat rentals plus the destination on your favorite search engine. Make a list of the available options, then go ahead to search for online reviews on the specific companies. Alternatively, call the local marina to see if they have rentals, or ask them for recommendations.

Determine the Boat Size You Need

When it comes to boating, size matters a lot. There is no need to rent a boat that comes with a cabin if you are not spending the night in the water. So, the idea here is to tell the boat company precisely what you intend to do with the vessel, and how long you’re staying out there. A deck boat, for example, is perfect for sightseeing, and a fishing boat is only cut out for fishing.

Meeting Requirements

Canada requires boat drivers to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). It’s like a driving license, only that you can take the course online, and get a temporary card in less than 24 hours. Some rental companies also offer the course as part of their orientation package.

Vessel Check

After picking out a boat, do a thorough vessel check. The last thing you’d want is to take a craft with damages and get billed or blamed for the same. Here, you are looking for scratches, cracked windshields, dents, stains, or any other signs of damage. Be sure to list them on the agreement, before signing that dotted line.

Safety Equipment

Canadian authorities take safety very seriously. So, you might want to check if you have enough life jackets, a bailing device, life buoy, manual propellers, sound signaling and navigation devices. These safety equipment requirements vary with boat size, but the authorities will fine offenders with not less than $250 for the slightest mistake.

Over to You

That said, you are now ready to rent a boat, and go out there without a care in the world. Happy boating!