Tips For Renting A Boat

If you like spending time on the water but aren’t ready to purchase and maintain a boat, consider renting a boat as a way to achieve your marine dreams! You don’t have to make a big down payment or worry about where you’re going to store your boat when you’re done. Renting boats is also a good option for those who haven’t spent too much time on the water and want to try it out to see if it’s for them!

Dewitt Marine is your local boat dealer in Bellaire, MI and we’ve rounded up some information here to make the whole process easier for you. If you’re looking for boat rentals in Northern Michigan, get in touch with us to take a look at our wide selection of models. If you want to browse some boats for sale near Traverse City or Grand Rapids, contact our sales team and have a chat with one of our expert staff!

Benefits Of Renting

Renting boats is the perfect way to see if you’re cut out for the marine lifestyle. You’ll also have access to a wide variety of boats so you can switch up your rentals to see which one works best for you. If you take a pontoon one weekend, you can head out in a center console the next and so on until you’re ready to make the commitment of purchasing one. 

The costs of renting are much lower than the costs of buying. You have to pay a deposit and fuel expenses for renting a boat but those prices are minor when compared to the cost of ownership. It’s also not your responsibility to store the boat when not in use so you also forego the cost of paying for storage space. 

When you rent a boat, you can get newer models with upgraded electronics and amenities. You can enjoy the perks of being on a high-quality boat when it’s at its peak performance level. Instead of worrying about getting safety or performance upgrades for your boat, you can simply enjoy your day out on the water. 

Another perk of renting newer models is that they’re usually more fuel efficient. You’ll be able to go farther on the same amount of fuel, saving you money while maximizing your fun. These crafts also have much better fuel consumption meters, which will give you an accurate reading of how much fuel you’re using.  

What Size To Rent?

The size of the boat should be right for whatever you plan to do on the water. For just touring around, you can get a deck boat. If you’d prefer to entertain your family and friends, you’re going to love pontoons. You also want to have enough space for everyone in your party so keep that in mind when selecting the boat size. The more amenities you want, like a bimini top or an enclosed cabin, the bigger your boat is likely to be. 

Always Prioritize Safety

When you rent a boat, make sure you know where the safety and emergency equipment is stashed. It might be the most boring part of renting a boat, but it’s good to pay attention to the safety information the dealer provides you. You should also know how to wear and adjust a life jacket. It’s worth investing in a personal life jacket as that will fit you better. 

Remember that each state has its own laws about who can operate a boat and the requirements they need to meet. For example, in Michigan, if you’re born before July 1, 1996, you can operate a boat without restrictions. It’s recommended that you take the Michigan safety course to get their boating safety certificate if you plan to spend enough time on the water. 

We shouldn’t have to say it, but we will emphasize that you should only operate your boat when you’re sober. If your focus gets hampered and your reflexes get slow, you might not have as great a time on your boat. This can range from minor mistakes to getting into a full-blown disaster. 

Pack Wisely

Since you plan to spend a day out with a boat, you should pack accordingly to ensure you’re prepared. There should be enough food and drinks to keep everyone sated, especially little children. Temperatures on the water tend to be colder than on land, so you want to pack some warm layers if you might be out till late. Sunscreen, bug spray and wide-brimmed hats are also good for a day of boating. 

We hope you’ll find this information useful when looking for rentals! If you’re looking for boat rentals in Bellaire, MI, contact Dewitt Marine and have a talk with one of our helpful staff members. If you want to check out boats for sale in Northern Michigan, our sales team will be glad to help you find the perfect model for your needs! We’re also proud to be the chosen boat dealer for our friends from Traverse City and Grand Rapids!