Rules & Regulations
Requirements to Rent a Boat:
We suggest that you take the time to review the Rental Boat Terms and Conditions of Use on this web page prior to making your reservation. When you pick up your boat, you will be required to sign a copy of these indicating that you understand and agree. Because of the length and complexity, we suggest that you read them in advance so when you come to pick up your boat it will be quick and easy.
In order to be allowed to rent a boat, you must be 21 years old as evidenced by a valid driver's license. You must be physically able to perform the tasks involved in the safe operation of a boat and our staff must be able to communicate with you enough to ensure that you understand the rental agreement and safe operation of the boat. The operator of the boat may not consume alcohol or drugs. We reserve the right to refuse to rent to anyone when our staff feels that you are not capable of safely operating our boats or of understanding the terms of the rental agreement. Customers must also have an operational cellular phone on board and must leave it on so that the Marina can contact them for emergencies or to report weather information.
What Can You Do on Our Boats:
We offer boats well suited to a wide variety of uses. When making your reservation make sure our representative knows how you plan to use the boat so that they can recommend the right boat for you. We have boats accommodating from 1 to 12 people. Most of our customers just want to cruise the beautiful bays. Most of our boats are equipped with a current boat fishing license for those looking to reel in fish or go crabbing. Always drop one anchor with 15 feet or more line out. Make sure the anchors are set so that the boat is in adequately deep water to ensure that it does not become beached if the tide drops.
Reservations:
We highly suggest reservations with a minimum of 5-7 day notices. Our rentals do sell out daily. All reservations are subject to a $75 cancelation fee if canceled within 48 hours of the scheduled rentals. In the event of inclement weather, we will do our best to bump reservations forward or back. Most can be rescheduled the same day for pop-up storms or within 1-2 days of long-duration storms. You will need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your rental time to ensure you receive the full rental time on the water. Late arrivals may not receive their entire rental time.
Rental Boat Terms and Conditions of Use:
1. Equipment is not to be taken outside of the prescribed operation area. None of our boats are allowed beyond rt 54 bridge or 40th street in Ocean City. Refer to maps for approved operation area. Boats have GPS locators so we know where you are at all times.
2. Boats are intended for use by the certified number and weight of passengers and gear. Do not overload boats; you will be fined. When loading people and gear on boats, try to evenly distribute weight both side-to-side and front-to-back. This will make for safer operation and ensure that the bow does not plow through large waves that you may encounter.
3. All safe boating regulations must be followed including no-wake zones, life preservers for children, and all others. You are personally responsible for any damage to our boats, other boats, or other property caused by your violation of safe boating regulations or of Island Watersports rental boat conditions of use.
4. It is illegal for boat operators to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind regardless of the degree of impairment. Renters who are known to be drinking alcohol will be refused the use of a boat. If you have a reservation but are obviously intoxicated, you will be refused a boat and charged for the cancellation.
5. Equipment must be returned on time, there is no grace period for late returns.
6. Any and all damage to the equipment that is caused as a result of the lessee's operation or oversight is the sole responsibility of the lessee. Do not leave boats unattended.
7. Lessee is responsible for being aware of tides, currents, and winds. Do not beach boats or allow boats to become beached by falling tides or changing winds.
8. Boats are to be returned relatively clean and in the same condition as they were when you took them out. Inspect the boat carefully before taking it out because you will be charged for any new damage upon your return to the dock.
9. No one under 21 is allowed to operate the boats.
10. You are not allowed to let anyone other than the primary renter use or operate the boat. Anyone who may be serving as an operator needs to be identified and to sign the agreement. If you do allow anyone else to use the boat you are entirely personally responsible for any damage that they cause to our boat or to other persons or properties.
11. All operators must have a cell phone onboard and we must have this number.
12. Do not attempt to locate or disable GPS locators on boats, these are placed there for your safety and convenience.
13. In any area with marked channels always stay between green and red markers. Remember to keep red markers on your right side when you are returning to port and green on your left. This also means that green markers should be on your right as you head out from the marina. Refer to the provided map to determine the channel location and approximate water depth.
14. Any time you are in less than 3' of water go dead slow, this means as slow as the boat will go and still be in gear.
15. No pets are allowed on Jet Boats. Pets are allowed on other boats but owners must clean up after their pets or the cleanup fee will be charged. Owners are responsible for any damage caused by pets.
16. Prohibited uses: Customers may not use boats for any use not intended by the manufacturer. In addition, customers shall not use the boat in any of the following manners:
17. In no event shall the customer sub-lease boat to another person or entity. Customer's rights under this agreement are non-transferable.
18. If watercraft is obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, is used for any illegal purpose or in violation of these conditions in any way, all rights to the use of the watercraft are revoked and subsequent use is without the owner's permission. In any such case, the marina has the right to immediately repossess the boat and keep all rental fees and charge the customer for any damage to the boat.
19. No marina staff has the right to change any of the terms or conditions of this agreement (except an owner when done in writing).
20. If any provision of this agreement is found to be void, invalid or unenforceable, such finding shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other part of this agreement.
21. This agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein and shall supersede all other agreements, either oral or written, with respect to the same. This agreement is binding upon the heirs, successors, and assigns of the parties.
22. At this time our customers are not allowed to take any of our boats Offshore. No boats are allowed beyond 40th street and or rt 54 bridge.
Fees and Fines for Violation of Terms & Conditions:
1. Beaching Boat - $100 fine for beaching boat plus an additional fee of $250 if we have to send someone to pick you up and free boat. There is an additional fine of $150 per hour if we are unable to free the boat and have to return another day on the high tide to free the boat.
2. Fees for loss or misuse of safety equipment - $50 for breaking the seal on the flare kit except for in a legitimate emergency. $50 for use of fire extinguishers except in a legitimate emergency. $25 fee for loss or damage to orange type I life preservers and $45 for loss or damage to type III life preservers. $125 fee for loss of anchor. Other items lost or damaged to be charged at cost of replacement.
3. There will be a penalty of $500 for any attempt to disconnect or otherwise disable GPS locator systems on boats.
4. There is a $150 fee for propeller damage that is rebuildable and a $250 fee for damage that is too extensive to be rebuilt. The ability to rebuild the propeller or not is to be determined by Marina Staff.
5. Any boats known to have been run aground or beached in the sand (we can tell from propellers) will be charged $75 for removal of lower unit and inspection of the water pump impeller. If the impeller is damaged actual replacement part cost will be charged for replacement.
6. A $100 fee will be charged for operation out of the approved area (refer to map) and a $250 additional fee will be charged if we must send a representative to assist you with a problem when you are outside of the operation area. Lessee may be financially responsible for a 3rd party tow service if it is needed for assistance.
7. For damage to fiberglass, cushions, cowlings, electronics, etc. you will be charged the actual cost of parts plus $99 per hour for making repairs. The average gel coat damage is $100 per inch, average damage into the fiberglass is $250 per inch.
8. A cleaning fee of $50 will be charged for bringing the boat back excessively dirty. You may also choose to clean up the boat yourself; we will provide a bucket, soap, and a brush. A little bit of sand and normal dirt is acceptable without a charge but if the boat is brought back covered with dirt, sand, trash, food or fish blood and you do not wash it, you will be charged.
9. If a rope watersports tow rope is sucked into the impeller on a jet boat or wrapped around the propeller of an outboard, there will be a minimum $500 charge in addition to any late fees and damage to the equipment.
10. Towing a boat is as a result of lessee error, damage, or grounding is billed at $300/hour from when the assistance boat leaves the dock until it returns.