Nautical Information and Map of our Boat Rental Boundaries:

Nautical Information

Here is some nautical information that will help you while on the water. While heading out you can see that the channel runs directly between the lighthouse on Anclote Key and the large smoke stack at Anclote Power Plant. You must go all of the way to marker #1 prior to exiting this channel. There is very shallow water on both sides of the channel, you will get stuck if you do not stay in the channel.

Anclote Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that has recently been restored to operation. It sits on the south end of Anclote Key which is a State Park.  Use care when passing Anclote Park, the channel turns and is narrow and can sometimes be crowded on weekends.  As you near the large Powerplant while headed out, you will pass Anclote Park on the right.

 

he Powerplant is located just slightly off to the right side of the channel when returning. It is critical to follow this channel carefully as very shallow water is found just a few feet beyond the markers.

Attractions

The Sponge Docks offers boaters a place to dock for authentic Greek food.

Farther out toward the mouth of the river you will pass Anclote Village Marina. Miss Vicky’s is located in Anclote Village. Miss Vicky’s is a great place to stop for lunch with the best cheeseburgers and wings on the river. They offer dockage for boaters. For the freshest seafood right off the boat stop in at Rusty Bellies for lunch. They offer dockage for boaters. Rusty Bellies Tiki Hut is a great place for a cool drink on a hot day. Remember, boat drivers may not consume alcoholic beverages.

Navigation

Farther out toward the mouth of the river you will pass Anclote Village Marina. Miss Vicky’s is located in Anclote Village. Miss Vicky’s is a great place to stop for lunch with the best cheeseburgers and wings on the river. They offer dockage for boaters.  For the freshest seafood right off the boat stop in at Rusty Bellies for lunch. They offer dockage for boaters.  Rusty Bellies Tiki Hut is a great place for a cool drink on a hot day. Remember, boat drivers may not consume alcoholic beverages.

 

Navigation

As you head out the river you will see red triangular markers and green square markers. Be careful to always stay between these markers while on the river, this is where the deeper channel is. Along the river, the areas not between these markers are often too shallow to safely navigate. Do not anchor in channels unless it is an emergency, this blocks other boater’s safe passage.

 

Always remember for navigation the rule is Red Right Returning. This means keep the red markers on your right side when returning to the marina. Conversely, this means keep the green markers to your right when heading out the river.

Return to Marina

You will pass marker 49 by about 50 feet before turning left into the approach channel for the marina. Marina approach – after turning left, keep this unmarked piling to your left by 25 feet or so.  Stay to the right side of the channel near the commercial vessels moored there. This is where the deeper water lies. There is a sandbar to the left. Our fuel dock and lift basin is located at the far right side of the marina, you should return your rental there.  Look for the floating docks and return boats there unless traffic is an issue.

Scenery

While cruising the beautiful Anclote River and Intercoastal Waterway, you will see all kinds of birds and other wildlife often including Manatees, Dolphins, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Pelicans and much more.  Farther out toward the mouth of the river you will pass Anclote Village Marina. Miss Vicky’s is located in Anclote Village. Miss Vicky’s is a great place to stop for lunch with the best cheeseburgers and wings on the river. They offer dockage for boaters.  As you cruise the river you can see lots of beautiful and unique homes. Boaters often enjoy cruising down the historic Sponge Docks which are just around the corner from the marina.

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 over 21 as evidenced by a valid driver’s license, passport, or other official government ID. 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 be consuming 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. Most of our customers just want to cruise the beautiful Anclote River and St. Joseph’s Sound (the Intercoastal Waterway) and stop to check out Anclote Key or some of the great sandbars in the area. Our boats are equipped with double anchors to allow you to securely anchor near the island or sandbars. Always drop one anchor 100 feet or more out and carry the other to shore and set it. Make sure the anchors are set so that the boat is in adequately deep water to ensure that it does not become beached when the tide drops. 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 5 to 12 persons.

If you are unsure of your ability to safely operate a boat and to navigate our area, we can help you find a captain to assist you for an additional fee paid directly to the Captain.

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 the barrier islands (offshore). 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 Belle Harbour 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 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 this 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 on board 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 many areas 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 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 Deck Boats. Pets are allowed on other boats but owners must clean up after their pets or the clean-up 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:
    a. In any type of race or competitive event
    b. For any illegal purpose or in an illegal manner
    c. To carry any type of hazardous or explosive substance
    d. To push or tow any other watercraft or tubes, skis, or other water toys
    e. After dusk or during the night
    f. To carry loads beyond stated capacity
    g. In a reckless, abusive, or negligent manner
    h. By any person consuming alcohol or drugs
    i. If further use may cause damage to boat or motor (warning light or buzzer on)
    j. In violation of the terms and conditions of this agreement in any way
    k. Outside of approved use area
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 customers 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 the barrier islands.

Fees and Fines for Violation of Terms & Conditions:

1. Beaching Boat – $100 fine for beaching boat plus an additional fee of $150 if we have to send someone to pick you up and free boat. There is an additional fine of $150 per day 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 life preservers. $75 fee for loss of one anchor, $150 fee for loss of both anchors. Other items lost or damaged are to be charged at cost of replacement.
   3. There is a $100 per hour late charge, which is payable anytime over 5 minutes into the hour.
   4. There is a $75 fee for propeller damage that is rebuildable and a $150 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 are known to have been run aground or beached in the sand (we can tell from propellers) will be charged $75 for removal of the 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 $150 additional fee will be charged if we have to send a representative to assist you with a problem when you are outside of the operation area.
   7. For damage to fiberglass, cushions, cowlings, electronics, etc. you will be charged the actual cost of parts plus $95 per hour for making repairs.
   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. There will be a penalty of $500 for any attempt to disconnect or otherwise disable the GPS locator system on boats.