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.

State Law requires that anyone born more recently than January 1, 1988 must have proof of successful completion of an approved Safe Boating Class in order to operate a powered vessel in the state of Florida.  This is not our requirement, it is State Law and we will not violate it.  In addition to this, our Insurance requires that any operator of our boats must be over 21 years of age.  Those younger than 21 are forbidden from operating our boats, even if they have passed the safe boating class.  If you are unable to meet these requirements, we can refer you to a USCG licensed Captain who could operate the boat for you, you will be required to pay and schedule the Captain directly.

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 Intercostal 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 inadequately 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 10 persons.
If you are unsure of your ability to safely operate a boat and to navigate our area, we can provide a captain to assist you for an additional fee.

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 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 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 that 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.