Boat Exchange International

Boat Rental Tips: Safety is a prime consideration when renting any boat. This particularly applies to houseboats which can be a bit unwieldy to handle. If you follow the basic tips on this page, you will have a more relaxed, enjoyable cruise.

Is the boat Rental well maintained - see if you can get a reference or two from people who have rented from this firm regarding the quality of the Boat Rental. more>

Make sure the Boat Rental comes fully equipped with the most up to date charts of the waterway

Check to make sure it has all the required safety equipment. This is set in law by the Coast Guard. Boat Rentals from 8 m to 12 m (26 to 39 feet) in length require life jackets or PFDs (one each of an appropriate size for each person on board); a buoyant heaving line of at least 15 m in length; a life buoy with 15 m of buoyant line; a rebounding device (ie. ladder); an anchor with at least 30m of cable, rope, or chain; one bailer or one manual pump; a class 10BC fire extinguisher (if Boat Rental is powered or has cooking or refrigerating appliances); distress signals (watertight flashlight and 12 Canadian-approved flares of which six must be either Type A, B, or C and at least two of Type D; and navigation equipment consisting of a signaling device and navigation lights that comply with Collision Regulations. If the Boat Rental is from 12 m to 20 m (39 to 65.5 feet) in length, then it requires all the above together with the following: a bilge pump instead of manual bailer, fire extinguishers (class 10BC, one at each entrance space where a cooking or refrigeration appliance is located, one at the entrance to the cabin and one at the entrance of the engine compartment); and two fire buckets.

Check to see what communication equipment it has on board. If you have a cell phone, make sure to bring it along. Collect a list of local contact numbers (marinas, locks) to carry with you.

Check to make sure the Boat Rental has a good First Aid Kit, if in doubt, bring your own. You may find yourself several hours away from medical help, there should be enough first aid materials on board to be able to patch up an accident victim until proper medical aid can be rendered (another good reason to carry a cell phone with you).