Recreational boating and water sports are some of the most popular activities in America, with over 87 million adults participating in any given year. It’s a universally loved activity, too, as Baby Boomers take their personal watercraft out on the lake and even 20% of Millennials take part in watersports. Jet skis have been a popular way of enjoying the water for decades, though the modern jet ski that allows the rider to sit down wasn’t invented until the 1980s. For a lot of people who only get to the water every so often, a jet ski rental can be the best way to enjoy jet ski activities without having to invest in their own personal boat. If you are considering a jet ski rental, here are some things you should be thinking about in advance.
Find Out What Size You Need
Jet skis come in different sizes, power options, and configurations for exploring over a whole day or just riding the waves as fast as you can. Some come with room for as many as three or four passengers, but if you’re getting a jet ski rental for one, you don’t need that much room and will really just throw away your money getting a bigger one.
Ask About Gas Policies
Some rental places have a cheaper rate up front, but only when you arrive do you find out that you’re also expected to pay for gas. Others will include gas in the rate. Make sure you find out about this before you rent so you’re not socked with any unexpected surprises.
Figure Out How To Move It
In some places you can get a jet ski rental right at a full service marina on the body of water you want to boat on. Other places, particularly in Northern climates where jet skis aren’t used for several months out of the year, keep their jet skis in another location. If that’s the case, you’ll either have to pick it up and take it to the water yourself or get them to bring it to you. Either option could significantly affect your price out the door, so find out in advance what’s expected.
Understand Deposit Requirements
Some jet ski rental companies will just ask for a valid credit card and ID and will put a hold on your card as a deposit. Others will demand actual money in hand as a deposit. Again, find out before you go.
Make Sure Everyone is Qualified
In general, anyone 16 years old and older can drive a jet ski with valid ID. In most cases,
anyone under 18 must be accompanied on the water by a parent or guardian. Those between 13 and 15 can also drive one in some cases, depending on specific state laws. Find out what’s standard in your area.
Watch Out For Scammers
Jet ski rental scams are very common, as are scams on vacationers in general. People on holiday are out of their element, less likely to question a custom, and often just want to make an issue go away quickly so they can get back to having fun. The most common scam occurs when you bring the jet ski back to the dock or to the rental facility. The company then claims that the boat is damaged and demands payment. To avoid this, deal only with reputable rental companies with an established business presence and legit online reviews. Second, be sure to carefully inspect your jet ski before you take it out on the water. If you’re in a foreign country, in particular, take video of the craft, the noises it makes when you turn it on, and of the owner assuring you that he or she already knows about that ding or scratch. Then you have proof when you get back to shore.
You’ll have a great time with your jet ski rental, so find a rental company and get on the water this weekend!
If you want to buy a pair of jet skis, you are not alone at all. Particularly during the hot summer months, a lot of people want a way to stay active that will allow them to stay cool as well. Water sports are great for this purpose, as they can give you a lot of great exercise and fun without necessarily forcing you to overheat. This is why you might be interested in a pair of jet skis to help you stay cool and active over the summer while still having a lot of fun.
If you are interested in a jet ski, particularly Yamaha vehicles, you might have several questions. For example, you might wonder, where can I find the best Yamaha vehicles in new and like new condition? Where can I find the best new Yamaha waverunners for sale? Where can I find the most affordable Yamaha new boats? What should I know about Yamaha PWC models? What is the best Yamaha water sports dealer in my area? It will be a good idea for you to do some location specific research, so that you can see what is actually available in your area that is within your budget.