The Benefits of Having a Boat Captain Guide the Way

When you secure a boat rental with Boatsetter you have the option of choosing whether or not to hire a captain for your next boat rental. In some cases, a boating captain is necessary (such as if you plan to spend the day drinking, if you have very limited boating experience, or if you are unfamiliar with the area), but in other cases, it may be unwarranted. So when should you hire a captain? Let’s start by discussing some of the things a boat captain will do for you during your boat trip:

- Navigate the waters and troubleshoot any mechanical failures
- Suggest popular boating locations, snorkeling/diving spots, swimming holes, dining options, fishing spots
- Suggest when the weather might cause a change in plans
- Act as an expert in an emergency situation
- Assist with docking/undocking or loading/unloading the boat
- Share local boating and geographical knowledge

In simplest terms, having a boat captain on board means having an expert on board. If an emergency situation arises, if the weather turns bad, if the boat starts to make strange noises, the boat captain can handle the situation. Boat captains eliminate stress so that cruising and having fun can be your number one priority.

How to Choose a Captain

Not all boat captains are equal. They each have their passions on the water. It can heighten your boating experience if you work with a captain familiar with your particular boating goals. Before hiring a captain for your boat rental, ask yourself the following questions:

• - Is the captain a local? You’ll want to make sure that the person navigating your boat has a basic understanding of the geography, regional boating rules, weather patterns and local spots for fishing, swimming, etc.

• - Are they comfortable with kids and pets? A boat captain with children of their own is likely to be more familiar with keeping children busy on a boat, or he/she may be able to recommend good destinations for the whole family.

• - What type of boats do they typically charter? Sailboats? Yachts? Fishing Charters? Whatever their specialty, it is good information to know up front.

• - How flexible is their schedule (weather, change of plans, extended stay)? Once you’re on the water, you may decide to extend your original reservation to a full day. Is a last-minute cancellation OK, or does your captain have prior plans? When boating with a large group, plans may change often. Be sure your captain is aware of these possible changes in the schedule before departure time.

Learn more about choosing your boat rental captain.

Don’t Forget – Your Captain is a Person Too!

If it is what you want, your boat rental captain can make it seem like he or she isn’t even there. Alternatively, your captain can be part of the experience, suggesting dining options, pointing out tourist sights and sharing local history. Remember that your captain is a person too! Don’t forget these important tips:

• - Leave your captain a tip. Learn when and how to tip a boat captain.

• - Provide specific instructions. Captains can’t read your mind, so tell them what you want and they will do their best to make it happen.

• - Leave a review about your experience or give your captain a referral. If you had a good time, tell a friend!

Secure a Boat Rental with a Captain via Boatsetter

Log on to Boatsetter to review boat rentals available in your area. During the checkout process, you have the option of adding a captain. We make it easy to find, book and confirm your boat rental using our online database.