This is a tongue and check, lighthearted, and somewhat sarcastic list of our frequently asked questions…

• How do I book at boat?
  • We are always trying to make it easier to book a boat. Simply find the boat or time slot you are interested in, hit the Book Now button and fill out your information. Once you have completed your booking, you will get a confirmation email and an email with instructions on how to fill out the Boat Rental Agreement. Completing the Boat Rental Agreement prior to your arrival significantly speeds up the process. Once you are here, we ask that you have anyone who will be operating the boat present for a brief orientation. Our dock hands will show you how to operate the boat, answer any questions you might have, and will even offer advice on where to find fish.

• I called you three weeks ago about renting a boat so I’ll be there tomorrow at nine?
  • Hold on, if you did not sign the rental contract or pay for the boat, you do not have a reservation with us.

• I want to rent the boat Saturday, but I don’t have any of the money together. I’ve got to get it from my friends. Will you hold the boat for me? I promise we will be there and I am a man of my word.
  • We do not hold boats for “Men of Their Word” because in our experience 90% of the time something catastrophic happens and the “Man of His Word” does not make it out and someone could have been enjoying the boat that day. This policy is not sexist; we also don’t hold boats for “Women of Their Word” either. When you are ready, book online or give us a call and we will gladly help you to reserve a boat.

• What type of boats do you have?
  • We have sport, fishing, and pontoon boats.  We also have stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and personal water craft a/k/a “jet skis.”  

• What does that mean?
  • It means different things to different people, for example, many people call pontoon boats by other names like party boats. We recommend that you look at each boat’s individual page to get a good description.

• What is an all-day rental?
  • A daily rental is an all day rental (our operating hours), so you can get here at opening and keep the boat until closing time. Depending on the time of the year that can be as late as 6:00 pm.

• I have an all-day rental so can I keep the boat out until midnight?
  • No, we are very sorry but insurance regulations do not allow us to rent the boats past the posted operating times on both four hour and daily rentals.  Besides, we have to sleep too.

• I booked a month ago and your website said you don’t close until 6:00 pm, why are you telling me I have to be back at 5:00 pm now?
  • Depending on what day of the year it is, we have different closing times. This is due sunset and it happens to change during the year and we adjust our closing times accordingly to give you the maximum amount of time on the boat. These are all listed on the website at the beginning of each year and they do not change during the course of the summer, we’ve tried to make that as clear as possible and that information is provided in your confirmation email as well.

• What is a four hour rental?
  • A rental that lasts four hours! If you want a longer rental, book it. Sometimes we get someone that started out with a four hour rental and wants to extend. In that case where you are out on Oneida Lake and are catching a bunch of fish or just loving life call us. If someone is not booked behind you, we can handle that request for you. Keep in mind if we say no, it is because someone else has the time slot behind you booked.

• I’m out on the water and I want to come back in, is that OK?
  • Whatever floats your boat, our customers tell us all the time about boat rental businesses that don’t allow it. We just do not understand why not. The answer is yes, come back either to go to the bathroom, out to lunch, or for whatever reason. Just remember your rental starts when you leave and in the case of a four hour rental, ends four hours later. It does not function like a stopwatch.

• When are the boats due back, what if I don’t get the boat back in time?
  • The boats are due back at closing time, which is listed on our web page, and if you don’t get the boat back on time, we have to charge you a late fee. Please bring our boats back on time. It is your responsibility to get the boat back on time. If it took you thirty minutes to get across the lake, chances are good it will take you another thirty minutes to get back. Calling ten minutes before the boat is due back and saying that you are lost does not absolve you of paying a late fee. Call when you realize you are lost, not when you want to use it as an excuse to keep a boat out later than it is allowed.  Keep in mind the boats are monitored with GPS.
    

• I’ve never driven a boat, do I need a license?
  • You do not need a boating license in New York to rent a boat. While a boating course is an excellent idea, it is not a requirement. We require our customers to be 18 years of age, with a valid drivers license, and a major credit card. Many of our customers have never driven a boat so we provide an orientation that affords you as much time as you feel is necessary to get you up to speed. We want you to be safe and have helped hundreds of first time boaters enjoy a safe, accident free day on the water.  This orientation is now required by New York State law.

• What should I expect when I get there?
  • We ask when you get here to check-in at the office. We will then bring the responsible party and up to two additional people (over the age of 18) out to the boat where we will go through the orientation. We ask that you not have small children or pets around when we do the orientation as we have found it leads to distractions, which lead to damage, which leads to you losing your security deposit.

• When should I show up?
  • If you have a four hour rental, show up about twenty minutes early to provide time for paperwork and an orientation. If you have children under 12, they will be required to wear a life jacket at all times while onboard the vessel.  Give us a few extra minutes to fit the kids.  You cannot call and move that rental around because often the boats are booked before and/or after your time slot. Arriving twenty minutes before you are scheduled to leave the docks to ensures enough time to check in and go through the orientation.  If you are at all unsure about operating the boat or feel you may need more time to get familiar with things, arrive even earlier and we can spend extra time with you.  

• I have a four hour rental, but my friends are going to be running late; can we push the start time back?
  • No we can’t because the boats are often booked after your rental. Keep in mind with an all-day rental, you are free to show up at any time. Stress it upon the members of your party that they need to show up on time, both for the boat rental and to enjoy success in life.

• Why can’t I book a four hour rental for the middle of the day?
  • We have dedicated time slots that allow the boats to go out at popular times throughout the morning and afternoon. We have set up these time slots in the manner that the bulk of our customers have told us that works the best.  

• Where are you located?
  • 812 State Route 49, Cleveland, NY 13042.  In the past people have found it difficult to find us, please check our directions.  Remember our driveway is located BETWEEN DRIVE 17 AND DRIVE 18 on Route 49.  We have added additional signage to help you find us for 2025 along with plastering directions and warnings about the directions all over the website.  We hope you noticed and we hope it helps.
    

• Why do I have to provide a security deposit?
  • Because our boats are very expensive and it is very easy for someone to damage them. We only rent to financially responsible adults.

• Can I drink and drive a boat?
  • Surprisingly, we get this question routinely and the answer is absolutely not. If you want all the regulations, check out this page. You are responsible for knowing the laws and acting responsibly. Once you take our boat we cannot supervise, control, or be responsible for you. While you will find law enforcement on the lake to be very friendly, they do not issue warnings for drunk boaters.  You will be arrested and it will negatively impact your life and those you care about or maybe even far worse.  

• So does that mean I can drink and drive a boat?
  • People do ask this follow up question. Here is our official response to that question: Please call the police and tell them that you will be drinking and driving later, provide them with the exact location and time where you will be drinking and driving. Ask them for a recommendation, you will find the answer you are looking for.

• What about safety equipment?
  • We provide you with all the necessary equipment you will need to have a safe and fun day on the water. For example, a ten person boat will have ten ADULT life jackets. If you have kids under 12, remember that they will need to keep the life vest on at all times.  We will fit them prior to the rental.  If your kids are picky about the color of the life jackets, we advise you to bring your own.  If you lose one, when you get back just tell us. We will count the jackets before you leave and when you get back. Pretending you didn’t know what happened to the life jacket while you were responsible for it will not release your burden of replacing the lost equipment.
  • Flares are not toys or fireworks for your amusement, we count these also.

• I got a ticket while I was out on the water, it’s your fault and you are responsible for it…
  • You can repeat that statement as many times as you wish. However, it will not make it come true. You are responsible for your actions on the water and for your ignorance of boating laws and regulations. It is your responsibility to inform yourself prior to going out on the water what laws and regulations may be applicable. See the above link on New York’s boat laws.

• You are definitely responsible for the ticket, it’s the law….
  • I would suggest you call any of the national rental car chains and ask them if you rent their car and get a speeding or parking ticket if they will be covering it for you.

• Is gas included in the rental price?
  • No.

• Your website says gas is included?
  • Please don’t try this, we wrote the website and know what is on it. Gas is not included for our boats.

• Same person as the above question, still trying, “When I called the person said gas was included.”
  • Please don’t try this either, we actually work here and happen to be familiar with the company’s policies. We keep them consistent to avoid problems.

• If I damage the boat, what is going to happen?
  • It depends on the severity of the damage. The most common type of damage is propeller damage and can run from $80 to $200. Damage to lower units can run well into the thousands. Pay attention in your orientation, we are trying to save us a hassle and you money.  We dislike repairing the boats as much as you dislike paying for them.  We work very hard on trying to minimize damage and consider it a team effort between us the staff and you as our customer.

• I damaged the boat and had such a good time?
  • This is usually the case. Around 80% of the people who damage the boat just tell us when they come in. The other 20% are the reason for all these rules and questions. They try to pretend they don’t know what happened. Remember that we own many boats and its possible we know what it sounds like to hit something with a propeller. If you hit something, you are going to know it and we are also going to know you know it. If there is damage, we will find it, just come clean, the majority of the time, it is a simple repair.

• I damaged the boat, am I banned?
  • Unlikely, in most cases you are not and usually once is all it takes to make you a much more careful, better boater and a safer person to rent a boat to. In over fifty years of renting boats, we only have three customers who are not welcome back and it is not for reasons of damage.

• I hit the prop but the depth finder said I was in 10,000 feet of water?
  • During the orientation we tell you not to let the depth finder or any other technical device replace common sense. The lake is not 10,000 feet deep, thus you were not in that deep of water—no matter what the depth finder said. You are solely responsible for any damage to the boat; don’t try to blame it on the depth finder.  Be aware that depth finders are provided for convenience.  

• It’s your fault that I damaged the boat, I am not paying for the damage?
  • You may want to read your rental contract. No one forced you to rent this boat today or to sign the document that states that you are responsible. You are responsible for any damage that occurs to the boat for any reason while it is in your custody.

• I understand I need to pay for gas, but I’m unclear on how that works. Can you help me??
  • We try to make this process super easy. The boat will be full at the start of your rental. You hit the water and have a good time. When you come back, we have gas right at our docks. We will fill the boat back up and you just pay for what you used. There is no need to hunt for fuel and we consider this to be one of the main advantages of renting with us. Nobody wants to waste rental time on finding a gas station, then rushing back to the docks. We can handle it all here for you.

• You talk about damage a lot, does it happen often?
  • We talk about it a lot to make you aware of it because it is a hassle for you and me. No, it does not happen often. In fact, less than 3% of rentals have any damage. Remember, we have a mutual interest in keeping you safe and damage free. We want you to have a good time and we want you to come back.

• Your orientation takes too long, I have tons of boating experience and I don’t need any help!
  • Famous last words Captain Stubing. The majority of renters damaging our boats are those who claim to have the most boating experience; the minority is those with no boating experience because they tend to pay close attention to what we are telling them. This lake presents unique challenges that require you to pay close attention during the orientation. If you are arrogant about your boating knowledge, you may find yourself and your money soon parting ways prematurely. Please pay close attention, we know this lake and we know how to the avoid problems. We want you to enjoy your day.
  • At the request of some of our great female customers, we are letting the men know that in our experience, groups of women are the least likely to damage anything.

• Your orientation is too fast, I’m confused?
  • As you can see, the orientation is a matter of perspective. If you feel like you want to ask more questions then feel free to take as much time as you need, we have taken over an hour to get people comfortable on the boat. Remember, you are here to stay safe and have fun, let us help you! If you are worried about it, just shot us an email prior to your rental date and we can work out a custom solution for you. Remember, it is our goal that you have a good time.

• Now I am really confused, how long is the orientation going to take?
  • What I think you are now asking is, “typically, how long does the orientation last?” The answer to that question is five to ten minutes.

• What is your cancellation policy?
  • To book a boat you must sign our rental contract and pay the rental fee. We have the right to cancel the contract and that is in the event of bad weather or mechanical failure. Please remember that the call on bad weather remains with us.  Check our cancellation and weather policy for further information.

• What if it rains once I get out there?
  • On a four hour rental, if it stays dry more than two hours you are not due a refund. On a daily rental, if it stays dry more than four hours you are not due a refund. If it is pouring out when you arrive, but is otherwise safe to go boating and you take the boat out please do not expect a refund.

• Its pouring at my house, can I cancel my reservation?
  • As stated before and in your rental contract, we make the sole determination of cancellation due to weather. Remember that while it may be raining at your house or even on the south shore of the lake, it could be a beautiful day here and often is. We get a lot of people that were worried about the weather and ended up having an awesome day.

• I don’t want to sign a contract can I still rent the boat?
  • No, we have to follow policies for a variety of reasons.

• Speed turns me on, how fast are your boats?
  • Probably not fast enough for you… Check each boat’s page to get a rough idea of how fast the boat goes and how long it will take you to get where you are going.

• Your web page says the boat goes 28 mph, but when I got out there it only went 27.5 mph, I want my money back?
  • Really, that is called truth by omission and is not entirely what the web page says–your logic would suit you well for political office. Each boat has a rough top speed that can be faster or slower based on a variety of conditions that will influence its top speed from what you see on the website. When boats are tested for speed, they are usually tested in calm lake conditions, with a minimal load. If you pack another 1,000 lbs. of weight on the boat, our friend Einstein tells us it will move slower.

• What is the capacity of the boats?
  • Each boat has a different capacity; check each boat’s page for further details.

• The boat’s page says it has a capacity of ten people; can I bring six fat guys and five thin guys?
  • Six fat guys and five thin guys still ads up to eleven people so the answer is no. You cannot exceed the operating weight of the boat (including persons and equipment, nor can you exceed the number of occupants).  For those of you leaving within the legal capacity and planning to fool us by stopping and adding more, understand that overloaded boats are a major safety hazard and is something that is targeted by law enforcement. It is not worth doing that. Keep in mind we will not let an overloaded boat leave the dock.  

• I booked three weeks ago a boat with a ten person capacity. My new girlfriend wants to come along now, can I take out eleven?
  • Rules are rules, we don’t make them, but we do enforce them, please check our cancellation policy, you will be forfeiting your rental fee and your new girlfriend will most likely not be pleased with your lack of planning.
• What about ten people and a dog?
  • Well it does not matter for our boats as pets are not allowed on the boats. What is actually interesting is in terms of capacity, anything with a beating heart is considered a person. Capacity is a big safety issue, we have to enforce this type of thing strictly.
• What about ten people and an infant?
  • An infant counts as a person too.
• My kids have never been on a boat, what do you recommend we do?
  • You know your children the best, but we recommend that you try a four hour rental first in case the kids are not happy.  Please understand that we will not provide you a refund if you show up and your kids don’t like boating.  Our experience is that most kids do fine, but to minimize your risk, we advise you go for a shorter trip.  Many infants do not like the boats so it is a very valid consideration. Some of our families trying this have a backup plan in case the little ones don’t like it. We agree that this is a great idea.
• I’m a great guy; can I get a lower rate?
  • I’m a great guy too; can I get a higher rate from you? Our prices are our prices and we do not negotiate from one customer to the next. It is also not fair to our very loyal customer base. Our boats are in excellent condition and are priced as low as any rental outfit in the country. If we are going to do anything, it is going to be for the customer that comes back year after year and is helping us grow our business.

• If I call back fifteen times and ask for a discount will you change your mind?
  • OK, nobody asked us this one, but several people must have been thinking it. As you can imagine, the answer is absolutely. Ha, just kidding to see if you are paying attention–the answer is still no and before you ask the answer will be the same if you ask via email.

• But I’m going to do a ton of business with you in the future?
  • Awesome, you will be able to take advantage of some great promotions that we offer including a Bounce Back coupon where there are discounts available for a second rental. INSIDER TIP: A lot of parents take the kids out once and use the Bounce Back coupon for a second rental without the kids. We are good about not telling the kids about this too 🙂

• You seem to have a lot of rules and are fussy about your boats?
  • We do not really have a lot of rules, nor do we have many problems. The rules are due to a small minority of people who feel they can damage other’s property without consequences. Over the years we have learned how to help people have a good time on the water, stay safe, and bring the boats back without damage. We do not want your security deposit. Fixing a boat after working all day is not what we hope to accomplish when we send you out on our boats. So, hopefully you can see that we have a mutual interest in getting you and the boat back safely.

• Can you tell who is going to damage a boat?
  • With a high degree of accuracy. It is typically the person who is overconfident, takes the boat into a known trouble spot, or is distracted (cell phone, kids, giving directions) while we are doing an orientation. We ask you where you are going for a reason and that is to warn you of known trouble spots. Everything we go over on the orientation is important so please take the time and let our experience become yours. If we warn you about a particular spot, it’s for good reason.

• How do you get the boat in and out of your marina?
  • We go over this in the orientation. To get in and out, trim the prop up and go in/out at a straight angle (twelve o’clock or due south) at a slow speed. We will spend time with you on this and hate it when people nod that they understand, initial the orientation sheet that they understand, and then proceed to go straight into a known trouble area. It is especially frustrating when they come back and say that we never told them about that. It gets humbling quickly when we show them the orientation checklist where we went over it twice in detail and where they initialed it. So the moral of the story is please try to pay attention, we are trying to help you.

• What is up with all the damaged props you have in the office?
  • Since we put the damaged props in the office on display, people have been paying much closer attention to us in the orientation and damage is way down.

• You used to have footballs and Frisbees on the boats, why do we have to rent them now?
  • Because our footballs and Frisbees all drowned mysteriously, without any witnesses. We can’t say for sure, but are fairly certain that sharks did not eat them.

• Where do I get those totally cool hats and t-shirts that you wear?
  • Well first, thank you.  We appreciate that you know great fashion when you see it.  To get some cool gear, just stop in the tackle shop or visit Lake Apparel who makes our hats, t-shirts, and hoodies.
• Are these questions for real?
  • Unfortunately yes, we have been asked all of these questions, not once, but numerous times. We are thinking about putting up a Hall of Fame, last year a caller asked us if the boats drive themselves…

In all seriousness, we have tried to have some fun with these FAQs, please feel free to ask us anything. We are here to help you and you might even make this list!