FAQ | Boat & Jet Ski Rentals | Smith Mountain Lake VA

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept credit cards?

We take all credit cards except American Express.

Do we need a credit card to make a reservation?

Yes. You are required to give us a credit card number to hold your boat reservation. You will not be charged for the boat until the day you pick up your rental boat. You can then decide whether you would like to pay with cash or credit/debit card.

Am I charged a security deposit?

Yes. We hold a $500 security deposit on all of our rental boats. This deposit is completed the day you pick up the boat and then returned to you once the boat has been returned back to our rental company.

Do we pay for the gas usage in the rental boat?

Yes. Our gas policy is just like a rental car. The boat comes with a full tank of gas and the renter is responsible for returning the boat full of gas.

Can we tube or ski behind your boats?

Yes. While tubing or skiing all persons need to wear a life jacket that is approved for watersports activities. The standard orange lifejackets are not sufficient for tubing and skiing

Are we allowed to bring food and snacks on the boat?

Yes. But, remember that very large coolers filled with ice and drinks add weight to your boat. When making your reservation be sure you understand that if you get a boat with a capacity of 10 people and bring on two large coolers loaded down with ice and drinks, that your boat will be overloaded! Overloading your boat will slow it down tremendously.

What age must children be to ride on the boats?

All ages are allowed on a boat. You must be 21 to operate a boat.

What are your late fees?

For every 15 minutes late returning a boat the renter is charged $25. If you would like to keep the boat for another day please call to be sure the boat is available.

What should I do if the boat runs into something?

If a renter hits something then please stop the boat and call the office.

Do I need a fishing license?

If you are fishing then you need a fishing license. The Kroger at Westlake can give you a license for One day or multiple days.

Do you sell fishing licenses?

No. Please visit the website: www.dgif.virginia.gov/licenses before coming to the lake so you won’t miss any fishing time once you arrive!

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your reservation, we ask you to call us 48 hours prior to the start of your reservation. If you do not call to cancel before the 48 hour time period, you will be charged one full day’s rent: $200 plus tax for a pontoon, and $280 plus tax for a Deck boat. On holiday weekends we asked that you call us 72 hours prior to the start of your reservation.

Do your boats have radios?

All of our rental boats are equipped with radios/cd players. Most of the radios also include an AUX connection for iPods.

Do I need to take a boating course to rent a boat?

No, you do not. We obtain boating license certificates. Once you arrive to pick up your boat then you will read over the boat rental driving rules and sign the certificate. That certificate will act as your boating license for the time that you have rented the boat.

I am not familiar with the lake. Will you help me with navigation?

Yes. After you fill out your paperwork and pay for your boat then one of the members of our friendly staff will go over a dockside safety checklist, basic operation of the boat, and navigation of the lake. We will also provide you with a map of Smith Mountain Lake. The GPS on your phone will also navigate you on the water.

Can we park the boat at our dock if we are keeping the boat overnight?

Yes. If you are renting a house or condo which has a dock, you are welcome to keep the boat tied up there. If you are renting a place that does not have a dock, you may bring the boat back to our rental docks and keep it docked here.

How old do I have to be to rent a boat?

The “Responsible Person” who signs for the boat must be 21 years of age or older and hold a valid driver’s license. Any operators must be 18 years of age or older, hold a valid driver’s license and must be accompanied by a “Responsible Person” at all times.

Do you allow dogs on your boats?

No PETS* allowed. Boats returning with pet hair, claw marks or any pet related damage will be charged a $500.00 pet related cleaning/damage fee and will NOT be allowed to rent in the future.