Secure Your Spot for a Seamless Boating Experience—Book Now.
By using this website to book a boat, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all Manatee Marine Rentals, LLC Terms and Conditions, including all rules, safety requirements, and financial responsibilities. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not proceed with the booking.
Most of the rules you see below are due to actual events. (Yes, really!)
RENTER must be at least 35 years of age or possess a valid Boater Safety Education Card.
All operators must be identified in advance and sign a Liability Waiver. Unauthorized operators are strictly prohibited.
Every signing RENTER must complete a mandatory boat orientation and walkthrough.
MMR reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse rental for any reason, including lack of boating knowledge or unsafe operation.
RENTER shall comply with all federal, state, and local boating laws, posted speed limits, and no-wake zones.
Life jackets must be worn by all children under 6 years old at all times.
No operator may consume alcohol or controlled substances before or during operation.
RENTER shall maintain full control of the vessel at all times.
In waters under 3 feet depth, the vessel must proceed at dead-slow speed.
If the vessel runs aground, RENTER must immediately reverse and notify MMR.
RENTER is solely responsible for monitoring tides, currents, winds, and weather conditions.
Beaching or allowing the vessel to become stranded due to tide, wind, or negligence is strictly prohibited.
Vessel operation is restricted to approved waterways within the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).
Operation outside the approved area, including the Gulf of Mexico without written authorization, is prohibited and constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.
Violation may result in immediate termination of rental, seizure of vessel, and full liability for damages.
RENTER shall not use the vessel to:
Engage in races, competitions, or stunts
Transport hazardous, flammable, or illegal substances
Exceed the vessel’s stated capacity
Operate recklessly, negligently, or abusively
Modify, repair, or alter any part of the vessel
Grill, cook, or ignite flames on the vessel
Sublease or transfer rights under this Agreement
Operate in violation of any provision of this Agreement
RENTER acknowledges the vessel is delivered in good, seaworthy, and mechanically sound condition.
RENTER assumes full financial responsibility for all damage, including but not limited to: vessel, engine, propeller, electronics, upholstery, and equipment.
Damage caused by grounding, collision, negligence, misuse, or environmental conditions is the sole responsibility of RENTER.
RENTER is responsible for all towing, recovery, labor, parts, and loss of rental income due to downtime.
MMR may charge RENTER’s payment method for any and all damages without prior consent if RENTER fails to respond to damage notifications within 72 hours.
MMR will make a minimum of three (3) attempts to contact RENTER regarding post-rental damage.
RENTER has 72 hours from first contact attempt to dispute charges. Failure to respond authorizes MMR to charge the card on file.
Disputing charges does not guarantee reduction or waiver of fees.
Vessel must be returned reasonably clean.
Excessive dirt, sand, trash, food residue, fish blood, or stains will incur a $75 cleaning fee.
Normal wear and minor debris are acceptable.
Grounding Inspection: $275 mechanic labor (plus cost of replacement parts if damaged).
Repair Labor: $100/hour plus parts.
Customer-Caused Towing: $325/hour daylight; $370/hour after sunset; $250 surcharge if outside approved area.
Lost or damaged items may be charged at retail replacement cost plus labor:
Flares – $45
Fire Extinguisher – $49
Whistle – $10
Throwable Flotation Device – $34
Aluminum Anchor – $135
Anchor with Chain & Rope – $225
Fender – $44
Propeller – $175+
Upholstery Burn/Tear – $200+
Batteries – $150 each
Boarding Ladder – $125–$350
Engine Damage – Assessed
Dents/Fiberglass Damage – Assessed
Excessive Cleaning – $75
RENTER assumes all risk of injury, death, or property damage.
RENTER shall indemnify and hold harmless MMR, its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from all claims, losses, damages, fines, liabilities, or expenses (including attorney fees) arising from:
Operation or use of the vessel
Injury or death to RENTER, guests, or third parties
Property or environmental damage
This indemnification applies even in cases of joint negligence, except where prohibited by law.
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties.
No oral statements or prior agreements are valid.
If any provision is found unenforceable, remaining provisions remain in full force.
No MMR employee may alter this Agreement except an owner in writing.
All cancellations are subject to a 10% service fee to cover credit card processing.
Refund Schedule:
30+ Days Prior to Rental: 100% refund (less service fee)
15–29 Days Prior: 80% refund (less service fee)
7–14 Days Prior: 50% refund issued as a rental voucher valid for 24 months
If MMR rebooks the rental date for another customer, 80% of the rental cost may be refunded (less service fee).
Full refund will be provided if:
Rental is canceled due to a hurricane
Vessel becomes mechanically unavailable prior to rental period.
MMR determines conditions are unsafe
Weather conditions are determined using NOAA, U.S. Coast Guard, and other reliable sources. Scattered showers or passing storms do not qualify for a refund.
During rental, if a storm arises:
Anchor securely or seek a dock/marina shelter
Exit water immediately if lightning occurs