Re: Boat for rent, would you do it?
You have answered your own question. it's a question that gets asked a lot.
There really isn't any upside to renting out your typical recreational boat at what would be a fair market rate. And for many of you who have trailer/ramp as part of your boating day, the risk of mishap is increased way above those who keep the boat in the water.
If you take any compensation for someone to use or ride on your boat, you jeopardize your insurance coverage. This includes taking gas money, or really, anything of value, in exchange for the trip, even if you just cover costs and don't make a profit. So renting to a stranger, or advertising a fishing trip for $50 a head, is a bad idea. Taking gas money from friends is a little more gray; the important element is whether the payment was a condition for the ride.
In this instance you can use your cars as an anaolgy. Let's say you own a 10 year old basic pick-up truck, and a cool 1950's vintage Cadillac convertible. Me, I'd lend the truck to about anyone I know if they needed it to move something one day. I might lend the Caddy to a close friend for their daughter's wedding from church to reception, maybe a nephew for prom, maybe not. All situational, including how responsible the driver is. I wouldn't rent either to a stranger--not worth it.
I would lend my boats to any of my friends who are experienced boaters (any who would ask are, which is most of my friends) because I like to see them used and I am a nice guy. And I regard my boats like I would the pick-up. If I had a vintage restored boat, no. (I don't understand the people who post here, who regard their 15 year old bowrider bayliner sofaboat like it's some vintage gem). I would like to see it returned full of gas, and if they used it extensively, would appreciate, but would not expect or condition, something like a case of oil, fishing tackle, a bottle, etc.
I also don't understand the attitude of people who won't let their children use the boat. Around here, people buy their boats with their children in mind, get them using it and doing everything at a very young age, and get a thrill when they are "big enough" to take it out by themselves. Obviously talking about a typical recreational boat, not a cabin cruiser, and not 6 year olds either. But the "no one touches my boat except me" types, well, I bet they get to do a lot of boating alone.
