Our Boat Rental Policies

On the Water in Maine Inc. offer several varieties of boats for rent.  All boat rentals are delivered to you at the property you are renting on the day you check-in.  We do not rent boats to anyone but our vacation rentals guests.
Today’s strict insurance guidelines have forced us to ensure the safety of your rental experience while being aware of the value of our rental boats.  Our policies for renting these boats vary from vessel to vessel.
In order to rent any powered/sail vessel from On the Water in Maine Inc. the Renter/ Approve Operators must be 21 years of age.   Children over the age of 10 may operate our kayaks and canoes only with the direct supervision of an adult. No one other than the Renter and Approved Operators are permitted to operate the vessels under any circumstances.   Under Maine Law, all children under the age of 16 must where a lifejacket at all times while in the vessels.  We recommend all others wear a lifejacket as well.  We do provide these with all vessels.

Larger Power Vessels:  In order to rent any of our larger power vessels that have motors that exceed 10 horse power on a lake, the Renter of the vessel must EITHER…

• Provide a certification that they have completed a safe boating course from the USCG Auxiliary, US Power Squadron, or other similar organization or have a USCG issued Merchant Marine License
• Provide two letters of references from other individuals that are willing to certify that they have observed you safely operating a vessel of similar size and horsepower to the one you wish to rent from us
• Complete an On the Water in Maine Inc. 1 hour boat operation certification course under which a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain will go over the safe operation of the vessel with you at your vacation property and will certify your ability to operate the vessel prior to the start of your rental – (Certification Cost = $100 plus fuel)

Sailboats:  In order to rent any of our sailboats, the Renter must be familiar with the operation of a sailboat.  If you are not comfortable operating a sailboat, it is your decision to make this judgment.   Sailing a vessel requires skill and training, and often many days of instruction.

Small Power Vessels:  In order to rent any of our small fishing vessels with outboards under 10 horse power, the Renter should feel comfortable operating a small outboard vessel, or at their judgment request assistance in understanding the safe operation of the outboard motors.

Ocean Powerboat Rentals:  In order to rent and operate any of our power vessels in the open ocean, a renter MUST provide a certification that they have completed a safe boating course from the USCG Auxiliary, US Power Squadron, or other similar organization or have a USCG issued Merchant Marine License.  Maine’s coastline is prone to fog, shifting winds and is littered with navigational hazards.  Even the most prudent navigator is often challenged by sailing the coast of Maine.  Mariners should be skilled at compass and GPS navigation and have a good understanding of the rules of the road and be comfortable reading navigational charts. An exception to this rule will only be made to renters who can prove why such an exception should be made.

Kayaks & Canoes – We only ask that children are supervised during the use of these vessels and that you always try and paddle in pairs in the event of an emergency. 

Words of Caution regarding sea kayak and sailboat rentals in the ocean - We highly recommend that operators of these vessels be familiar with coastal navigation and chart/map reading.

View our 2007 Boat Rental Agreement for Powerboats By Clicking the Contract Below