Lake Hopatcong Charters, LLC Boat Rental Waiver and Guidelines

Please read the following guidelines before submitting your booking:


Double Check Your Booking:

Prior to submission, ensure the accuracy of your booking details. If you choose "WITH DRIVER," you are requesting one of our skilled drivers to navigate the boat for you. Opting for "WITHOUT DRIVER" indicates that you (the customer) will be operating the boat. Please review qualifications thoroughly.


Renter Qualifications:

·Renter must be 25 years of age or older.

·A valid Auto Driver’s License with a boating endorsement is required.

·The Boater's Certificate must match the state of the driver’s license if you intend to operate the boat.

·It is mandatory to bring both the driver’s license and Boater's Safety Certificate (BSC) card at the time of rental, and these documents must be carried on your person throughout the duration of the rental. Please note that displaying photos of these documents on your phone is not considered valid.

 

Boat Capacity:

• The indicated capacity on our boats represents the total number of individuals allowed on board, including all passengers and children, regardless of age. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. If you book a boat with one of our drivers, the indicated capacity includes our driver. Please ensure that you accurately count the number of individuals in your party before your arrival. In the event that your party exceeds the specified capacity, we cannot guarantee the availability of a larger or additional boat (or an additional driver) to accommodate your group. While we may have the option to upgrade your reservation if additional space is available, please note that this will incur an additional cost.

 

Operator Responsibility:

• The individual who signs the rental contract is designated as the sole operator (driver) of the boat.

 

Safety Gear:

• All boats are equipped with the necessary safety gear and equipment required for use on Lake Hopatcong.

 

 Payment and Charges:

• A valid credit card with appropriate funds must be provided.

• Additional charges for rental, including loss or damage to the boat or any of its equipment, as well as additional services such as towing, will be due upon the conclusion of the rental period.

• Gasoline is included in the rental fee and does not incur an additional charge.

• The renter is fully responsible for any damages caused to the rental boats, including damage to the propeller, Bimini top, panels, interior, etc.

 

Security Deposit:

• A refundable security deposit of $500 per boat is required at the time of rental.

 

Compliance:

• All renters and their crew must comply with company and boat regulations and rules, including but not limited to, not exceeding the boat's capacity, as well as all local and state laws, regulations, and ordinances that are applicable at the time of the rental.

 

Life Jackets:

• For safety reasons, anyone who cannot swim must wear a life jacket at all times, without exception. Additionally, individuals under the age of 13 (thirteen) must also wear a life jacket at all times during the rental period.

 

No Drinking and Driving:

• Rental drivers are strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol and operating the boat under the influence of alcohol or any other substances, both on water and land.

 

Late Returns:

• A late fee of $150 per half-hour will be charged for any rentals that are returned beyond the scheduled return time.

 

Assumption of Risk:

• By submitting this booking, the renter assumes full responsibility for any risks associated with the rental, including those arising out of negligence by other crew members, riders, and/or participants on the boat.


Driver Tip:

• If you book a boat rental with a driver, please be aware that gratuity IS NOT included in the price of rental. Most customers will tip at least a minimum of 10% of the total price, and your driver will consider anything above that to be very generous! Please note that we are unable to accept tips via card payments, so please plan to bring cash for tipping purposes. Our drivers skillfully navigate, dock, and perform all necessary tasks to ensure you have an enjoyable experience on the water, so please be considerate of their time and expertise. 

If you have any concerns or issues regarding your driver or tipping them, please communicate with management upon the return and completion of your rental.

 

Restrictions:

• No tubing, water-sports, or towing of any kind is permitted on boat rentals.

 
Equipment Purchase:

• We offer various water equipment for purchase, including but not limited to floating mats, noodles, "donut" tubes.

 
Coolers:

• Please note that our boats do not come equipped with coolers. However, we can provide ice upon request. We recommend limiting the number of coolers brought on board to maintain space and weight capacity.

 

Arrival Time & Waivers:

• We recommend that your rental party arrives at least 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time for completing paperwork and waiver signing at the front desk before the boat's departure. Minors (18 years and younger) must have a LEGAL parent/guardian sign a waiver on their behalf. If the legal guardian or parent will not be present at the time of rental, please contact us in advance, and we can arrange to email a waiver for you to have signed beforehand by the minor's legal guardian/parent.

 

No Smoking:

• Smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited on the boats.

 

Use of Likeness:

• You understand and acknowledge that Lake Hopatcong Charters may use your likeness in various promotional materials, including but not limited to website content, social media posts, advertisements, and brochures.

• You hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished materials that may include your likeness or to receive any compensation for the use of your likeness.

• You also agree that Lake Hopatcong Charters shall be the sole owner of any materials, including photographs, videos, and audio recordings, containing your likeness, and Lake Hopatcong Charters may use, reproduce, distribute, and display such materials without any limitation.

• If you do not wish for your likeness to be used in promotional materials by Lake Hopatcong Charters, you must notify us in writing prior to participating in any activity, event, or charter service.

• By participating, you agree to abide by the terms of this likeness clause and understand that it shall be binding upon you and your heirs, assigns, and legal representatives.

•  Cancellation Policy:
  • We regret to inform you that we will not be providing refunds for reservations that are canceled less than 48 hours in advance.
  • Lake Hopatcong Charters has the right to retain deposits in any amount deemed necessary for any reason if cancelation happens less than 48 hours in advance.
  • Inclement weather- please monitor the week of your reservation- call us at least 48 hours in advance if you have a concern, we are more than happy to allow you to reschedule or provide a refund at that time. Any decision made after that is left up to Lake Hopatcong Charters.
  • If the decision is made by Lake Hopatcong Charters to not send the boats out (less than 48 hours) due to inclement weather or any reason, we will offer you credit for another day of equal value or a refund. 

I have read and understood the above guidelines and agree to comply with them.