Boat Rules & FAQ

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No smoking or vaping of any kind is allowed aboard! Ashes and the chemicals in cigarettes or e-cigarettes can stain and damage marine upholstery and carpeting, and flames can pose a danger to the boat.

NO drug use of any kind is permitted! Doing so will immediately terminate your charter. Our Captain will not risk his license or the boat. No exceptions.
 

Alcoholic beverages are fine! But if any passenger becomes too inebriated for safety, the charter will be cancelled without refund, and we'll return to port. Please refrain from bringing red wine aboard, which can stain. 

Please refrain from using spray-on sunscreen aboard the boat. It can damage the upholstery, carpeting, and gelcoat (and also makes things slippery!). You can apply at the dock. Regular sunscreen is fine to use aboard! 

Absolutely! We have an electric grill and fridge. Be sure to bring utensils, grilling equipment, plates, etc., if you need them! Fridge space is limited, but we'll accommodate what we can. 

We charter our boats on several rental platforms, as well as privately. Each platform handles fuel costs and reimbursement differently. Your charter fee probably DOES NOT include fuel costs unless specifically noted at the time of booking.

Fuel consumption can vary a great deal! Boat speed, number of passengers, wind and water conditions—all effect fuel burn rate. Running at wide open throttle guzzles fuel. Cruising speed offers a balance of speed and fuel economy. Trolling (just above idle speed) is the most efficient. Let us know what you'd like to do, and we'll do our best to estimate fuel expenses. 

While tips for our Captains are always appreciated for great service, they are not required! That said, if a deck hand is along on your charter, they may be working ONLY for tips. 10% to 20% of the total charter cost (not including fuel expenses) is typical in the industry, with 15% generally considered the norm. 

Yes! It IS a bit tight. You'll need to be comfortable stepping down into a confined space. Please do not flush anything that doesn't pass through a human body! 

We love taking people out for swimming, skiing, or tubing! But keep in mind, watersports ARE dangerous. By taking part in any such activities on one of our charters, you affirm you are healthy and physically capable of participating, and assume ALL risks. If our Captain thinks your fitness is inadequate or conditions are unsafe, than watersports will not occur. Failure to head instructions may lead to injury, or cancellation of your charter with NO refunds. 

Each passenger must be ambulatory to board our vessels. Keep in mind, you may need to navigate several steps to reach the dock, and be required to make a step of a few feet. We'll do all we can to accommodate everyone, but safety comes first. In an emergency, each passenger must be capable of donning a PFD and evacuating the vessel in a timely fashion. 

We follow US Coast Guard Regulations and Maryland law. You do NOT to need wear a PFD while aboard our vessels. That said, the Captain may request you wear a PFD if conditions warrant such. We'll have PFDs available for each person, that will fit an average build. We also have several sizes for children. But please notify us if your passenger list includes minors, or if you require special accommodation, so we can be sure to have an appropriate weight PFD aboard. 

While we love our furry friends, they can be a wildcard for a charter. Not all animals enjoy the water as much as we do! Also, claws and fur can be damaging. If you want to bring a dog aboard, please contact us. In special circumstances, this may be permitted with an additional fee. 

Yes! They may be required to wear a PFD, and must be closely supervised. Our Captain and crew will do all they can, but their job is handling the boat, not acting as lifeguards. Your children are ultimately YOUR responsibility. Any endangerment of the boat, crew, or passengers through negligence can result in termination of your charter. 

Unfortunately, our insurance requires our vetted captains be at the helm.

Please advise us of any medical conditions, such as a tendency toward seasickness.

It's not just maritime tradition. The Captain is there to facilitate a great day on the water, but will always put safety of the passengers, crew, and vessel first. If given an instruction by the Captain or crew, please follow it promptly.