FAQs

Do I need a Recreational Marine Driver’s License to hire a boat?

Yes, except for Boat 03 and Boat 04, which are tinnies with 5HP – no Recreational Marine Driver’s License (RMDL) is needed for these boats, but they can only stay in Smooth Waters (creeks). You will be given tuition to gauge your ability to operate the boat safely. Tuition time can vary depending on experience.

Where am I allowed to take the boat?

That depends on the vessel hired. Some boats are suitable for smooth waters only (creeks), where others are registered for partially smooth waters. View Our Hire Boats, which tells you where each can go.

How much is it to hire a boat?

All boat hire costs (including GST) are listed on the Our Hire Boats page, plus there are additional charges if you wish to use our launch and retrieve service or hire our equipment. Commercial hire rates are here.

You can make a booking online with our online booking system (preferred), or give us a call 0421 354 233. You are also welcome to send us an email with your questions and requests. 

How can I pay?

If you book online you can pay via our secure payment portal. Otherwise, you are welcome to pay by card over the phone to secure your booking. 

If you want to pay by cash, you will need to call us to arrange upfront payment upon booking. Sometimes we can arrange this by bank deposit. Unfortunately, we cannot secure your booking without payment. 

Do I need to pay a booking deposit?

We take full payment at the time of booking to secure your hire.

If anything changes, you are subject to the refund policy – basically, you will get a full refund if you cancel more than 48 hours prior to your booking. 

Do I need to clean the boat?

Boats are expected back in the same condition they went out in; i.e. generally clean with no fish remains, mud, rubbish etc. We will hose it down and flush the motor, but any excessively dirty vessels will incur a cleaning charge from $50-$300.

Do I need to refuel the boat?

Yes, the boats go out with a full tank of fuel and need to be returned with a full tank. Unleaded fuel must be used – strictly NO ethanol blends. Please provide your receipt to us so we can add the correct amount of oil. If you are taking the boat away and need to refuel it yourself over this period, we will explain the correct fuel to oil ratios during your briefing.

Do the boats have safety equipment?

Yes, all boats carry the following safety gear:

• Flares
• V sheets
• Mirrors
• Emergency water
• Vinegar
• Maritime Safety Queensland handbooks
• Zoning maps
• Torches
• Navigation lights
• First aid kits
• Firefighting equipment
• EPIRB (for C-Class vessels only)
• Marine radios (where applicable)

Can I take a boat outside Townsville (e.g. fishing at Lucinda)?

Recreationally, the boats are generally for use within the Townsville region. We can recommend other local providers if you are travelling further afield. Commercial use outside of Townsville is considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the safety management system.

If you are considering towing one of our vessels outside of the Townsville Region, please get in contact with us to discuss your options. 

I don’t have a tow ball — can you launch the boat (and retrieve it) for me?

Yes, we can – this is a great option if you don’t have a tow ball, or you’re not confident. This incurs an extra charge of $100 (in total for both the launch and retrieve) to cover our time and fuel.

Can I hire fishing gear?

We hire crab pots for $10 which includes the pot, bait cage (you will need to provide your own bait), rope and float with our details. This is a great way to introduce kids to the joy of crabbing without the hassle. We also hire out fishing rods for $15 each and can supply Eskies  upon request.

Do you offer commercial hire for longer periods?

Yes. All our boats are commercially compliant and have all the relevant safety gear. They are ideal for both short and long term projects, whether it’s high school marine studies, water testing, safety and support vessels, environmental work and more. See our Commercial Hire page.

Are children included in the boat capacity?

With commercial hire – which has different rules to recreational use – every passenger is considered to be a “participant”, regardless of whether they are 10 months old or 60 years old. So all children, regardless of their age, must be factored into the boat’s overall capacity.

What should I bring?

Your usual outdoor gear like a hat, sunglasses, suncream, long-sleeved shirt, plus a fully-charged phone in case you need to contact us (or take photos of your day out). We ask that you ring us 30-45 minutes before you’re due back so we can make sure we are around to collect the boat from you, check for damage, return any deposits etc.

What happens if I need to cancel?

If you cancel your booking more than 48 hours prior to your hire, we will refund the full payment. If you cancel between 48 hours and 24 hours before we’ll refund 50 per cent of your payment, and if you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled booking your entire payment is forfeited.

Please note that we reserve the right to cancel or withdraw a hire at any time. If this occurs, any payment made to us will be refunded, minus any service costs already incurred. We will always do our best to ensure the hire can be facilitated, however, we are not liable for any costs incurred to you as a result of any cancellations. 

What happens if the weather turns bad?

We can’t let you go out in unfavourable conditions to protect your safety (and comfort). We have operating thresholds and once these are reached the hire will be cancelled and we will refund any deposits or payments, or reschedule to a more suitable day. We’ll stay in touch and hopefully get you out on a better day.

Do I need to do a safety briefing?

Regardless of your level of experience, all hirers receive a 30-minute briefing before taking out the boat. This ensures you know how to operate the vessel in question and where the safety equipment is; plus ensures you understand Maritime Safety Queensland rules, local Marine Park zoning rules, etc – pretty much everything you need to know to keep safe and have an amazing day out on the water!

You will also need to understand and acknowledge our Terms of Service, which will be provided to you upon booking.