Renting a boat is a fantastic way to enjoy time on the water, and knowing what to expect in terms of costs, including hourly and daily rates, will help you plan the perfect outing.


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Renting a boat can be an exciting way to explore lakes, rivers, and oceans, offering a unique experience whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adventure-filled excursion. However, one of the most common questions people have is, “How much does it cost to rent a boat?” The answer can vary widely depending on several factors. This article will break down the costs associated with renting a boat, including hourly rates, daily rates, and additional fees such as fuel and captain services.

Factors Affecting Boat Rental Prices

Before diving into estimates of specific rates, it’s essential to understand the various factors that influence the cost of renting a boat:

  1. Type of Boat: The kind of boat you want to rent plays a significant role in determining the price. Options range from small fishing boats and pontoons to luxury yachts and sailboats.
  2. Location: Rental prices can vary greatly depending on the geographical location. Popular tourist destinations or high-demand areas typically have higher rates.
  3. Duration: The length of time you wish to rent the boat (hourly, half-day, full-day, or weekly) will affect the total cost.
  4. Season: Prices can fluctuate based on the time of year. Peak seasons like summer holidays often see higher rates compared to the off-season.
  5. Additional Services: Whether you need a captain, crew, or other services can add to the overall cost.
  6. Fuel Costs: Depending on the type of boat and usage, fuel can be a significant additional expense.

With all of those factors in mind, rental prices — even for the same type of boat and experience — can vary significantly from location to location and season to season. Nonetheless, we've put together some estimates to help guide you.

Hourly Boat Rental Rates

Hourly rates are ideal for those looking to spend just a few hours on the water. Here’s a breakdown of typical hourly rates based on boat type:

  • Kayaks and Canoes: $10 - $30 per hour
  • Jet Skis: $60 - $100 per hour
  • Pontoon Boats: $100 - $250 per hour
  • Speedboats: $100 - $300 per hour
  • Fishing Boats: $75 - $150 per hour
  • Sailboats: $75 - $200 per hour
  • Luxury Yachts: $300 - $800 per hour

Daily Boat Rental Rates

For a full day on the water, daily rates are often more economical than hourly rates. Here’s what you can expect to pay for different types of boats:

  • Kayaks and Canoes: $30 - $100 per day
  • Jet Skis: $200 - $400 per day
  • Pontoon Boats: $200 - $600 per day
  • Speedboats: $300 - $800 per day
  • Fishing Boats: $200 - $500 per day
  • Sailboats: $300 - $700 per day
  • Luxury Yachts: $2,000 - $10,000 per day

Weekly Boat Rental Rates

For those planning an extended trip, weekly rates provide the best value. Here’s a general range for weekly rentals:

  • Kayaks and Canoes: $100 - $300 per week
  • Jet Skis: $1,000 - $2,500 per week
  • Pontoon Boats: $1,000 - $3,000 per week
  • Speedboats: $1,500 - $4,000 per week
  • Fishing Boats: $1,000 - $2,500 per week
  • Sailboats: $1,500 - $4,500 per week
  • Luxury Yachts: $10,000 - $50,000 per week

Typical Boat Rental Cost by Location

Miami, Florida

A budget-friendly boating paradise, Miami's ample supply of boat rentals and charters with local captains make it a more competitive and therefore, affordable rental market.

Average Cost for 4-Hour Trip: $990

Chicago, Illinois

A more pricy destination for boat rentals, Chicago is home to top-tier luxury yacht charters, complete with a captain to take you on a private cruise around Lake Michigan.

Average Cost for 4-Hour Trip: $1,900

Los Angeles, California

While you can find some incredible luxury yachts that will cost a pretty penny, Los Angeles also has plenty of more affordable options available.

Average Cost for 4-Hour Trip: $950

New York City, New York

The Big Apple is beloved for sailing yachts and smaller boat tours, a great way to get a view of the skyline and sightsee in the city. Prices tend to be higher here on average since almost all bookings are with a captain included in the price.

Average Cost for 4-Hour Trip: $1,800

Austin, Texas

Austin is one of the more budget-friendly destinations for boat rentals — here you can often find pontoons on Lake Travis and Lake Austin for as little as $150/hour — including a captain!

Average Cost for 4-Hour Trip: $890

Lake Norman, North Carolina

This one stands out as the most affordable destination in the top 20 cities, thanks to an abundance of pontoons and powerboats for $100/hour or less.

Average Cost for 4-Hour Trip: $592

These are just a few examples from some of the top cities for boat rentals, but reflect a fairly typical average rental cost.

Additional Fees and Costs

In addition to the base rental rate, several other costs can impact the total price of renting a boat:

Fuel Costs

Fuel costs are typically not included in the rental price and can add significantly to your expenses. The amount you spend on fuel will depend on the type of boat and how much you use it. Larger boats and those with more powerful engines will consume more fuel. For example:

  • Small Boats: $20 - $50 per day
  • Medium Boats: $50 - $150 per day
  • Large Boats/Yachts: $200 - $1,000 per day

Captain and Crew Services

Hiring a captain and crew can enhance your boating experience, especially if you lack the necessary skills or want a more relaxing trip. The cost for these services varies:

  • Captain Only: $150 - $300 per day
  • Captain and Crew: $300 - $800 per day

Tips for Saving Money on Boat Rentals

To make the most of your budget, consider these money-saving tips:

  1. Book with Getmyboat! We make boating more affordable and accessible than it's ever been, with 180,000+ boat rental listings all over the world. Which means you can browse for the boat that best suits your needs and budget.
  2. Book in Advance: Early bookings can secure lower rates and availability during peak times.
  3. Weekday Rentals: Renting a boat on weekdays is often cheaper than weekends.
  4. Group Rentals: Splitting the cost with friends or family can make renting a larger boat more affordable.

Find Affordable Boat Rentals with Getmyboat

Ready to get out on the water with a boat rental? Make it a boat day with Getmyboat, the #1 app for boat rentals and charters. Discover the freedom of the open water with our vast selection of boat rentals, jet skis, yachts, pontoon boats, and fishing charters.

Whether you prefer a captained experience or want to captain your own vessel, we provide the easiest way to create unforgettable memories on the water. With 180,000 boats ready to rent and charter in top boating destinations, seamless online booking, and personalized experiences, your perfect boat day is just a click away.