Rental Boats Offshore

[Chuck M.]

Does anyone now of any rental companies that will let you take their bigger center consoles (23'-26') offshore for fishing?

[Chuck M.]

Well sratch this question. I did a search on the "other" Abaco forum and found that this has been a well discussed issue......got the info I was looking for......thanks....

[CR]

Chuck,
Some will let you go outside - if you can convince them you know what you are doing, and are willing to assume the risk.
Let me know if you need further info.

Regards,
R.

[bellavista]

CR--the man formerly known as "R" is correct.

[Chuck M.]

I did speak with B&B Boat Rentals in Marsh Harbor, and they will let you take it out, but they make it very clear that the risk is yours.

I've rented boats for both inshore and offshore fishing in Florida, and prop insurance is an option that I always take, but B&B told me their insurance company doesn't offer that option. So even if you run aground inside and damage the prop, you pay.

Regardless, it seems to me that if you want to take a rental out into the Atlantic, common sense should prevail. You need to know what you're doing and assess the situation, e.g., an outgoing tide with the wind from the east), and act accordingly.

[DrRalph]

It pays to discuss this with the rental company in advance; most of them are happy to provide you with their policy.