Is gas included with the rental price?

No. We send you out on a full tank of gas and when you return you are only charged for the fuel you use.

What is your weather policy?

If there is a persistent rain that will not let up or a storm on the day of your reservation at our location, then you can cancel under the weather policy and receive a refund or you can always reschedule. We do not refund based on forecasts. The weather policy is only for the day of your reservation, and we do not include sprinkling or overcast in the weather policy.

Are we allowed to bring alcohol on the boat?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are allowed, however, there must be a designated driver to drive the boat.

Is a boaters license required to operate the boat?

No. You must have an active U.S. driver’s license. We will have you watch our safety video and go over the features of the boat. Also, you will be given a temporary boaters license to operate the boat through your rental time.

Who is required to watch the safety video?

Every person that will be driving the boat. A brief quiz will be given at check-in for all drivers. 

What is the age limit to drive a boat and jet ski?

For both, 18 years old and have an active drivers license. A 16 year old can drive a jet ski alone as long as there is a parent or guardian that stays in eyesight.

Do you have kayaks and paddleboards?

Yes! Click “book now” to reserve. 

What do I need to do in order to rent a boat for overnight?

Overnight rentals are very popular on Douglas lake. Click “book now” and chose “overnight boats” will allow you to start the process. If we are familiar with your rental location and it has been previously approved, your reservation request should be approved quickly. If it is a location that is not already on file, you may receive a follow-up email from smboatrentals@gmail.com asking for more information as well as current pictures of the dock where the boat will be kept overnight. 

Where do we take our trash after we check out?

We advise to bring a trash bag with you to contain and carry your trash off the boat. There is a green dumpster at the top of our driveway that we ask you to deposit all your trash in.

Do you sell fishing equipment, bait, or license?

We do have ready to use fishing poles with some tackle.  We do NOT have bait.  We recommend visiting gooutdoorstennessee.com for TN fishing license information. Buck’N’Bass as well as Rimmer’s Sporting goods are located in Dandridge as a possible resource for bait and other fishing needs. 

Do you have boat slips?

No.

Can we bring our own tube?

We prefer you use our tubes because they fit in the designated areas.

Can we pull a tube with a jet ski?

No. Our jet skis are not designed for towables.

Can I launch my boat or jet skis from your ramp?

No. There is a public access ramp in Dandridge that allows this located on Public Drive. 

What if I have a trailer?

Trailers are not allowed down our driveway. We don’t have the room to allow trailers to park or turn around during your rental time.

What are the conditions to have my location approved for overnight rentals?

The dock you plan on keeping one of our rentals at must be in a cove and have a private dock with at least six feet of water. Occasionally covered docks on the main channel are approved, but the wind and waves in those areas are sometimes insecure if storms occur.

What is the max occupants on your rentals?

All of our pontoons will seat 10 with weight capacity of 1,500 lbs and tritoons will seat 12 with weight capacity of 1,800 lbs. Waverunners may seat up to 2-3 people but no more than 450 lbs. 

What if I have 13 people in my group and several are under the age of 5?

Every age is counted as an individual occupant. For the safety of each person on the boat, regardless of age, we are firm on the max occupants.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes. We have life jackets for every age and weight.

Do you have food and drinks available for purchase?

We have snack items, drinks, and ice available and other convenience items for purchase. However, we don’t have any items that would be considered as a meal. Please plan ahead on bringing items in a cooler if you are looking to have a meal out on the lake.

Do your boats have restrooms?

No. None of our boats have restrooms. There is a public boat dock about 5 minutes away that has public restrooms. You could dock there and use the restroom or you could always come back to our dock and use our facilities.

What if I go over my rental time?

Please be mindful of the fact the equipment you are on will be reserved for another customer after you. You are expected to return back to the dock on time. If you do go over your reserved time, there is a late fee for every minute you are late. You are welcome to call before your rental time expires to check availability on adding on time. We do our best to accommodate these requests.

Do you have military discounts?

It is 5% off up to $40.  Please show us applicable ID at the time of your rental and we will be glad to apply your discount. Thanks for your service!

How long will it take for the hold on my card to be released?

It depends on your bank but plan for 2-5 business days.

Can I give cash for the damage deposit?

Yes. This is actually more ideal so you don’t have a hold on your card. Once you return to the dock, the cash will be returned to you at checkout after an all clear is received on the equipment’s return inspection.

What happens once I return from my rental time?

Collect all of your personal items and trash. A dockhand will guide you back in to a fueling spot to park. You will return to the office where you checked in to pay for fuel, gratuity, souvenirs, etc. 

What happens if I damage the equipment?

All of our equipment requires a damage deposit. Once you return from your rental time and the inspection concludes damages were done, we will discuss the damage with you and let you know the cost of the damage. Depending on the damage will depend on the cost. The deposit we hold isn’t a flat rate.

What do I do if I get turned around and lost on the lake?

Dropping a pin on your mobile device GPS app is strongly suggested before you leave our dock. GPS does work on the water so you can use the maps on your phone. You can also call our office and someone can help guide you back to what is familiar.

How do I know if I’m low on gas?

All of our equipment have working fuel gauges to help you stay mindful of how much fuel you have.

Do you give partial refunds if we return early from our rental time?

No.

Do the boats have changing rooms?

Some of our boats have changing rooms but others do not. We have changing facilities on site if needed before or after your rental. 

Are reservations required?

Reservations are highly recommended but walk-ins are welcome. If no reservation, there is a chance the equipment you’re looking for isn’t available. 

Is there a discount if I rent more than one piece of equipment?

No.

What’s the difference between a pontoon and a tritoon?

A pontoon has 2 float toons underneath and has a 60 hp or 115 hp motor and will go between 10-20 mph depending on group size. A tritoon has 3 float toons which makes it more stable and ideal for tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, or kneeboarding. Our tritoons have 150, 200, and 250 hp motors on them and can average between 20-40+mph. 

Can I pull a tube with a pontoon (60 hp or 115 hp)?

Our pontoons could pull a tube behind them, but it would be more like a lazy river type ride. If you have tweens, teenagers, or adults that will be tubing, our recommendation is at least the 150 hp Tritoon.

 

Can I bring my dog(s)?

Dogs Under 20 lbs AND a non-shedding breed are welcome on our boats; however, when the boat returns if it is in need of cleaning you could be charged $50 for a cleaning fee.

 

Where can I go on my rental?  Are any places off limits?

If you are renting a boat, there are no areas that are “off limits”.  There is a 3 mile section of the lake that we encourage waverunners to stay in; however, you can go beyond that section as long as you are aware that if a problem were to arise outside of that 3 mile area, there could be up to $100 fee.  Waverunners have issues that are brought on by the rider and are more frequently in need of rescuing, which is why we like for them to be close by so we can get to them quickly.