Before you ride
The rules
This is the short list of rules so the day goes smoothly. You will sign them at the ramp before anyone gets on.
01
Who can rent
The renter is 21 and brings a physical driver's license. A phone photo is not enough. Everyone who rides goes on the agreement before you leave.
02
Who can drive
Drivers are 18 or older, with their own license and a California Boater Card. Nobody under 16 drives.
03
Boater card
No key without a California Boater Card. Bring the card or a clear photo. Take a state-approved course before the rental day. The course can be free. The state then charges $10 for the card plus $1. We cannot print one at the ramp.
- California State Parks courseFree. The state's own home-study course and exam.
- BoatUS Foundation courseFree online course approved by the state.
- Safe2BoatPaid online course, about $25.
- Boat-EdPaid online course, $54.95, also offered in Spanish.
04
The deposit
A $100 deposit holds each day you reserve, and that amount comes off the rental. If you cancel at least 30 days before the rental, we refund the deposit. Inside those 30 days, the deposit is not refundable.
05
At the ramp
Lanyard clipped. Life jacket on, correct size, the whole time. No alcohol or cannabis. No riding after dark. Stay on the lake you booked. Don't beach it on private property. Don't exceed the seat count.
06
On the water
Other boats, swimmers, and shallow water are your job to watch. If a ramp is closed, we move the day or refund it.
07
Mussels
This ski launches at Don Pedro or Lake McClure. It does not go to Woodward or Modesto Reservoir. Golden mussels spread in leftover water, and those county lakes quarantine a boat. It goes in clean, drained, and dry.
08
Fuel and damage
Leave full. Come back full, or pay the per-gallon rate. The hold is $500 on a ski, $1,000 on a pontoon, and $1,500 on the bowrider. It is a hold, not a damage cap. Miss a ramp closing and the tow is on you.
09
Insurance
We insure the business and the boats. That does not automatically cover damage or injury you cause. Ask at the ramp if you want that explained before you sign.
10
Not allowed
No racing. No speed in a no-wake zone. No night riding or night tubing. A daylight tube is fine if someone watches and the rider wears a jacket. Don't hand the ski to anyone who isn't on the agreement.
11
What you sign
You sign at the ramp before you leave. A parent signs for any child. Photos are a separate line, not buried in the waiver.