RULES

Boating Instructions

There are many shallow areas that can come up fast so always stay between the RED & GREEN channel markers to avoid running aground.
The DEPTH FINDER will be your constant guide for shallow water. Slow down if the reading is less that 5 ft. The motor will then need to be trimmed up. To avoid damaging the motor, do not allow the prop to come out of the water.
To avoid damage to the prop, please stay clear of any buoys or trap markers.
There are designated NO WAKE ZONES that are clearly marked so please obey at all times. This rule is taken very seriously and is cause to be stopped.
When you are approached by a large boat in the channel, slow down as their wake could swamp the boat.
BEACHING THE BOAT IS PROHIBITED. The boat must be floating at all times. Damage can be done easily to the boat if it is beached.
Drop the anchor first when ANCHORING THE BOAT. To set the anchor, pull the rope taught. When bringing the anchor on board, please rinse it off and take care not to damage the boat.
When stopping and turning off the engine, pull the key out of the ignition to avoid draining the battery.
ALWAYS put the ladder up before the boat is moved. It will cause damage if it is left down.
Remember the rule of RED RIGHT RETURN when returning from the sea. The red channel marker will be on your right. It will be on the left side when headed out to sea.

LIFE JACKETS: Children under 6 years are required to wear a life jacket at all times and any child that is over 6 years and under 90 lbs is required to have a life jacket available when the boat is moving. Life jackets are easily accessible for everyone on board. (Child/Youth life jackets are subject to availability.)
INFANTS: Are not recommended to come aboard. If they are brought on board, the renter assumes all responsibility and liability. And must provide a coast guard approved life jacket-sized 8-30 lbs.
ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED WHILE DRIVING. A BUI (Boating Under the Influence) will go on your record permanently.
FLORIDA LAW REQUIRES anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to have completed a Boating Safety Course in order to operate a boat. Boating Licenses can be obtained on-line for $9.99 at: https://www.boat-ed.com/floridarental/
TWISTED ANCHOR BOAT RENTALS Requires the designated driver, signed on the contract, to be at least 25 years of age and have a valid drivers and boating license if born on or after January 1, 1988.
IT IS THE DRIVERS RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE. All safety equipment and rules and regulations will be reviewed before driving the boat.

USCG PONTOON BOAT SAFETY CHECK LIST IS BELOW:

USCG Vessel Safety Checklist
File Size:	1689 kb
File Type:	pdf

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BOATING IN MANATEE COUNTY, PLEASE REFER TO THE GUIDE BELOW:

RENTER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES AND LOST EQUIPMENT DURING THE RENTAL PERIOD.

Gas must be full upon return. A charge of $30 will be charged for every 1/4 tank used.
Lost anchor $100.
Beaching the boat, requiring a tow, $300.
Broken or lost ladder $275.
Broken Propeller $250.