Cancellation policy: All cancellations and date changes must be made 10 days prior to your pickup date. If you cancel inside of the 10 day cancellation period from your pick-up date, you forfeit your entire rental rate.
When you pick up the boat, it is your responsibility to notify the dock attendant the maximum occupants that will be on the boat for the duration of the rental, this includes children under 30 pounds, 30-50 pounds and children under the age of 14, so we can get you the appropriate life vests. You cannot exceed the rated capacity on the boat, as this will lead to overloading the boat, causing performance issues and may lead to you receiving a ticket and fine from DNR.
Children under the age of 14 must wear their life jacket at all times while the boat is under way. Child life jacket sizes are 1. 30lbs and under 2. 30lbs to 50lbs 3. 50lbs to 90lbs. Any child under 5 years old must have the additional head rest and under the leg strap. Over 90lbs would be an adult life jacket. We have life jackets available for all sizes.
You are responsible for any damage that occurs while the boat is in your care, this includes scratches caused by not tying the boat properly at the dock.
The boats are sent out with a full tank of gas. Most of our boats have around a 30 gallon tank, but the larger HP boats can have as much as 60 gallon tanks. All rental boats will be filled upon return to Silver Tree Marine at the cost of the renter. Any fillups mid rental are required to be filled at Silver Tree Marine. Using gas from land gas stations is not permitted and will cause damage to the engine.
It is your responsibility to make sure that the boat is loaded properly, this means evenly distributing the weight in the boat between the bow (front) and the stern (back) and port side (left) and starboard side (right).
In the rare event of a breakdown or mechanical issue call the docks or office immediately at (301) 387-5855. A service technician will be out as soon as possible to address the issue. Normal breakdown and repair time are not eligible for a refund of the rental rate. If it is determined that the issue was caused by improper use then addition charges will apply.
Even in instances where an attendant is helping you dock the boat, it is your responsibility to make sure the boat is secured (tied up properly). You are also responsible for any damage that may occur while the attendant is attempting to help you.
Prop Damage Policy: Prop damage can happen in a number of ways. It is extremely probable that you will not feel or hear the prop damage when it occurs from minor strikes with submerged objects, such as rocks, branches, or sticks. If you feel or hear something, the prop damage is more likely to be severe and you should notify us immediately to avoid damage from continues operation, which could take a little problem and make it a big one. If you get a rope or tie line wrapped around the propeller, it is very likely one or more of the blades will be bent which is generally not visible to the naked eye. If this occurs, you need to bring the boat back immediately, so we can check the extent of the damage. This is also important so that you do not create a bigger problem by operating the machine out of alignment. If any damage may occur, it is the responsibility of the renter to pay for all damage to prop, hub, ect., if the damage waiver is not purchased.
Pet Policy: We do allow pets on board the boats, but you could be charged a cleaning fee if the boat is returned dirty (i.e. pet hair in the vessel). There is also a increased likelihood of damage (i.e. pet nails may tear the vinyl seats on the boats). To avoid this, please place a towel or something similar on the seats, or have the animals remain on the floor. Renters will be responsible for all damages that occur because of a pet.
Radio Policy: All boats are equipped with radios. We try to keep them in service at all times, but we cannot guarantee they will be operational. This is because of the tumultuous relationship that water and electronics have. The biggest reason for radio malfunction is the previous renter failing to cover the boat while it is in their care. We cover the boats every night when they are at our docks to try to combat this problem. A not working radio will not result in a refund.
Anchor Policy: Our rental boats are not equipped with anchors. We strongly recommend against using them, because Deep Creek Lake does not have a current (which means the water is not constantly in motion, the only force acting on it is the wind) and the anchors have a tendency to result in damage from misuse.
Tubing and Towing Policy: Tubing and towing sports can be very dangerous if done improperly. I understand I MUST slowly remove all slack from the tow line before accelerating. I understand an underinflated tube will sink in the water and will create massive resistance that can damage the vessel. I understand I am responsible for any damage caused by improper tubing or towing practices. I understand how to properly attach the tow rope to the proper tow location. I understand that tubing or towing under any bridge is illegal and I can be fined. I understand all riders must wear a correctly sized type 3 personal floatation device with zipper and buckels. I have watched the tubing and towing safety video and feel confident in my ability to safely and legally operate the vessel while we are tubing or doing tow sports.
Damage Waiver Policy: The optional damage waiver is not insurance. It is designed to help protect you against being charged damage fees for common issues when renting a boat. This damage waiver does not cover negligent operation or any damaged caused while under the influance of drugs or alcohol. This damage waiver does not cover all damages. See the list below for included and exculded items. Any damage that is not included as said; will be the responsibility of the renter to pay. The cost of this damage waiver is $300.00.
Included Items Pontoon boats:
1. Scratches (not dents) on pontoons 2. Damaged or lost dock lines 3. Damaged or lost fender lines 4. Damaged or lost fenders 5. Damaged pontoon splash guard 6. Damaged water sport equipment 7. Propeller damage (not engine or skeg damage) 8. Damaged door latch or door stopper (not door rails or panel damage)
Included Items Fiberglass boats:
1. Damaged or lost dock lines 2. Damaged or lost fender lines 3. Damged or lost fenders 4. Minor dock rash (not into gelcoat) 5. Minor gel coat damage, less than 2" 6. Damaged water sport equipment 7. Propeller damage (not engine or skeg damage) 8. Damaged door latch or door stopper
Items not included in this damage waiver:
1. Bent or dented pontoon 2. Bent or dented rail or paneling on pontoon boat 3. Damaged or lost bimini top 4. Any gel coat damage that is larger than 2" in length 5. Lower unit damage, damaged skeg 6. Damage to engine hood or engine body 7. Damaged or ripped seats, upholstery or flooring 8. Damaged boarding ladder 9. Damaged or lost tow bar or tower 10. Lost life jackets or watersports equipment 11. Lost cover or bimini boot 12. Lost safety equipment 13. Seat or door hinge damage 14. Loss or damage of any vessel or equipment due to negligent operation or drug and alcohol use.
General Navigation rules: A general rule of thumb is to keep 100' from everything (docks, other boats, danger bouys, bridge pilons) while underway. Deep Creek lake works on a buoy system. These are floating signs that help with navigaion. There are bouys at every bridge in the middle on each side that say "Keep Right". This is directing traffic under the bridge. Keep Right of these bouys. Some have an orange diamond on them. These are marking a dangerous area or low water level. They could be marking a rock or a tree trunk. Stay as far away from these buoys as possible and do not go between one and the shore. Another buoy you will see is a "Slow Minimum Wake" buoy. This means you must go as slow as possible in this area. You must drive the boat at a speed that does not produce a wake or wave behind the boat. These are normally at the end of coves where the cove narrows or a high traffic area.
Late Fee: You will be given a return time when you are checked into your boat. If you do not return by this time you will be charged a late fee. The late fee is $50 per half hour.
If you shall decide not to purchase the damage waiver, if any damages occur while in the possession of the renter; the renter is responsible for all damages.
I have read and understand all policies of Silver Tree Marine in the terms and conditions. I have watched all safety videos and I am confident in my ability to safely operate the rental vessel.
