20' Sweetwater Pontoon Boat Rental

A Boat Rental Experience Like No Other!

Duration

4 or 8.5 Hours

About

Step into the world of recreational boating with Spring Cove Marina! Join us for a day of fun on the water with your family and friends. Renting a boat from us is a great way to get a true taste of the boating and marina lifestyle in beautiful Solomons, Maryland!

The 20' Suntracker Party Barge is perfect for sightseeing around Solomons, or cruising in the Patuxent River with friends and family. A stable platform makes water sports a breeze. Powered by a fuel efficient, 90hp Mercury 4-stroke engine, the Party Barge will also tow a tube for summertime fun!

Need to Know

• Maximum 8 people per rental (including adults and children)
• Lifejackets provided for children and adults -
• Lifejackets for infants not provided
• Prices: $300 for a Half Day or $500 for a Full Day - Please Note: Price does not include 11.5% MD Sales/Amusement Tax
• Multi-Day Discounts Available!
• A $500 Security Deposit is required (Deposit is fully refundable with no damage)
• Renters are limited by the rules and regulations set forth by the marina and are subject to marina approval.
• Boat Handling Instructions provided
• Enjoy Patuxent River Cruising from Drum Point to Benedict!

Reminders

• Before your rental, please watch this video to learn more about boating safety.
• Maximum 8 people on each boat.
• A $500 Security Deposit is required (Deposit is fully refundable with no damage).
• Renters are limited by the rules and regulations set forth by the marina and are subject to marina approval.
• Must be 25 years or older to rent.

Boat Rental Terms & Conditions

Boat Rental Agreement.

Spring Cove Marina Solomons, LLC (herein after referred to as SCM) agrees to lease the undersigned (herein after referred to as Renter) the above Rental Boat and its equipment.

Security Deposit.

Renter will provide, on or prior to the Start Date/Time of the rental period, a Security Deposit in the amount of $500 for the Rental Boat, paid by Cash or Credit Card Authorization. The Security Deposit will be returned within 1 week of the End Date/Time of the rental period provided no damage to the equipment is discovered and no additional charges have accrued pursuant to Section 3, 4 or 5 herein.

Fuel.

At the Start Date/Time of the rental period. the Rental Boat will be provided with a full tank of gasoline. Renter is responsible for the cost of all fuel consumed during the term of the rental period. The Rental Boat must be refueled at the SCM Fuel Dock by the Renter at the End Date/Time of the rental period.

Inspection of Equipment.

SCM certifies that, to the best of its knowledge, the equipment is in good mechanical and physical condition. Renter agrees to inspect said equipment and that he/she is renting the same from SCM without any specific representations or warranties. If Renter discovers upon inspection at the Rental Start Date/Time, damages or problems, Renter must notify SCM prior to using the equipment in order to avoid being held responsible for such damages or problems.

Return; Damages to Equipment.

Renter agrees to return all equipment to SCM promptly on or before the Rental End Date/Time listed above and acknowledges that failure to return said equipment on time will result in additional rental charges of $50 per half hour. Renter acknowledges and understands that the equipment is to be returned in a clean, undamaged condition, in the same condition as existed at the Rental Start Date/Time. If said equipment is not left in suitable condition, Renter acknowledges and understands that SCM has the right to charge Renter for any repairs, replacement or cleaning of the same. Further, Renter acknowledges and understands that SCM has the right to charge Renter for any damages, repairs, replacement or cleaning of any damages or lost real or personal property caused by the Renter's Negligence. Renter acknowledges and agrees that SCM may deduct such charges from Renter's Security Deposit and, if such charges exceed the amount of said Security Deposit, Renter agrees to pay the same to SCM within seven (7) days written notice of the additional amount due. All repair costs to equipment on and including the Rental Boat will be based on reasonable estimates by SCM to clean, repair or replace. Renter acknowledges that certain damages caused by the Renter's Negligence including, but not limited to, the motor may cost up to $10,000.00.

• Renter certifies that he/she has examined the Rental Boat and equipment and finds it acceptable and suitable for the purpose for which is is leased.
• Renter agrees to report any accident, malfunction or breakdown of Rental Boat to SCM immediately. Continued use of the Rental Boat shall be entirely at the Renters risk and thus Renter assumes all liability of injury and damage to all persons and property that may become involved by its continued use.

Boat Operation.

Renter agrees and acknowledges that the Rental Boat will be operated by Renter, as named above. Renter warrants that he/she is a qualified operator of said equipment and that Renter will not allow other persons except other qualified operators as listed below within Renter's party to operate said equipment. Renter agrees that Renter is solely responsible for the proper operation of the Rental Boat. Renter further agrees that:

• Renter will operate the craft in accordance with all safety rules and regulations as posted by the MD DNR and US Coast Guard and further certifies that he/she has read and understands said rules and regulations.
• Renter and all parties using the equipment will wear lifejackets in accordance with US Coast Guard and Maryland State Regulations.
• Renter will not operate, nor allow anyone in Renter's party to operate the equipment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Renter will not, nor allow anyone in Renter's party to (i) swim, jump or dive off the Rental Boat while the vessel is in motion or the engine running; (ii) tie with other watercraft; (iii) sit in the middle of any channel; (iv) carry passengers or property for hire; (v) tow or propel another boat; (vi) race the watercraft; (vii) use the watercraft in a negligent manner or for any illegal purpose; or (vii) use the watercraft outside the area designated by SCM.
• Renter will not exceed the US Coast Guard Maximum Capacities Rating for weight posted inside the watercraft. Renter will not exceed the total number of persons on board indicated at the top of this agreement.
• Renter and watercraft operators must be at least 21 years old and carry a valid Maryland Boat Operators License (or see "i" below).
• Renter is aware of the NO WAKE zones in the designated use area and is responsible for any damages caused by wake created by the Rental

Boat.

• Renter is familiar with the designated boating area, which is indicated on the included Map and understands that the Vessel should not leave the designated area.
• A Renter without a valid Maryland Boaters License must read, sign, and carry with them the MD DNR Rental Vessel Safety Information Sheet at claims. all times while operating the Rental Boat.

Loss of Renter's Property.

Renter expressly agrees that SCM is not liable for loss of or damage to any personal property of Renter's that is used, kept, left or stored on the equipment by Renter or a member of Renter's party. Renter hereby holds SCM harmless from and against any such.

Assumption of Risk; Release of Liability.

Renter agrees and understands that boating, water sports, riding water toys or watercraft are hazardous and inherently dangerous activities. Renter further understands that the use of such watercraft involves a risk in injury to any and all parts of the user's body and possible death. Renter hereby agrees to freely and expressly assume and accept all risks associated with the use of the equipment rented hereunder and assumes all responsibility and liability for all persons in the Renter's party.

• Renter hereby releases SCM, its owners, members, employees, and representatives from any and all liability for damage and injury or death to Renter or any other person or property resulting from the selection, maintenance or use of the equipment rented hereunder, and for any claim based upon negligence, breach of warranty, contract, claim or other legal theory, accepting his or herself, the Renter, full responsibility for any and all such damages or injury which may result from such use.

Rental Vessels Safety Information & Equipment Requirements

• Don’t operate in a swimming area.
• Don’t operate under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Don’t speed near other vessels or when dangerous conditions exist on the water.
• Don’t ride on the front, sides, rear, seat backs or any other place where there is a danger of falling 
overboard. Bow riding, or sitting on the edge of a moving boat is illegal. A fall can put you in the path 
of the propeller resulting in death or serious injury.
• Don’t jump the wake of a nearby vessel.
• Don’t overload or overpower the vessel beyond the limits on the capacity plate. This plate indicates 
the maximum weight capacity and/or the maximum number of people that the boat can carry safely in good weather. Maximum weight is the combined weight of passengers, gear and motors. DO NOT exceed either the maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people.

LIFE JACKETS

• One (1) wearable, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board for each person. 
Life jackets must be readily accessible, in good condition and fit the wearer. 
All children under the age of 13 on board a boat that is less than 21 feet in length MUST WEAR a life jacket while the vessel is underway. 
Children under the age of 4 must wear a life jacket that features:
• A strap that is secured between the child’s legs to fasten together the front and back of the life jacket.
• An inflatable headrest or high collar; and  Awebhandle. 
For boats 16 feet or longer, a throwable life ring or seat cushion (Type IV) is also required.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

• One (1) Type B U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher for boats less than 26 feet in length. In case of a fire emergency, make sure all passengers are wearing their life jacket and then position the boat so that the fire is downwind. Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth. Remember the word P.A.S.S.—Pull pin, aim at base of fire, squeeze handle and sweep side to side.

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS

• Three (3) hand-held red flares satisfy the requirement for day and night visual distress signals. They are only to be used in the event of an emergency.

SOUND PRODUCING DEVICE (i.e. Whistle, etc.)

• All vessels must have a sound-signaling device that can be heard at least one-half mile away. 
RESPONSIBILITIES AS A BOAT OPERATOR:

Avoid Reckless or Negligent Operation: They are dangerous as well as ILLEGAL!

Safe Operation

• Designated operator(s) of a rented boat must demonstrate good judgment. They are responsible for the safety of all passengers and any damage they cause to the vessel. Designated operator(s) must obey boating laws and be aware of activity in and around the vessel.

Safe Speed

For safety, boats must travel at a speed that allows the operator to maintain control, avoid collisions and prevent damage to other people and property. Minimum wake speed zones are posted and must be obeyed. A minimum wake is the slowest possible boat speed necessary to maintain steering, not to exceed 3 knots.

Risk of Collision

Maintaining a proper lookout is important to ensure that risk of collision is eliminated. It is every vessel operator’s responsibility to avoid a collision.

In narrow channels, recreational vessels must not hamper the operation of large vessels that cannot maneuver outside of the channels. Recreational vessels should keep to the starboard side of the channel.

Risk Management

Most accidents are caused by a simple mistake. Reduce your chances of being involved in an accident by paying attention to other boats, maintaining a safe speed and always wearing your life jacket. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and recognize that the wind, waves, noise and vibration of the engine have an impact on your body.

Alcohol and Boating

It is illegal to operate a boat while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Under Maryland law, a person is considered to be boating under the influence if he or she has a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or greater. The effects of the sun, wind, waves, engine vibration and other environmental factors can make a boater tired after being out on the water for a short while. The addition of alcohol reduces a person’s ability to safely operate a boat. Alcohol affects balance, vision, coordination, and judgment. It is not only important for the boat operator to be sober, but the passengers as well. Falls overboard are a major cause of boating deaths. About one half of the boating accidents are alcohol related.

Anchoring

Select an area to anchor with plenty of room. It should be well protected and in a spot where other boats can easily see your vessel. You should never anchor in channels or areas such as launching ramps or other high-traffic areas. NEVER anchor from the stern or rear of the boat.

Water Sports (tubing, skiing, knee boarding, etc.)

The operator of a vessel towing someone on water skis, tube, knee board, or any other towable device must be at least 12 years old. The spotter or person responsible for watching the person(s) being towed must also be at least 12 years old. Anyone being towed must be wearing a life jacket at all times.

Weather

Be alert to weather conditions. Accumulating dark clouds, shifting winds and graying skies may be indications of danger. Listen for distant thunder. Head toward the nearest safe shore if a thunderstorm is approaching.

Boarding

To prevent tipping over or capsizing a small boat when boarding, always stay low and keep the weight as close to the center of the boat as possible.

Capsizing

If a small open boat capsizes, the best thing to do is stay with the boat until help arrives or flip the boat and paddle the swamped boat to safety.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia can occur in warm water—even when you just go for a swim. If alone, use the H.E.L.P. position— Heat Escape Lessening Posture—to reduce heat loss. While wearing a life jacket, draw your knees to your chest and cross your arms in front of you. If with a group, huddle together tightly with the smallest person in the middle if possible.