Tag Archives: boat rental in raleigh nc

Facts About Some of Our Favorite Lakes

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The state of North Carolina is known for its picturesque views whether that be beachfront, mountaintop, or lakefront. With all the outdoor activities available ranging from hiking to fishing, it is a beautiful state that offers something for everyone to enjoy. This blog post by Motor Boatin’ shares facts about some of our favorite lakes in the local area: Falls, Jordan, Harris, and Kerr Lake.

Learn more about 4 of our favorite lakes in North Carolina:

1. Falls Lake: Falls Lake covers over 12,000 acres. Its peaceful atmosphere is great for camping, hiking, or laying out in the sun on a sandy beach. It is named after “Falls of the Neuse” which was once a whitewater section of the Neuse River. Although there’s no more whitewater areas, it is the perfect spot for families to boat, fish, or swim in uncrowded waters.

2. Jordan Lake: With over 13,000 acres, Jordan Lake is a common choice for many families, especially with children because of all the activities available. This lake was created for the New Hope River Valley (now known as Research Triangle Park) based on water resource needs. In 1963, the project was named New Hope Lake. The name was changed in 1973 to B. Everett Jordan Lake in honor of a senator.

3. Harris Lake: Located on the Shearon Harris Reservoir, Harris Lake covers over 4,000 acres. It encompasses a park of around 680 acres that includes trails, picnic areas, a disc golf course, and more. It is a quiet and well-maintained area to spend your day at.

4. Kerr Lake: Kerr Lake is one of the largest lakes in the entire state and takes up over 50,000 acres. Surrounding the lake are vast forests where common NC mammals such as white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red foxes, and many more call home. With 500 miles of shoreline and 3,400 acres of recreation sites, there is plenty of beauty to take in at Kerr Lake.

All these lakes are close to home but offer that sense of a unique getaway. Get out there and explore all North Carolina has to offer by renting with Motor Boatin’. On a lake is our favorite place to be. Reserve your boat today and contact us with any questions you may have.

Summer Boat Renting: FAQs

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With the warm weather and picturesque scenery, summer is the perfect time of year to rent a boat and get out on the beautiful, North Carolina waters. At Motor Boatin’, the summer months are some of our busiest, and with that, we receive all kinds of questions in regards to our boat rentals. In this blog post, we wanted to answer some of those frequently asked questions.

Here are some common summer boat rental questions:

How do I reserve a pontoon boat, fishing boat, or jet ski? The easiest way to reserve a rental is to head to https://motor-boatin.com/ and click the button under “Check Availability.” This will allow you to see what options are available on your desired date. You may call or text 919-800-9716 for additional questions about reserving your boat.

How far in advance should I book? This always depends, but earlier is always better. Some weekends, we are fully booked weeks in advance, and some we are not booked until the night before. Be especially mindful of holiday weekends throughout the summer. As soon as you know a date, call us and we can help you get reserved.

Where is the boat delivered to? The boat is delivered to Hwy 50 Boat Ramp, 13900 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. There is a $7 entrance fee, and parking is at the complete opposite end of the launching slips.

Is gas included in the price? Prices do not include fuel. You will start with a full tank of gas, and fuel consumption will vary depending on your usage. We will fill it up for you and charge the card on file for your convenience. Please do not bring your own gas – usually it is not what we put in the equipment, so it can damage the boats!

Can I bring my pet along? Of course! We love when furry friends are able tag along for the boat day. If you bring a pet, there will be a $30 fee for one and $45 fee for two. However, please keep the animals off the seats. Pets are not allowed on the following boats: Red Hurricane Sundeck, Mr. Blueberry, Tuffy, or Slimer.

Are you ready to reserve your spot? We are so excited to see you! To read more of our FAQs, click here.

Port or Starboard – Nautical Terms You Need to Know

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While boating, first-time boaters are introduced to what seems like a whole dictionary of terms that might be new to them. Port, starboard, windward, leeward – What does it all mean? It can become difficult to try to figure it all out while out on the water, so Motor Boatin’ is here to help break these nautical terms down so you’re prepared beforehand.

Here are some common nautical terms you need to know before boating:

  1. Port vs Starboard: You’ve probably heard the words port and starboard at least once. While they might seem complex at first glance, they really just mean left and right. If you are standing at the back of the boat looking forward, the left side will be the port side and the right side will be the starboard side. These terms make it easier for orientation purposes. Some people remember this by knowing that the words “Port” and “Left” both have four letters.
  2. Bow / Forward: The front end of every boat is called the bow. When an individual moves toward the bow, it would be said they are going forward.
  3. Stern / Aft: The back end of every boat is called the stern. When an individual moves toward the stern, it would be said they are going aft.
  4. Windward vs Leeward: As you may be able to guess from the name, windward is the direction from which the wind is blowing. Leeward is the opposite direction from which the wind is blowing. Sometimes these are used to describe where other boats are currently located.

Soon, you’ll be boating like a pro! Understanding basic nautical terms is always helpful in tense situations while out on the water, especially for first timers. Currently looking for a boat rental company in the local Triangle area? Choose Motor Boatin’ and reserve a spot today!

Myths & Facts about Boating

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There are many myths floating around about boating. We are here to provide the facts to make the decision about boating easier. Let’s bust those myths and get you out on the water to begin enjoying one of the best ways to unplug, stay active, and relish the beautiful North Carolina outdoors.

Here are some myths that need busting:

  • Boating is costly: Boat rentals are actually very affordable and there are many types of boats to choose from to accommodate any budget. While owning a boat is out of the question for many, having the option to rent is a great opportunity for boaters to feed their passion.
  • Boating is not exciting: On the contrary, boating is very exciting! It is a great way to spend electronic-free quality time with family and friends while connecting with nature. There are many activities that can be incorporated into a day out on the boat including jet skiing, tubing, picnicking, fishing, and swimming.
  • Boating is complex: Driving a boat is not complicated. Boat rental companies show you how to operate the different types of boats, learn to steer the boat in the direction the boater wants to go and as long as boaters follow all safety precautions, they are in for an amazing experience on the water.
  • Boat ownership is a must: This is surely not a requirement for enjoying a day out on the boat. Boat rentals are affordable and it does not come with the added responsibility of boat ownership.

At Motor-Boatin’ our goal is to offer affordable and entertaining rentals that help families and communities have fun together while enjoying the natural beauty of North Carolina. Our quality rentals are the perfect ingredients for an afternoon of fun, recreation, and relaxation. It will lead to fond memories that will last a lifetime.

How to Safely Enjoy a Day Out on the Boat

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The newest term in all of our vocabularies is… social distancing. One of the biggest questions we have been asked at Motor Boatin’ is, can one rent a boat and social distance safely? The answer is yes! But there are some very specific ways to stay socially distant while on the water.

4 ways Motor Boatin’ is promoting social distancing while renting boats are:

  1. Families Only: We are trying to rent our boats only to couples, families, and groups that have already been together through the stay-at-home order. We don’t want a large party on a boat, or any additional spread of the coronavirus happening on one of our boats.
  2. Regular Cleanings: After each boat is rented and comes back in, it gets a thorough cleaning and disinfecting. Our cleaner is a commercial grade disinfectant approved by the CDC to kill all viruses, whether it is the coronavirus or something else.
  3. Time Spacing: We are spacing out our rentals to ensure that there is no rush during our cleaning process or potential spread between boaters.
  4. Spacing on Land: While on the boat, all boat renters have enough space between them to cover the social distancing requirements. However, on land and on the docks, we are requiring our guests keep at least 6 feet apart as well. Spacing out our rentals limits the number of guests that are on the docks at any given time, as well.

If you are cooped up and need to get out of the house, we would love to help out your family!  At Motor Boatin’, our rentals will make the time on the water a memorable one. Take a moment now to reserve one of our quality rentals for this weekend.

The Perks of a Pontoon Boat

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When it comes to choosing the right boat, there are many things to consider: what is its purpose, who will be spending time on it, and how much work are you willing to put in?

Our Falls Lake boat rental team at Motor Boatin’ know that many of these questions lead to one answer: rent a pontoon boat!5 Reasons Why to Rent a Boat in the Spring North Carolina

3 reasons why a pontoon boat is great for a day on Falls Lake is:

  • Easier Use and Maintenance. Due to the fact that many pontoons are made of aluminum, they dent easier than they tear. Getting a hole in the hull is less likely to happen on a pontoon than another type of boat. They also sit high on the water and on the trailer – this means that damaging the boat is harder.
  • Good for fishing and skis. Don’t be fooled – a pontoon can be used for fishing and skiing. For skiing, invite whoever you want – chances are they will be able to fit on the boat. As for fishing, the boat is stable, meaning fish won’t be scared off. Also, the location of where you can fish on the boat is versatile! Choose to stay in one spot on the boat or move around.
  • Comfort! The large area and ample amount of seating on pontoon boats make it easy for people to be comfortable, while still having storage space for any items that you wish to keep handy. Pontoon boats are stable, making for a smaller risk of unexpected jolts during the ride.

Renting a pontoon boat is definitely easier and more cost effective than owning a pontoon boat. To select a pontoon boat and book a weekend on Falls Lake, reach out to Motor Boatin’  today!

What to do in Raleigh on Mother’s Day

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Mother’s Day is a great appreciation day for moms to show them extra love. Some moms will love a day on Falls Lake fishing and other would prefer a day on the jet skis. Plan something special for mom by going to Falls Lake. Enjoy a day filled with adventure and family bonding. People in Raleigh enjoy Falls Lake for its nature walks, boating, fishing, and picnic possibilities. Motor Boatin’ has some activity ideas for those who want to plan a memorable Mother’s Day in Raleigh.

3 activities to do in Raleigh for Mother’s Day include:

  1. EWhat to do in Raleigh on Mother’s Day in North Carolinanjoy nature: Raleigh has many parks to enjoy, but Falls Lake is a local favorite. Take a walk through the trails and sit by the lakeside. Give mom the gift of a relaxing day while being outdoors. Don’t forget to take fun family photos to remember the day! Mom will love spending time with the family and the family will love a new adventure.
  2. Rent a boat: With pontoon and fishing boats, Motor Boatin’ has many boats for rental. Take a boat out and explore what the lake has to offer. Boat rental is a fun Mother’s Day activity for the whole family. Enjoy nature while on the lake and feel the calmness of the waters. Make a day of it by bringing food while on a sunset cruise.
  3. Plan a picnic: After taking part in a nature walk or boat ride, have a picnic by the lake. Catch up with the family over carry out food from mom’s favorite restaurant. Mothers will love the together time as well as the thoughtfulness of remembering her favorite things.

Motor Boatin’ loves providing fishing boat rentals so that Raleigh residents can enjoy Falls Lake. Consider planning a day at the lake for Mother’s Day with a fun boat ride. Contact Motor Boatin’ today to schedule a boat rental for Mother’s Day.

5 Helpful Spring Cleaning Tips for Every Boat

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Spring is here and warmer weather is on the way. Time to get the boats ready for the season with some spring cleaning tips from Motor Boatin’. Our boats are always kept up to a high standard of cleanliness and safety regulated for boat rentals.

Get a boat ready for spring by cleaning:Spring Cleaning Tips for Every Boat in North Carolina

  • Boat upholstery: Use the right type of brush to address stubborn dirt. Do research on the best cleaners for each type of upholstery. Using the correct materials helps shorten the cleaning process while also making sure the cleaner used is not causing damage.
  • Windshields: Use window cleaning solution with a soft cloth to clean off window stains. The cloth helps to prevent streaks. Clean windshields when it is cooler outside and the windshield is out of direct sunlight.
  • Deck: Use a hose and a boat cleaning solution for the boat deck. Measure out the correct proportion of water to cleaner. Use a brush to get difficult dried on dirt and stains out.
  • Exteriors: Use a hose with a nozzle that propels more water over a larger surface, but it is NOT a pressure/power washer. If it is the type of hose that already mixes in the cleaner, measure out the proportions correctly. Use buckets with a water and cleaning solution and a sponge to get to harder to clean spots. Rinse throughout the process to prevent the sun from drying the cleaner’s solvents onto the boat. Use soft and absorbent towels to dry off the boat. Use the appropriate wax and wax amount to seal the boat against the sun’s rays and water’s corrosive properties.

As always, it is good to have a cleaning kit on board for messes and spills. Keep some cleaning wipes, window cleaner, paper towels, and cloths for quick fixes. For more tips on keeping boats clean and ready for spring, contact Motor Boatin’.

Water and Boating Safety: What to Watch Out For on the Water

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Whether renting a boat for leisure or a jet ski for more of a thrill, it’s important to employ practical water safety measures. No matter how much experience someone has on the water, the unexpected can happen. However, with thorough preparation and attention to detail, boating and other water activities can be both safe and enjoyable.
5 key water and boating safety tips recommended by our friendly staff of Motor Boatin serving the Falls Lake community are:

  • Check the Weather. Before heading out, always check a local Raleigh report for weather updates. When on the water, be aware of darkening clouds or any changes that may pose a problem and get to land safely and quickly. Remember: if in doubt, don’t go out.
  • Use a Pre-Departure Checklist. Another useful way to maintain water and boating safety is using a relevant checklist. Ensuring that life jackets, distress signals, lights, fuel, and other tools are present and operating properly on the boat before departing will guarantee safety on the water should anything occur.
  • Be Alert. Open water is treated as an intersection, so always be aware of other boaters and those enjoying water sports. They may not notice other boats or jet skis, so keeping an eagle-eye out for any possible dangers or collisions is the first step to preventing them.
  • Be Considerate. If others are out enjoying a day on Falls Lake, please be mindful of where they’re located and what they’re doing. Flying by too quickly could create waves and ripples that potentially affect their safety on the water.
  • Loose the Booze. Enjoying a nice day on a pontoon boat may seem like the perfect chance to imbibe and enjoy a few drinks. But the rules that apply to operating a vehicle on land also apply to boating on the water. In NC, it is prohibited to operate a boat or any personal water device under the influence of drugs or alcohol, with the legal BAC limit being 0.08%.

Taking the time to ensure proper safety procedures will guarantee a great day on the lake with fun boating and water activities! If you’re interested in renting a jet ski or pontoon boat, stop by and see us at Motor Boatin off of Falls Lake to see your options!

How to Make the Most of Summer Vacation

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When vacationing somewhere tropical, many resorts or beaches have jet ski rentals right on the beach. This makes it so easy to rent and go! But, back at home, that can be hard. The jet ski rental companies on the beach typically rent by the hour.

Motor Boatin wants to make a trip to Falls Lake like a trip to the beach – we now offer jet ski rentals by the hour!  This allows families in the Raleigh area the most time to do the most they can while at Falls Lake.

A few other things the watersport specialist suggest doing while at Falls Lake, in addition to jet skiing, are:

  1. Rent a Boat at Falls Lake. While jet skiing in Raleigh is great, so is renting a boat in Raleigh for half of a day. Renting a boat on Falls Lake allows for tubing, water skiing, or just relaxing.
  2. Fish on Falls Lake. After renting a jet ski in the morning and are out on a boat at Falls Lake in the afternoon, enjoy fishing! Falls Lake is a quieter lake than Jordan Lake which means we can offer great fishing opportunities.
  3. Falls Lake offers a camping area which will allow guests to stay with us for days and try all the recreational activities we can offer such as swimming, hiking, rock climbing, jet skiing, boating, and more.

Does it sound like it is time for a local vacation? Instead of going to a tropical beach, come out to Falls Lake in Raleigh. Contact Motor Boatin to book jet ski rentals and pontoon boat rentals in Raleigh, NC.