Tag Archives: boat rentals

How to Host Your Next Getaway with Motor Boatin’

Posted on by

Pssst —We’ve got a secret! Do you want to know our favorite reason at Motor Boatin’ for being on the lake? It’s simple. We love how easy it is to quickly get away from it all. No matter whether you rent one of our jet skis, fishing boats, or pontoons, when you are on the water, your mind is not on work, school, or other stressful daily tasks.

So, when you are ready to plan and host your next quick getaway, let us help you by showing you just how easy it is:

Naturally, it starts by knowing how many people you will be hosting. If it’s a group of 10 to 15, you are going to want one of our amazing pontoon boats. They are perfect for hosting a group of that size on the water. In addition, there is room for coolers, picnic baskets, swim bags, towels, sunscreen, life vests, and everything else you will need to have fun and stay safe.

If you are planning on embarking from our normal location at the Highway 50 Boat Ramp in Wake Forest, we recommend having your entire party meet us at the scheduled time at the ramp. This way, you can prevent extended wait times or having to stop in other locations to pick up and drop off guests.

Be sure to know the ages and sizes of all children because they are legally required to always wear vests while onboard. If you are looking to grill out, know that you must have the boat pulled up to a beach area. Grilling on board the boat is not permitted for safety reasons.

Entertainment is a breeze because our pontoons come equipped with stereos, and most have Bluetooth capability.

In short, our pontoons are the easiest way for a group to make a quick getaway for a day of fun in the sun. To see our availability, prices, and make a reservation, just click here or call us at 919-800-9716.

5 Reasons Why Renting is More Practical Financially Than Owning a Boat

Posted on by

Cruising through serene waters is an experience like no other, but many boaters ask, “Is it smarter financially to own a boat or continue to rent?” At Motor Boatin’, we believe that renting is more practical financially than owning a boat, and we pride ourselves in providing affordable rentals for all to get out on the water.

Here are five reasons why we believe that renting is more practical financially than owning:

  1. Boats carry a hefty price tag: Purchasing a boat is a huge investment. In addition, like cars, boats depreciate value over time which is also something to consider. With affordable renting options like Motor Boatin’, it is a better idea to rent when wanting to get out on the water rather than paying that large price tag.
  2. Renting lets you choose different types of boats: When purchasing a boat, an individual is stuck with only one kind of boat. However, there are tons of boats out there like fishing or pontoon boats that all serve different purposes. Renting allows boaters to pick what type of watercraft will be suitable for them for that day, leading them to new kinds of experiences.
  3. Boats require regular maintenance: In addition to the upfront cost of buying a boat, individuals must also pay for maintenance and repairs. This can add up quickly, and it also takes time out of the owner’s day to do the required work or find someone to do it for them.
  4. It removes stress off the boater: Owning a boat can become very stressful. Some boat owners must worry about where they will keep their boat, what. By renting, individuals can just arrive at the lake, hop on the boat, and start cruising.
  5. Motor Boatin’ can provide assistance: When renting, Motor Boatin’ is able to help all our boaters while out on the water. If they were riding a boat of their own, they wouldn’t be able to have assistance. We can provide our knowledge on topics such as safety procedures and how to properly operate the boat.

Boaters don’t need their own boat to be able to enjoy the lake life!  If you are considering renting from us, reserve your boat today. Contact us with any questions you may have.

Different Pontoon Boat Sizes – 10 People vs. 17 People

Posted on by

Pontoon boats come in many different sizes—both in length and width. Naturally, the larger the boat, the more its seating capacity is. At Motor Boatin’, we have pontoons of various sizes and capacities. This includes models designed for 10 people, 12, 14, and even 17 people.

So, what is difference in lengths that makes each one accommodate those numbers? Generally, for 10 or more people, a pontoon boat should start at 22 feet long. On the other hand, for a pontoon to hold 17 people comfortably, the sizes start increasing to 30 feet or longer.

Among our longer and larger pontoons, we have a Bentley Navigator. These run around 23 feet and hold up to 14 people. Our Crest Classic Pontoon, the largest in our fleet, holds 17 people and is over 24 feet long.

To see the models of pontoons that we have and their capacities, click here. This list includes our 10 person, 12 person, 14 person and 17 person boats.

But, it’s not just size that makes these boats the best option to rent. Pontoon boats have a great advantage in that they are much more versatile than other watercraft. They can be easily anchored out in the lake or pulled up near a shore line. You can also pull a tube or a skier behind our pontoons.

Plus, you can fish off of a pontoon or easily hold a picnic. Pontoons can troll along at a leisurely speed or go just a little bit faster without feeling as bumpy on the waves as other boats can.

Pontoons, no matter the size, really are the ideal boat to rent for family events on the lake. To reserve yours today, contact us at Motor Boatin’ by clicking here or calling us at 919-800-9716. We look forward to seeing you out on the lake!

3 Ways to Sharpen Your Boating Skills

Posted on by

At Motor Boatin’, we have a lot of first-time boaters use our rentals – which we love! We are always dedicated to ensuring that all our customers feel completely confident out on the water and satisfied with their rental experience. We believe that this all starts with learning the boating basics. Because of this, this blog post shares some of our favorite ways for boating beginners to sharpen their skills.

Here are 3 ways to sharpen your boating skills as a beginner:

  1. Take an online safety course: Online, you can find hundreds of resources to learn more about boating. There are tons of courses, many of them being free, that you can take to master your time spent out on the lake. We recommend this free course on North Carolina Boating Safety from BoatUS Foundation.
  2. Get familiar with the area: One of the most important aspects of steering a boat is navigation. For first timers, it is often intimidating trying to learn where to go in a lake full of open water. It is much like visiting a new country for the first time. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead of time. There are many different boat navigation apps available which are important to download; however, unfamiliar waters with no cellular service usually don’t end well. This means you should always also feel comfortable with a compass and map when there’s no other option.
  3. Practice makes perfect: Everyone knows this old saying, and it’s true! No boater has ever improved without thorough practice. To really feel comfortable out on the water, it takes time. Our affordable and flexible rental options can assist you in your boating journey. We are always here every step of the way.

The easiest way to sharpen your boating skills is to get out on the lake and test the waters. Motor Boatin’ provides you with rental options for all kinds of boats. Call 919-800-9716 today to see which boat is the best for your plans and check our availability by clicking here.

All About Yamaha WaveRunners

Posted on by

Yamaha WaveRunners, especially the VX Deluxe model that we carry at Motor Boatin’, are among the best equipped, most fuel-efficient, and well-designed personal watercraft on the market. But that’s not all—they’re also loads of fun to drive on the lake!

WaveRunners are jet-propulsion watercraft. This means that for the jet ski to move through the water, it must pull in water and then push it out the back end. When a rider squeezes the throttle trigger, the engine and pump force the water out a nozzle in the rear of the watercraft. This propels the WaveRunner forward. The nozzle feature effectively works the same way your thumb would when placed over the end of a fast-flowing garden hose. It reduces the line size and causes the water’s velocity to increase. 

Steering the watercraft works in the same way. When the rider turns the handlebars, the nozzle turns in the back. This is done by cables that are connected to each end and run through pulleys. The propulsion when pointed at a different angle turns the watercraft in the direction the handlebars are turned. Unlike other jet skis, Yamahas can turn without squeezing the accelerator.

There is plenty of storage in a WaveRunner. There is a small compartment located in the area between the seat and the handlebars, and there is a much larger storage compartment in the front of the hull. It is easy to fit a small soft cooler inside to transport out to the lake for when you find a spot to stop and chill.

WaveRunners are also known for their famous rooster tail. Believe it or not, Yamaha added the rooster tail as a feature to help other boaters and riders on the lake view the WaveRunner and have an idea of how fast the craft is moving. The more a rider squeezes the trigger, the higher the rooster tail goes in the air.

To learn more about our WaveRunners or to reserve one for yourself, click here. At Motor-Boatin’, we believe in offering the best jet skis on the market to give you the best time on the lake.

A Guide to Winter Fishing: What You Should Know

Posted on by

There is a common misconception among many people that the winter season in the Triangle is not a good time for fishing. Nothing could be farther from the truth. With the right equipment, bait, and game plan, you can have a successful day of fishing on the lake even during the colder months.

Motor Boatin’ is here to provide you with a guide of what you should know before going fishing in the wintertime:

Let’s start with your gear. Because air and water temperatures are much colder in January or February compared to July or August, you must dress appropriately. To prevent hypothermia, be sure you have waterproof and insulated boots. For super cold days, we suggest wearing insulated gloves also. If you have waterproof pants, wear those along with a parka and hat.

The next part to consider is your bait. Fish are cold-water creatures, and in the winter, their metabolisms slow down. Certain lures that move too fast in the water don’t work in winter. Live bait like minnows, shiners, or worms work best. If you do choose a lure, use one that mimics sunfish or perch. Having the right bait that matches what fish feed on in cold weather makes all the difference.

Your game plan should include how to stay safe when it’s colder out and times when fish feed. Check weather forecasts and know when fronts move in because those affect the activity levels of freshwater species. Generally speaking, fish are more active and feed more often prior to a front approaching than after it passes. Because the sun is positioned further south in the winter, it shines brighter on northern shore banks. Try to look there for more activity. Typically, the best time to catch fish in the winter runs from 10 AM to 4 PM.

For more tips and to reserve one of our fishing boats, click here. At Motor Boatin’, we know you can have a great time on the lake – no matter what season of the year it is.

Cold-Weather Boating: What to Wear

Posted on by

At Motor Boatin’, we believe that Triangle residents should be able to enjoy boating all year long even during the wintertime. To do this, it is important to wear the right gear for the winter weather so that boaters stay comfortable throughout their trip – thinking ahead is key. This blog post is dedicated to sharing our five favorite clothing items for cold-weather boating.

Before we begin, we should note that it is ideal to have all your clothing items be waterproof from your headwear to your shoes. This ensures that you stay dry which ultimately affects your warmth.

Here are five clothing items you’ll need for your next winter boating adventure:

  1. Fishing hat: You should pack a hat that covers both your head and your ears from the wind and cold air. Extremities of the body are especially vulnerable to the winter weather.
  2. Neck gaiter: A neck gaiter can keep both your neck and face warm and protect your skin against the harsh weather conditions. These can also be used in the summer to fight sunburn, making them an all-year boating accessory.
  3. Layered jackets: While jackets are an obvious essential, it is also important to grab lots of layers. For example, one might wear a Gore-Tex materialled jacket on top with a wool or fleece sweatshirt underneath. Layers allow for the most flexibility when out on the boat. It is also a good idea to wear brightly colored clothing for safety purposes. If one were to go overboard, it is much easier to spot bright yellows and oranges.
  4. Dry suit: For those who frequently go out on winter fishing trips, you might consider purchasing a dry suit. These items not only provide warmth but also cold-water protection. These suits are known to have saved lives in the coldest of temperatures for both boaters and divers which makes these items a worthwhile investment.
  5. Thick boots: Not only should fishing boots keep you warm, but they should also be slip resistant. Having a heavy-duty pair of boots paired with thermal socks can keep those fishing feeling comfortable all day long.

Just because temperatures are dropping around the Triangle doesn’t mean you have to cancel all your boating trips! At Motor Boatin’, we offer watercraft rentals all year long – including January and December. For more winter weather boating questions or to book with us, call 919-800-9716 today.

How to Safely Anchor Your Boat

Posted on by

So, you have been riding around on the lake, and you have found a nice cove that you want to drop anchor in and rest and relax. Just in case you have never done that before, Motor Boatin’ wants to share with you the safest way to anchor your boat in the lake.

The first thing to be aware of is to know the depth of the water where you are at. The length of the anchor line needs to be around five times the depth of the water. Angle the boat in the direction of the current you are in and idle the engine just slightly forward of where you want to drop the anchor.

Once you have got the boat in position, slowly release the anchor into the water. Do not just toss it out there, otherwise the line might tangle. Releasing it slowly into the water allows the anchor to slowly sink and move away from the boat. As the anchor sinks, allow the boat to move backward (go slowly in reverse if necessary.) But, don’t let it go too far.

Make sure the anchor line always has tension. This ensures that no tangling in the line takes place. Once the anchor has reached the bottom, it’s time to secure the rope. Wrap it around a cleat. When you feel the anchor has dug into the bottom surface, put the engine into reverse idle to back up slightly more.

After you are anchored, look at the landmarks around you and where the boat stands. Check periodically to see if the boat is drifting.

Of course, in the case of an anchor, what goes down must come up. When you are ready to leave, the anchor should lift easily, provided you lowered it correctly. Lift the anchor as vertically straight as you can so it won’t damage the boat, the line, or the anchor itself. Rinse off any mud or debris before placing it back in the boat.

And there you go. To rent one of our boats and find that cove to anchor in, check out our availability right here. At Motor Boatin’, we believe in having fun, relaxing, and enjoying safe times on our beautiful watercraft. Get out and enjoy the water!

How to Re-board a Jet Ski

Posted on by

At Motor Boatin, there are two things we firmly believe in—having fun on the lake and being safe on the lake. Those two are not mutually exclusive. It is possible and easy to do both. On occasion, when you are riding one of our jet skis, you may end up in the water—hopefully, that’s because you decided to stop somewhere out of the way and take a dip in the lake to cool off.

Whatever the reason is, you will need to get back on board eventually. So, what’s the best way to do it? Allow us to show you the way.

For starters, you need to wear your life vest at all times—when riding and when swimming. It’s not only the law, but it is common sense—swimming in a lake can quickly exhaust even the fittest of individuals. The engine must be turned off because you are boarding from the rear where the thrust nozzle is located. You should have turned it off before going in the water, and if the lanyard is properly attached to you, it would have cut the engine had you fallen off. (If you capsized the ski, look for a decal at the rear of the craft that will describe the direction to turn the craft to an upright position. Follow that direction to prevent damage to the jet ski.)

To board, position yourself at the stern (rear) of the jet ski. Never try to re-board from the side because you could flip it over on top of you. There is a handle located at the back of the seat. Reach up to grab it with one hand.

Then, using the handle pull yourself up and place one knee on the surface of ski followed by the other knee. Once you are steady, stand up and place your legs around the seat like a saddle and slowly walk your way toward the front. Sit down at the handlebars and when ready, re-enter the lanyard in its slot and restart the jet ski. If you are riding with others, do not restart the ski until everyone is onboard and seated.

For more safety tips, check out other blogs on this site. To make your jet ski reservation, click here. Then, you can have a safe, fun-filled day out on the lake.

Port or Starboard – Nautical Terms You Need to Know

Posted on by

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!