FAQ’S, Rules and Procedures
Education is the key to boating and boating safety. Please scroll down and review our rules as it will help make your day fun and safe. Remember, ALL activities are always at your own risk. Please read our personal injury and liability contract before signing.
We are open 8-8 during season (May 15- September 8), then 9-5 all year long (weather permitting).
Please ARRIVE 1 HOUR BEFORE THE START TIME of your rental to assure full rental time. Boat selections are on a first come-first served basis.
The following should help clarify our policies for your great day at the lake: we highly recommend getting your safe boaters certificate. It saves you 5%, and it’s good in almost all states for life. https://dbw.parks.ca.gov
We clean our boats after each use, clean our Bar and Grill after each use, and thoroughly clean our store and restrooms hourly. Each morning we sanitize the entire area with a bleach mixture. We are happy to make our marina as clean as possible for you. Our employees are conscientious as well. We have plastic shields installed at check-out for your protection. We are here for your enjoyment, and the way we achieve this is with safety…first. Safety for our customers and their health, safety for our employees, and safety for you while you are on the lake through education and instruction. Drivers need to be 16 with a Government ID (drivers license, passport) to drive, renters need to be 18 with ID. We reserve the right to refuse service or rental of any boat/vessel/craft to anyone.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Plain and simple…48 HOURS BEFORE START TIME, you may cancel without any cost of your rental. After that, you are responsible for the entire rental amount (minimum $50). Cancelations are done exclusively via phone, and you will then receive a confirmation email from our reservation system. Please DO NOT EMAIL a CANCELLATION, as our email is not integrated to the reservation cloud system (private company, and their charges are separate from ours). RESERVATIONS MUST BE CANCELLED BY PHONE. Simply call and cancel 48 hours before your start time and we will not charge the rental fee. Our cancellation email, sent to you and ourselves each time, will be your confirmation that you will not be charged. IF YOU ARE RUNNING LATE, PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOUR TIME STARTS TO NOTIFY US. WE RELEASE BOATS FOR RENTAL 15 MINUTES AFTER START TIME TO OFFSET ANY LOSSES.
DEPOSITS / DAMAGE WAIVER and RENTAL FEES explained: All rentals require additional Security Deposits if you opt out of the boat/vessel/craft damage insurance. For more than one boat/craft/vessel, we require a deposit on EACH craft. (for related/friendly/associated parties as determined by our staff) For $49 (non-refundable) we highly recommend boat/craft/vessel damage insurance which covers our boat/craft/vessel only with a $250 deductible (pontoon, fish boats) or a $500 deductible (ski/wake boats and Jet Ski) for damage up to $7,500 (any damage over $7,500 is your responsibility). In our experience, this covers most damage (please see ‘boat damage waiver’ on the reservation page for complete details). Multiple boats/craft/vessels require the deposit per craft/boat/vessel and cannot use the damage insurance. This policy is implemented when groups or families that are renting are associated/related with each other in any way.
If you use an international credit card or a gift card, you need to choose the damage waiver fee instead of a deposit, as it is nearly impossible to refund those cards due to international exchange rates and laws.
Deposits on credit card(s) are released from our system upon return with no damages. Follow the law, use common sense, ask questions or ask for help if you need it, and you will minimize your exposure to risk, injury and/or damage(s). Allow us to clarify our policy: We hold a deposit ($1000) in addition to your rental amount if you do not purchase the boat/craft/vessel damage insurance. Damage waiver insurance is NOT available for multi-craft rentals. Boat/vessel/craft damage waiver insurance is for OUR boat/craft/vessel damage and NOT for any bodily injury, harm or death, or any other boat/craft/vessel. When you return without damage, we release the deposit immediately, but… Due to banking delays and regulations beyond our control, credit card deposit release usually takes up to 10 business days to return to your account. Please make appropriate accommodations for this delay, as our hands are tied. You are not charged any interest or fee, just an inconvenience that is beyond our control.
All rental fees are charged up front at the time of rental in addition to any deposits and insurance. Once payment is made, it cannot be transferred to another party, cannot be altered or changed, nor can it be refunded. A resort fee of 6% is added to all rentals to cover resort costs. Time slots are as follows: Half day is 8-12 or 1-5, all day is 8:00-5:00 or 9:00 to 6:00, depending on the vessel. Two days is 8:00 in the morning to 6:00 pm the following day. Three days is 8:00 in the morning to 6:00 pm two days later, and so on. Time starts when you reserve the boat, regardless of arrival time, and arriving 15 minutes late after due time, you will be charged the full hour, at the hourly rate. Holiday and Weekend prices (higher) apply on the weekends and around holidays. We are not responsible for software errors. If a software error occurs you are responsible for the rental cost of the boat for that day that others are paying for the exact same craft and time slot. You will be charged accordingly. Please note, weather and outside influences (fire, smoke, etc) are not reasons for cancellation or refund unless our area is mandatorily evacuated, as determined by our management once all relative authorities have consulted with us.
The rental price will be available for viewing for your reservation before checkout, (before you have to commit or leave a credit card number). You can always cancel 48 hours prior to your start date without cost.
Please note: Prices increase due to demand on Saturdays, Sundays and all Holiday’s/Holiday Weekends. JULY 4TH PRICING IS IN EFFECT! PRICES ARE INCREASED.
IS FUEL INCLUDED? Similar to a rental car contract, fuel is NOT included (in any of our rentals). The craft leaves full, and upon return we fill it up and you pay the difference of the fuel used during your rental time. We are a Chevron service station, so you can refill your craft here with our our competitive fuel prices, and your time will not be impeded.
ARE PETS ALLOWED?: Leashed pets are always welcome on Patio/Pontoon boats only, as long as they say hello before boarding! There are no additional charges to bring a pet. For safety reasons (insurance), we cannot allow pets on ski boats, jet ski’s, kayaks, canoes, fishing boats and paddle boards. Pets count toward capacity. Please only bring friendly pets. If your pet has shown any type of aggression toward people or pets, this is not the place and we ask you to please leave them at home. Again, friendly pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash (6′ or less) anywhere on or near the marina property, which includes departing and arriving on our pontoon boats or while in the slip or at our marina.
Is THERE A BEACH? Yes! We have use of a private beach area right next to our marina when the water level allows. Just ask and we’ll direct you.
IS ALCOHOL / MARIJUANA ALLOWED ON THE BOAT?: We advise ALL guests to NOT consume any alcohol or marijuana before or during boating. Having said that, alcohol is allowed on the boat, as long as the driver is 100% sober and does not consume alcohol or marijuana or have alcohol / marijuana within his/her reach. Marijuana is NOT legal in MADERA County, unless it is consumed in your household. So this means you cannot consume marijuana in or on the Lake or our boats. Plain and simple, the driver cannot be under the influence or consume ANY alcohol / marijuana, but legal-age guests are permitted to consume alcohol while on the boat provided they are not driving. We do NOT allow Kegs, Bongs or Hookah pipes (management discretionary call) on our boats, and try to refrain from glass, as it creates many problems on the dock should it break. We ask for a designated driver to identify themselves and remain sober during the entire rental, and reserve the right to field test you. If any driver is seen drinking an alcoholic beverage or consuming marijuana during operation of our craft, we will terminate the rental immediately, and all costs, including deposit, will be forfeited. Choose a responsible, non-consuming designated driver, or your day is over WITHOUT refund. Take note, we do not mess around with this.
TERMINATION OF RENTAL: Failure to adhere to these rules, Madera County rules, California Department of Boating and Waterways rules as well as the rules on the contract may result in immediate termination without refund. Citations from Madera County Sheriff for reckless driving, child endangerment, or other serious offenses as determined by our staff may result in termination of your rental(s) without refund. Should a water sports employee witness you violating any Madera County or Bass Lake Boat Rentals policies or rules, we may terminate your rental without refund. Ask questions, use common sense, go slow, and observe other boats and you minimize risk of injury or damage.
HOW DO I DRIVE A BOAT: We give operational procedures and lake rules twice to ensure you know how to operate a boat. Instruction behind the wheel is free, so please ask and our dock staff will be happy to cruise with you for a few minutes until you get the hang of it. First time jet-skiers and management-determined novices go out with us for a quick overview and demonstrate to us they can operate in a safe manner, and then we allow the rental to continue provided you demonstrate proficiency. Please ask if you don’t understand operational instruction or feel you need greater clarity regarding operations, lake rules or safety.
CAN WE PULL A TUBE: Yes, most boats can pull a tube. Please read each boat for details on tubing. You do need a minimum of three people…a flagger/observer 12 years old or older, a driver and obviously a ‘tuber’.
CAPACITIES: Boat/vessel capacities and weights are set by the U.S. Coast Guard and cannot be exceeded. The boat/vessel needs to maintain 16″ of freeboard from the bottom of the trim to the water level, and needs to be within the weight limit including equipment, persons and pets. Pets count toward capacity. Boats exceeding the total weight, as determined by management, will be required to reduce capacity for safety and insurance requirements. Large coolers, and/or multiple coolers count as weight toward capacity. Please place 65% of the total weight (persons/pets/coolers, etc) toward the rear half of the boat. The boat needs to ride bow-high for safety.
BOAT PERSON CAPACITY AND USE: Boat capacity, as stated on our website and brochure, must be strictly adhered to. These are U.S. Coast Guard standards and cannot be altered. All persons (and pets) count toward capacity, regardless of size. Even with proper capacity, we reserve the right to terminate a rental if we feel the boat is overloaded and unsafe. Please distribute weight of supplies and passengers so the boat appears slightly stern-heavy (rear) during idle operation. This will allow the boat at speed to plane properly (ride level and safe). All passengers must ride within the gates or freeboard of all boats when boat is in motion (NO BOW RIDING), and no person should move from the rear of the boat to the front when the boat is in motion. Please do not allow passengers front (fore) of the rail area on a pontoon boat (No bow riding), or outside of the freeboard on any other boat. Ski boat guests can have a maximum of 2 adults, 170 lbs each, or three small children 240 lbs total in the front (bow) of the boat at anytime. Additionally, the slide boat mandates no passengers are on the top floor anytime the boat is in motion or the engine is running. Please use the boat as described on our website and in our brochure (Pictures on web and in brochure are for display only. Your boat may vary). Do not deviate from stated use, or deposit and/or costs may be accrued.
Is LAW ENFORCEMENT on the Lake?: Bass Lake is fortunate in that we have Sheriff Deputies patrolling during boating hours (8am to 8pm). These Deputies keep order and safety a top priority on their to-do list for the day. I have the utmost respect for these women and men, as They have made Bass Lake a family-friendly lake. Look for them and wave hello…they are nice people too! Maybe take a Facebook or Instagram picture with them for your friends back home?
Do I need a BOATERS LICENSE?: No, renters do not need a boaters safety card. BUT, we give you a 5% greater DISCOUNT if you show us one. You will get 5% more off ANY boat rental in addition to any savings you may be eligible for, Go to www.californiaboaterscard.com for more info. It pays for itself and gives you money back in the first rental, plus it makes you aware of all the laws and boating safety etiquette.
WHAT ABOUT A LAKE PERMIT: Rental permits are paid and included in your fee. Bass Lake requires a COUNTY permit obtained from us (Bass Lake Boat Rentals). Rentals from us do not require a permit (we have paid it for you). Upon arrival with your private craft, check with us in the store for your Lake Permit ($32-$63) for the calendar year, depending on horsepower, and we charge a processing fee of $3). Have a visible throw cushion, fire extinguisher, operating horn or whistle, and a vest for each passenger ready to display in order to obtain your lake permit. We sell those items here should you need them. See www.madera-county.com for more info.
ARE THERE ANY FISH IN THE LAKE? Yes, there are fish in the lake, and nothing that can bite you. Primarily Bass and Trout, with a decent amount of Salmon, Crappie, Bluegill and Catfish. Bass fishing is VERY good March, April, and May; and ok to good the rest of the year depending on weather patterns. Trout and Kokanee Salmon fishing is good November through April, and a gamble on other months. See our fishing page for more info.
HOURS: We are open 8-8, 8 days a week during season (April through September). Boats are available for rent from 8-7 (Full day rentals must be returned by 5:00 or 6:00 pm, half day afternoon must be returned by 5:00 pm. This is to avoid traffic at the dock and is for your safety) Off-season (October-February) we are open 7 days a week, but call for off-season hours (559-642-3200) (usually 9-5).
RAMP: We have a private launch open to the public for $20 each use. Ask for help and we will gladly splash your boat with you. We do, however, reserve the right to throw you out if you yell at your wife.
SLIPS: Our daily slips are on a first-come first-serve basis; we do not accept reservations. They range from $100-$175 per night, depending on time of year. Dock line Bungees are required; this keeps your boat safe and our docks undamaged. Be smart, wear shoes or sandals on the dock. Outside Rental Craft or jet ski’s are not allowed on our docks (if you rented somewhere else, please go somewhere else). There are locked gates for your safety, and free launch help is available if requested. Ramp fee is not included.
RESERVATIONS: Reservations are available online by you from this site or via phone (559-642-3200) by one of our staff. Reservations are not charged a reservation fee. Inventory is not hidden, so sold out online is sold out in the store. Walk in and see what is available the morning of the desired day in the winter months, or call. We are almost always open!
AVAILABILITY: Please call in the off-season (October-March) to assure that all boats are in the water due to weather and water temperature.
BBQ’s/PIPES/KEGS: The boats that have BBQ’s on them are the only boats that we allow BBQ-ing on. The use and cost is included in the boat cost. In other words, you cannot bring any BBQ on any boat. Pipes (Hookah, Bong, Etc) and kegs (Pony or Full) are not permitted on our boats due to insurance reasons. We reserve the right, since our Marina is private, to ask to see inside coolers and bags/backpacks to verify our policies are not being abused. You have the right to refuse, and we have the right to terminate the rental based on a lack of a visual of what is and is not allowed on our boats. Should you refuse allowing us to verify the contents going on our boats, your rental will be terminated.
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GENERAL GUIDELINES AND OVERVIEW OF LAKE RULES (please see the Bass Lake Sheriff Department for a complete list, or call 559-642-3606) (www.madera-county.com) We also have a copy of California Boating laws and Madera County /Bass Lake rules for your reading (at our marina). This is not a complete overview, please see California DBW web sight. You are required to know these laws and rules, and ask questions if you need clarity. Use the below suggestions and excerpts as a means of further education, NOT as the sole source. Consult Bass Lake Sheriff Department at 559-642-3201 for complete rules and laws, and California Department of Boating and Waterways rules, laws and procedures. Or go online to www.dbw.ca.gov
Bass Lake is a directional lake, meaning you travel in a counter-clockwise direction or rotation. This means you keep to the right of an (imaginary) centerline, similar to the rules of our roads. Divide the lake down the middle (lengthwise), and keep right of the center and of all oncoming traffic. Cross the lake, provided it is clear of all boats, at right angles or perpendicular of the centerline. Do not go in any swim area, marked by white swim area markers. Stay 100 feet away from all other craft and persons, and from the shoreline as well. Speed inside the orange markers is 40mph, outside or land-side of the markers is 5 mph. 30 Minutes before sunset and until 8 a.m., idle speed only (less than 5 m.p.h.). Please continue to read and educate. Ask questions if you are unclear about a rule or law.
PATIO BOAT RULES
Bass Lake is approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers) long. There are 3 miles (4 kilometers) east of our location and 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) west. Orange buoys (marker) circle the entire lake. On the shore side of the orange buoys the speed limit is five miles per hour. This is usually idle speed. In the center of the lake you may go as fast as you want in a counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise) direction. Divide the lake down the center, and stay to the right, as you would with our roads. You must stay at least 100 feet (31 meters) away from all shore lines and boats at all times while you are driving. If you come near a shore (beach) area, please stay in at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water (this is about chest high). You will have to anchor the craft and swim to and from the shore. There is no beaching of our boats. This can result in damages to the boat (and you may forfeit your deposit). If you see a boat on the lake holding up an orange flag it means they have something in the water, such as a person or a rope. Make sure to give them 100 feet (31 meters) clearance at all times. We have a set of green buoys just outside of our marina. Please wait by these buoys for a dock employee to signal to you to approach, and do so slowly. The dock employees will then help you load, unload, or park your boat. They will replace the fuel you used in your craft at the end of your rental (you are responsible for the fuel you use).
*Towable (Tubes, etc)
If you have a tube/wakeboard/towable with your rental, there are additional rules. If you have a rope, a person, or towable in the water, you need to physically hold (display) the orange flag (provided) by holding it above your head, by a non-driver at least 12 years old. This orange flag lets all other vessels on the lake know you have something or someone in the water, and caution should be exercised by other boaters. Once your person being towed is finished or falls, reduce power, turn right, and slowly approach with the person in the water to the drivers right side. Again, turn to the driver’s side, slow down, and retrieve the person to your right. The driver must see the person in the water at all times, and picking up on the right allows for this to happen. When someone is getting in or out of the vessel, it needs to be turned off. Be certain the passenger in the water and the rope are clear and in plain sight before re-starting the vessel. Slowly pull away from the person, takin the slack out of the rope, verify with the person in the water that they are ready, then apply throttle accordingly. Always exercise caution and boat/tow to your ability. If the lake appears busy, take a break and find your paradise until it clears.
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SKI/WAKEBOARD BOAT RULES
Bass Lake is approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers) long. There are 3 miles (4 kilometers) east of our location and 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) west. Orange buoys (marker) circle the entire lake. On the shore side of the orange buoys the speed limit is five miles per hour. This is usually idle speed. In the center of the lake you may go as fast as you want in a counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise) direction. Divide the lake down the center, and stay to the right, as you would with our roads. You must stay at least 100 feet (31 meters) away from all shore lines and all boats at all times while you are driving. If you come near a shore (beach) area, please stay in at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water (this is about chest high). There is no beaching of our boats at all so you cannot pull it up onto shore. This can result in damages to the boat (and you may forfeit your deposit). If you see a boat on the lake holding up an orange flag it means they have something in the water, such as a person or a rope. Make sure to give them 100 feet (31 meters) clearance at all times. We have a set of green buoys just outside of our marina. Please wait by these buoys for a dock employee to signal to you to come in to the gas dock, and approach slowly. The dock employees will then help you load, unload, or park your boat for you. They will replace the fuel you used in your craft at the end of your rental (you are responsible for the fuel you use).
*Towable (Tubes, Wake Boards, Surf Boards, etc)
If you have a tube/wakeboard/towable with your rental, there are additional rules. If you have a rope, a person, or towable in the water, you need to physically hold (display) the orange flag (provided) by holding it above your head, by a non-driver at least 12 years old. This orange flag lets all other vessels on the lake know you have something or someone in the water, and caution should be exercised by other boaters. Once your person being towed is finished or falls, reduce power, turn right, and slowly approach with the person in the water to the drivers right side. Again, turn to the driver’s side, slow down, and retrieve the person to your right. The driver must see the person in the water at all times, and picking up on the right allows for this to happen. When someone is getting in or out of the vessel, it needs to be turned off. Be certain the passenger in the water and the rope are clear and in plain sight before re-starting the vessel. Slowly pull away from the person, takin the slack out of the rope, verify with the person in the water that they are ready, then apply throttle accordingly. Always exercise caution and boat/tow to your ability. If the lake appears busy, take a break and find your paradise until it clears.
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JET SKI (Personal Water Craft) RULES
Bass Lake is approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers) long. There are 3 miles (4 kilometers) east of our location and 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) west. Orange buoys (markers) circle the entire lake. On the shore side of the orange buoys the speed limit is five miles per hour. This is usually idle speed. In the center of the lake you may go as fast as you want in a counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise) direction. Divide the lake down the center, and stay to the right, as you would with our roads. There are two areas designated for jet skis. These areas are surrounded by white cylindrical and do not jump the back of boat wakes in the main body of the lake. You must stay at least 100 feet (31 meters) away from all shore lines and all boats at all times while you are driving. There is no beaching of our vessels. If you come near a shore (beach) area, please stay in at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water (this is about chest high). The jet ski draws in water to propel itself forward. Bringing the vessel too close to the beach can cause foreign objects to become lodged in the jet ski. This can result in the loss of your deposit. If you have multiple rentals in your party you must stay 100 feet (31 meters) away from each other as well. Do not bring the vessels next to each other; doing so can result in damages to the jet skis and serious injuries, as well as it is against the law and could result in a fine. If you are going to be exchanging riders between vessels, you will need to swim to and from each craft (at a distance of at least 10 meters). We recommend that your party switches riders at our gas dock, where our employees can assist you. If you see a boat on the lake holding up an orange flag it means they have something in the water, such as a person or a rope. Make sure to give them 100 feet (31 meters) clearance at all times. We have a set of green buoys (markers) just outside of our marina. Please wait by these buoys for a dock employee to signal to you to come in to the gas dock, and approach slowly. The dock employees will then help you load, unload, or park your jet ski for you. They will replace the fuel you used in your craft at the end of your rental (you are responsible for the fuel that you use).markers that say (read) “jet ski area”. Any tricks, turns, and spins may be performed in these areas provided it is clear of all other vessels. Remember that the remainder of the lake follows a straight and counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise) direction. Do not perform spinning moves outside any jet ski area. No towing of any kind behind jet ski’s.
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Speed Limit
Bass Lake has a 40 mph speed limit when the Sheriff’s department displays a red flag at certain locations around the lake. This means they feel the lake is too congested for speeds above 40 mph. Our policy is 40 mph at all times. We want you to be safe.
Reservations
Reservations are made via our Web Site, over the phone or in person with a major credit card. You have 24 hours prior to your first day of rental to cancel without cost. After that time, you will be billed the full amount of your consecutive rental. I recommend you put the reservation in your smart phone with a reminder on your calendar 2 days prior to your rental that you need to ‘commit or cancel’ by this date. WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE RESERVATIONS as we sell out on a daily basis. We do not sell or give away any personal information you give us, and our web site is secure (https). Online reservations made by you offer a greater discount or coupon as it saves us time and money (some restrictions apply).
Age Restrictions
California law is unique. You must be at least 18 to rent (18 to legally enter a rental contract, but 16 to drive). We require a valid acceptable driver’s license as proof of age (or a passport). This needs to be presented to us in person for our company to allow you to drive or rent any of our boats, and is photocopied and kept with our paperwork to comply with our insurance company requirements as proof of age.
Pricing and Hours: Pricing is on our website, however holiday prices and hours vary according to the holiday weekend. Please call if you need additional information.
Deposit 2.0
Deposits or damage waiver insurance are required on all rentals. Deposits are authorized on a credit card, which does not show on your statement (at all) if there are no problems. We go over the boat with you on the way out and on the way in. You have an opportunity on your way out to list any problems or doubts, and we ENCOURAGE you to use your cell phone for pictures so you feel confident in our system. We usually point it out to you, as we have a pretty good system and want you to feel comfortable during your rental (we use a camera so it is quick, accurate and easy). In the event you do incur damage or damages, your deposit or deductible will be used to cover the cost (more will be charged if necessary). If you follow our rules, the chance of damage is slim. Again, you are encouraged to use your cell phone and take pictures of your rental if you are concerned about your deposit or damage. We want you to be happy and confident in our policy and system.
Contract
We require all participants (renters, drivers, passengers, etc.) to read and sign or have their parent / guardian sign a contract explaining the risks and dangers you may incur. We recommend you actually read our contract for a statement of risks and liabilities. You will be releasing us of all liability. Use common sense, ask questions, ride to your ability, follow the laws, and you will minimize risk. Once you sign the contract, you will receive a water-proof wristband which tells all staff you are eligible to board any boat, and it also tells us who can drive and who is underage. Personally, I do not like the wristbands, but our insurance company insists and we (must) oblige.
