FAQs

The boats are equipped to carry up to 6 people with a combined weight not exceeding 450kg – before you ask, children are people too.

As per Clause 4 of our Terms and Conditions of Hire.

If you do not wish to use a credit/debit card please call us on 07866 732537 to discuss other methods of payment.

If the boats are used in accordance with our standard Terms and Conditions then, no. However, please be aware that additional charges will apply – if :

1] Damage is caused to the propellor or underwater gear. Any such damage is your responsibility and you are liable under our standard Terms and Conditions of Hire. If you run aground you MUST turn off the engine immediately and call us. Failure to do so, resulting in damage to the propellor or underwater gear will incur a MINIMUM £75 charge and the credit card detailed on the Hire Agreement will be charged accordingly. Please ask to see the condition of the propellor before you depart. (see Clause 5 of our Standard Terms and Conditions of Hire)

2] You are speeding in the Marina. When travelling through the Marina, look behind you and if you can see a wake – you are going too fast. You should not cause boats on the pontoons to be moved by your wash and if logged or reported, you will be liable for the payment of the Marina fine of £50 (see Clause 9 of our Standard Terms and Conditions of Hire).

3] You are speeding in the speed restricted areas. You will be liable for a fine of up to £1000 payable to Poole Harbour Commissioners if the Vessel exceeds the speed limits in the restricted speed areas (see Clause 9 of our Standard Terms and Conditions of Hire).

4] You go beyond the Sandbanks Chain Ferry (to the East) or the Wareham Bridge (to the West). The boats are coded only for use within Poole Harbour and are equipped to notify us if you cross the above “limits of navigation”. You will be charged £500 per incident if we receive notification that the “limits of navigation” have been crossed. (see Clause 9 of our Standard Terms and Conditions of Hire). 

5] You are late in returning. If you are more than 15 minutes late you will be charged £25 for each complete 15 minute period that you are late, (see Clause 14 of our Standard Terms and Conditions of Hire) unless agreed with a representative of Poole Boat Hire prior to your designated return time. 

6] You set-off a lifejacket without just cause. You will be charged £25 to cover the cost of getting the lifejacket re-gassed (see Clause 5 of our Standard Terms and Conditions of Hire).

7] If the Vessel is returned in a condition that the Company considers unreasonably dirty. The Hirer is liable to a cleaning charge of £50 (see Clause 13 of our Standard Terms and Conditions of Hire).

Our mission is to ‘make Poole Harbour accessible to everyone’ and we think we have have priced our boats accordingly to ensure that as many people as possible can afford an unforgettable boating experience. This means that no further discounts are available.

Insurance cover is included in our listed prices 

Fuel is included in our listed prices

The wearing of lifejackets is compulsory and are provided. We have all sizes to accommodate both adults and children and can even provide doggy jackets.

If the Hirer cancels this Agreement and provides notification to the Company by PHONE CALL or TEXT MESSAGE (email is not accepted) on +44(0)7866 732537 a minimum of 48 hours prior to the start of the Hire Period (“the Cancellation Window”) then the Company will treat this Agreement as having been cancelled and a full refund of the deposit will be made. 

We want you to enjoy your time on the water so all bookings are weather dependant. We will call or text either the night before or on the morning of your booking if the weather is unsuitable. All cancellations due to bad weather are non-chargeable.

If the wind is averaging 15 knots or more or of there is heavy rain, storms or fog, we may cancel the booking for safety reasons. If you have any doubts about the weather please call before setting off as we want you to be comfortable with the conditions. If you are the hardy type and still wish to go out, please call us to discuss

The Captain/Skipper as shown on the completed and signed Hire Agreement must be at least 18 years of age and must remain sober throughout the entire duration of the hire period. We want you to enjoy your time on the water and whilst we do allow alcohol on our hire boats, in order to comply with the terms of our operating license and to ensure a safe experience for you, your crew and other mariners we limit the amount of alcohol permitted on our boats. Our limits are: Either; two bottles/cans per person (of standard strength beer, larger, or pre-mixed spirits) Or, one 750ml bottle of wine/champagne/Prosecco between every 3 people Or, one bottle of Pimms with suitable mixers per boat. NO straight spirits allowed. We reserve the right to refuse Hire of the boats if you or any member of your crew is deemed to be showing signs of excess alcohol consumption before your Hire Period commences. Refunds will not be offered if we refuse your crew access to the boats due to excess alcohol consumption. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Any reports of anti-social behaviour will be taken seriously, and your Hire Period will be terminated immediately if Poole Boat Hire management deems your behaviour to be of an anti-social nature. Please refrain from smoking on board the Vessel.

The boats are open boats and not sheltered from the elements, however, they are equipped with insulated dry storage areas to protect your personal items.

No qualifications are required. We will complete a full handover before your time on the water begins.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the time you have booked allowing for traffic, parking etc., then your handover will begin.

During busy periods this may not be possible as booked clients may be scheduled after your booked period. Our staff will be pleased to assist wherever possible but there are no guarantees.

The boats are well maintained and reliable but things do happen. If you experience a problem please contact us on the emergency number which will be provided to you. We are always available to assist.

The boats are coded for use within the confines of Poole Harbour. Our website contains a series of ROUTE PLANS based around different hire times. The boats must not pass the Sandbanks Chain Ferry at any time. Financial penalties apply if this condition is not adhered to and details can be found under our Standard Terms and Conditions of Hire

Parking is available on the Cobbs Quay Marina site.

Always remember that it is cooler on the water so whilst on a nice hot day you will probably not need it, it is worth bringing additional clothing and waterproofs just in case. The boat has dry storage areas where additional items can be safely stored.

Yes of course – nothing quite like mooring up for a nice picnic and a drink in the harbour. The Captain/Skipper as shown on the completed and signed Hire Agreement must be at least 18 years of age and must remain sober throughout the entire duration of the hire period. We want you to enjoy your time on the water and whilst we do allow alcohol on our hire boats, in order to comply with the terms of our operating license and to ensure a safe experience for you, your crew and other mariners we limit the amount of alcohol permitted on our boats. Our limits are: Either; two bottles/cans per person (of standard strength beer, larger, or pre-mixed spirits) Or, one 750ml bottle of wine/champagne/Prosecco between every 3 people Or, one bottle of Pimms with suitable mixers per boat. NO straight spirits allowed. We reserve the right to refuse Hire of the boats if you or any member of your crew is deemed to be showing signs of excess alcohol consumption before your Hire Period commences. Refunds will not be offered if we refuse you or your crew access to the boats due to excess alcohol consumption.

You are more than welcome to bring your own fishing gear, the boats are equipped with rod holders and fish finders. The handover staff will be able to advise on the best fishing spots.