Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to rent a boat?

You must be 21 years old with a valid drivers license and boaters license. You can find the link to the boater's education course here: www.boat-ed.com/northcarolina



Do you require a security deposit?

Yes, we require a security deposit which is due at the time of booking your rental. Security deposits range from $250-$750 depending on the type of boat or jetski you rent.



Can I bring my dog?

Yes, we love dogs! We allow them on our pontoon and tritoon boats ONLY! Unfortunately they are not permitted on our ski and surf boats.



Can I bring drinks, snacks, and alcohol?

Yes, you may bring drinks, snacks, and alcohol on board. We ask that you remove all trash and personal items from the rental upon return. Excessive uncleanliness and trash left on board may incur a cleaning fee. Please keep in mind that drinking and driving laws apply to operating a boat on the lake.



Can I bring my own tube?

No, due to insurance policies and safety requirements you must use a tube supplied by Lake Effects.



Do I need a boaters license?

Yes! This is required by the state of North Carolina if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and will be operating a boat or jetski (PWC) on Lake Norman. All renters and operators will be required to provide a copy of their drivers license and boaters license to the front desk upon checking in for a rental reservation. Renters will not be allowed usage of a rental boat without providing a proper license. Failure to provide a boaters license may forfeit access to your rental without refund. For more information on obtaining a NC Boaters License please visit: www.boat-ed.com/northcarolina



Can I beach a boat to access islands?

No. Beaching or deliberately pulling a boat onto a shoreline risks damaging the boat propellor and other boat equipment. This can be a potential safety hazard to passengers on board. Any boat rental that returns with evidence of beaching will be charged damages accordingly. Renters are responsible for any damages incurred to boat equipement.



Can I bring a grill?

No, unfortunately our insurnace does not allow grills on board rental boats.



Do you provide life jackets?

Yes! We provide life jackets for all passengers on board from infant through adult. Passengers 13 and under are required to wear life jackets at all times while on the boat. We highly recommend all passengers wear a life jacket while swimming in the lake, regardless of swimming capability.



Do you have infant life jackets?

Yes! We have life jacket sizes ranging from infant - 3XL.



Can I charge my phone on the boat?

Yes! Our boats have car charging ports on board and some also provide USB ports.



Can I listen to music?

Absolutely! Our boats provide an auxiliary plug (headphone port). Some boats also have bluetooh capability. We have auxiliary cables for sale in our store if you forget to bring your own! When playing music on the lake, please keep the volume at a respectful level. Sound carries easily across the water, so please be mindful of lake residents when playing music in coves.



What is the cancellation policy?

We understand that things happen and plans change! Please keep in mind the following cancellation requirements: • For daily rentals: Cancellation notice 48 hours prior to your reservation date is required. • For reservations of 3-days or more: Cancellation notice 3 weeks prior to the start of your reservation is required. • Cancellation must be requested in writing to our email: info@lakeeffectsboatrentals.com. • Last minute cancellations may result in forfeit of security deposit and/or the full price of the rental reservation if we are unable to re-book your reservation. • You will receive an email confirmation once your cancellation has been accepted.



Can I tube behind a jetski?

No. Unfortunately, due to high occurance of damages to jetskis, our insurance prohibits tubing behind a rental jetski. • Do not attempt to tow a tube or any other items behind a jetski. • Evidence of a jetski being used for any towing purposes will incur a damage/towing fee.



Is gas included with my rental?

No. You will leave our docks with a full tank of gas and we will fill the tank back up to full upon your return to the docks. You will be responsible for any gas used during your reservation period and will be asked to pay for gas at the end of your reservation.



My boat is being delivered. How do I pay for gas?

For reservations of 3 days or more: delivery is complimentary, however gas is not. Whether you choose to pick up your boat from our docks or have it delivered to your location, rental boats leave our docks with a full tank of gas. You are responsible for any gas used during your reservation period to include the gas it takes to get to and from your location. At the end of your rental period, the boat will be returned to a full tank of gas at our marina. The final gas amount will be charged to your reservation.



When will my boat be delivered?

For reservations of 3 days or more: As a courtesy, we attempt to deliver boats the night before your rental reservation begins. However, we cannot guarantee night before deliveries. Your boat boat must be cleaned and inspected once it returns from it’s previous renter at 6pm. We begin all deliveries after that time and will arrive at your location between 7pm - 9pm. If an unforeseen circumstance prevents us from delivering the night before, we will have your boat delivered to you the morning of your actual rental date. Night before delivery is considered a courtesy and free of charge.



When will my boat be picked up?

For reservations of 3 days or more: All courtesy pick ups begin at 5pm on the last day of your reservation. Please make sure your boat and equipment are at your dock and ready for pickup by 5pm. Delivery is complimentary, however gas is not. Whether you choose to pick up your boat from our docks or have it delivered to your location, rental boats leave our docks with a full tank of gas. You are responsible for any gas used during your reservation period to include the gas it takes to get to and from your location. At the end of your rental period, the boat will be returned to a full tank of gas at our marina. The final gas amount will be charged to your reservation.



What equipment will be delivered with the boat?

Our delivery team will bring the requested equipment and life jackets to your dock upon delivery of your boat. If you decide you need different life jackets sizes or equipment in addition to what you requested, you are welcome to stop by our location to exchange or pick up additional equipment. Give us a call or text us at 704-360-517 if you have any questions. We are happy to help!



If I have a boater's license from another state, do I have to have a NC boater's license?

No, as long as you have a valid boater's license, it can be from out of state.



When will I receive my security deposit refund?

We process security deposit refunds the next business day upon return of the rental. It may take 7-10 business days for your bank to process the refund to your account. Please keep in mind that in some situations a security deposit is not refunded due to damages or other fees incurred. You will be notified if this is the case. If you have not received your refund after 10 business days please feel free to reach out to us for assistance.



How do I setup surf on my boat?

To setup the Moomba Helix surf options: For more helpful videos, check out Lake Effects Boat Rentals on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS5wwrwaqPW6BfuRbVH4VBg



How do I pair the bluetooth speaker?

For Moomba/Monterey Bluetooth Speaker: For Jenson Bluetooth Speaker: