Starting a Boat Rental Business: Step-By-Step Startup

Start a Boat Rental: Legal Steps, Gear, and Launch Plan

Start With Fit: Is This Business Right for You?

Picture weekends by the water, steady inquiries, and a queue at the dock. Now think about the flip side. You’ll manage safety, weather delays, and repairs. You’ll make calls when the wind picks up and a renter wants to push off anyway.

Ask yourself why customers would choose you. Is it cleaner boats, safer briefings, longer hours, or easier booking? Do you have family support during peak season? Will you handle inspections, insurance, and paperwork without stress? If you need a broader gut-check, walk through the basics of starting and owning a business before you commit.

Use these deep dives to test your fit: startup considerations, an inside look at business ownership, and a quick read on passion and staying power. Not sure if you should build or buy? See build vs. buy for perspective.

Confirm you can access safe, legal launch points and dock space for your fleet.
Decide whether you’ll start small and scale or aim for a full lineup on day one.
Set a clear personal limit for risk and debt before you spend a dollar.

What You’ll Offer: Services and Packages

Customers want simple options. Keep your offers clear, with time blocks and what’s included. That clarity reduces questions at the counter and speeds up check-outs.

Think about what works on your waterway. Calm lakes favor pontoons and kayaks. Bigger water can support runabouts and personal watercraft. If you plan “captained” trips, understand that carrying passengers for hire triggers different federal rules than bareboat rentals where the renter operates the vessel.

Consider add-ons that improve safety and fun. A good life jacket fit, a dry bag, or a towable tube can make the day. Bundle for simplicity.

Time blocks: hourly, half-day, and full-day rentals with clear pickup/return rules.
Fleet choices: pontoons, runabouts, personal watercraft, sailboats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes.
Add-ons: safety gear packages, dry bags, coolers, towable tubes, and waterproof phone cases.
Delivery: drop-off to local docks or ramps with a defined radius and fees.
Captained trips (optional): sightseeing or instruction—different compliance applies than bareboat rentals.

Skills You Need (Learn or Hire)

You need two sets of skills: business skills and water-based skills. You can learn them, hire for them, or mix both. Aim for safe operations and clean paperwork from day one.

On the business side, you’ll budget, price, schedule, and market. You’ll keep records for taxes and permits. On the water, you’ll handle docking, brief renters, and spot risks fast. If a skill is missing, decide if you’ll get training or bring in help.

Build your bench early. A trusted advisor, a marine mechanic, and an insurance broker make life easier. For structure, see building a team of advisors and how and when to hire.

Business skills: budgeting, pricing, scheduling, customer service, recordkeeping, and basic contracts.
Boat and safety skills: docking and line handling, pre-rental safety briefings, and equipment checks by vessel length and water conditions.
Compliance know-how: understanding federal Navigation Rules, safety equipment requirements, and state rental (livery) rules; knowing when captained service changes the rules you must follow.
Fill the gaps: enroll in approved boating-safety training, hire experienced dock staff, or retain a marine technician.

Market Research That Matters

Your waterway sets the ceiling. How many peak-season days can you count on? How close are hotels, campgrounds, and short-term rentals? Do marinas already rent? What’s missing that you could own—a better briefing, cleaner boats, or simpler booking?

Study how demand rises and falls. Watch weather and tourism trends. Look at competing rental terms, deposits, age rules, and add-ons. Then decide where you fit. If you offer delivery, map out the time it adds between bookings.

Anchor your thinking with basics like supply and demand and how price sends a signal. If you need a refresher, see supply and demand and pricing your services.

Demand check: local tourism numbers, hotel occupancy, and short-term rental density around the water.
Competitive scan: fleet types, hours, blackout dates, deposits, damage policies, and reviews.
Access realities: public ramps, dock leases, marina space, parking, and no-wake or permit-only zones.
Policy review: age and boater-education rules for renters; any required rental permits; park concessions if operating on public lands or inside park boundaries.

Varies by jurisdiction: Verify rental rules with your state boating agency, business license with your city or county portal, and park concessions with the state parks office or the National Park Service if you plan to operate inside a national park. Check with the harbor or port authority where one exists.

Business Model and a One-Page Plan

Keep the model simple. Choose three to five main packages, a short add-on menu, and clear policies. Your plan should explain who you serve, your offer, your pricing logic, and how you’ll get bookings.

Write a short plan you can use tomorrow. One page is fine at this stage. If you want a fuller guide, see how to write a business plan and shape your direction with a mission statement.

Think about the flip side as you plan. What if a storm wipes out a holiday weekend? What if fuel access tightens? Build buffers in your schedule and policies.

Positioning: safety-first, clean fleet, and fast check-outs; highlight what you do better than rivals.
Packages: half-day and full-day on pontoons and runabouts, hourly on kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and premium add-ons.
Policies: age and boater-education checks, deposits, damage, late return fees, weather cancellations, and fuel handling.
Pricing logic: tie to peak demand, fleet turnover time, and local alternatives; keep it simple and visible.
Sales channels: website booking engine, walk-ups, hotel partners, and campground referrals.

Funding: What You’ll Need and Where It Might Come From

Plan your budget before you hunt for money. Boats, trailers, safety gear, dock access, and insurance will drive your needs. The rest is systems and setup—contracts, software, and training.

Use savings where you can. If you consider loans, prepare clean entity records and realistic assumptions. Lenders will look at collateral, seasonality, and your experience. Keep the story simple and factual.

Don’t rush this step. A careful budget helps you avoid cutting corners later when safety and customer experience are on the line.

Typical budget buckets: fleet and trailers, required safety equipment by vessel type, dock or marina access, launch and storage logistics, insurance, software, and initial marketing.
Possible sources: savings, personal loans, business loans, partner equity, or buying a small existing operation.
Documentation: entity formation proof, Employer Identification Number, a one-page plan, and basic cash-flow assumptions.

Legal and Compliance Essentials

Keep compliance tight and simple. Form your business with your state, get an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service, and check your state tax setup. Then handle the water-specific parts: safety equipment rules, renter education, rental permits (often called livery permits), and any park or dock permissions.

Understand federal pieces. U.S. Inland Navigation Rules apply on inland waters; International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) apply seaward of the COLREGS demarcation lines.

If you carry passengers for hire with a captain, you step into a different federal framework than bareboat rentals. If you place structures like docks or moorings in navigable waters, you’ll work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

If your above-ground oil storage meets certain thresholds, the Environmental Protection Agency’s oil pollution prevention rules may apply.

Local steps matter too. Many cities and counties require a business license or tax certificate and confirm zoning for waterfront activity. If you set up an office or shop, your building department may require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Marinas and ports can have their own rules and contracts.

Entity and tax: form your LLC or corporation with your State Secretary of State; get your Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service; register with your State Department of Revenue as required.
Boating rules: follow federal Navigation Rules; equip each vessel with the required safety gear by vessel length and waters; confirm state livery permit, renter education, and recordkeeping rules.
Parks and docks: obtain a Commercial Use Authorization from the National Park Service if operating inside a national park; seek state park concession agreements where needed; contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before placing structures in navigable waters.
Environmental: review oil storage plans against Environmental Protection Agency thresholds and keep spill kits and procedures as required; manage used oil and batteries properly.

Smart questions to ask: your state boating agency—“Do I need a livery permit, renter education proof, or specific records?” your city or county—“Do I need a business license and zoning clearance for a dock office or mobile delivery model?” a local marina or port—“What insurance and contract terms are required?” the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—“Does my dock or mooring plan need authorization?” the National Park Service—“Is a Commercial Use Authorization required for my trips inside the park?”

Varies by jurisdiction: Verify entity and assumed name with your State Secretary of State portal, tax setup with your State Department of Revenue, rental requirements with your state boating agency, local licensing and zoning with your city or county business portal, park concessions with state parks or the National Park Service, and dock or mooring permissions with your U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District.

Name, Brand, and Online Presence

Pick a name customers can spell and remember. Check if it’s available in your state and if the matching domain and social handles are open. If you’ll operate under a name different from your legal entity, file an assumed name as your state requires.

Keep your brand clean and readable. A simple logo, a few colors, and one clear message about safety and service go a long way. Build a website that lets customers book in minutes and find rules fast.

Need a guide? See how to create your website, craft a basic brand kit, and use simple business cards and a business sign to make the dock easy to find.

Confirm name availability with the state and file any assumed name required.
Register your domain and secure your main social handles.
Build a fast, mobile-friendly site with clear packages, rules, FAQs, and a booking engine.
Create a logo, color palette, and simple templates for signs and handouts.

Equipment and Software Checklist

Buy for safety first, then for speed of turnover. Each vessel must carry the required safety equipment based on its length and the waters you operate on. Label capacity clearly and keep equipment organized so staff can verify it at a glance.

Match the fleet to your water and customer demand. Start with a workable mix and expand as you learn your market. Keep spares on hand for parts that fail under load—propellers, lines, batteries, and latches.

Choose software that reduces friction. Your booking, payments, and dispatch tools should talk to each other and give you a clean view of who’s on the water and when they’re due back.

Fleet and transport: pontoons and runabouts; personal watercraft; kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards; trailers with winches and tie-downs; vehicle with towing capacity; spare propellers and shear pins.
Required safety gear (by vessel length and waters): U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets sized for adults and children; throwable device for vessels 16 feet and longer (except canoes and kayaks); sound-signaling device; fire extinguishers as required; navigation lights visual distress signals (VDS) when operating on coastal waters (including the Great Lakes and connected waters): devices suitable for day and night on boats 16 feet and longer, and night VDS on boats under 16 feet;
Dock and shore setup: dock space or moorings; fenders, cleats, and lines; fuel storage and dispensing setup where allowed; spill kits and absorbent pads; lockable storage; potable water and shore power; first-aid kits and emergency throw lines; clear safety and wayfinding signs.
Operations office: reservation and point-of-sale system; contract and waiver templates; ID scanner or camera; label printer; radios or phones; secure key control; visible capacity and rules signage.
Maintenance and shop: tool sets; battery chargers and testers; pressure washer and shop vac; lubricants and filters; trailer jacks; personal protective equipment.
Transport aids: dollies; transom savers; tie-downs; wheel chocks; spare tires; reflective triangles.
Emergency and compliance: incident forms; overdue vessel checklist; weather alert apps; laminated safety brief script; contact list for local first responders and harbor authority.
Software to consider: online booking and scheduling, payment processing, digital waivers, fleet and maintenance tracking, call routing, email and text reminders, and basic bookkeeping.

Physical Setup and Logistics

Decide how you’ll stage the day. Will you run from a marina slip with a small office? Will you deliver boats to ramps? You can start with a home office for admin and use lockable dock storage if the marina allows it.

Plan your load-in and load-out. Map where customers park, sign waivers, fit life jackets, and get briefed. Keep returns simple with a clear lane and a quick inspection routine.

If you open a physical office or shop, your building department may require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Factor that into your timeline.

Secure dock or slip agreements and confirm on-site rules and signage standards.
Lay out customer flow: check-in, payment, life jacket sizing, briefing, and launch.
Stage fueling and spill response where allowed; keep fire extinguishers visible and accessible.
Set up storage for safety gear, keys, and documents; protect sensitive items from moisture.
Prepare a weather plan with clear go/no-go rules and refund options.

Varies by jurisdiction: Confirm zoning and business license with your city or county, check Certificate of Occupancy needs with your building department, and get harbor or port approvals where applicable.

Insurance and Risk Management

Insurance is part of your safety net. At a minimum, plan for general liability and coverage for the boats themselves. Many marinas require proof of coverage. Some states also set insurance rules for rental liveries.

Use an agent who understands marine risks. You’ll need coverage terms that fit rentals, not private use. Keep certificates current and easy to produce.

If you use trailers on public roads, add commercial auto coverage. If you hire staff, prepare for workers’ compensation if your state requires it.

Common lines: general liability, hull and machinery, protection and indemnity (P&I), property, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation where required.
Action items: gather your fleet list, storage and docking details, training program, renter rules, and incident procedures for your broker.
Proof: keep certificates ready for marinas, parks, and partners; renew on time.

Varies by jurisdiction: Confirm workers’ compensation thresholds with your state’s labor agency and check any state-specific livery insurance requirements with your state boating agency.

Maintenance and Supplier Relationships

A clean, reliable fleet is your reputation. Set a routine that catches small issues before they become big ones. Track hours on each vessel and schedule service.

Build relationships that shorten downtime. A nearby marine mechanic, a responsive parts supplier, and a dependable fuel source make peak days smoother.

Keep disposal legal and clean. Used oil, batteries, and absorbents need proper handling. Set a simple process and train staff to follow it.

Set daily, weekly, and seasonal checklists for inspection, cleaning, and service.
Stock fast-moving parts: spark plugs, fuses, lines, propeller hardware, and latches.
Line up vendors for parts, fuel, safety gear, and graphics/signs.
Document service in a simple log with hours, dates, and notes.

Pre-Launch Readiness

Test your entire flow before opening day. Walk through a full booking, check-in, safety brief, launch, return, and inspection. You’ll spot confusing steps and fix them before paying customers arrive.

Prepare your paperwork. Your rental agreement, damage policy, and safety checklist should be simple and easy to explain. Train staff to use a short, consistent safety brief.

Make payments painless. Accept cards and contactless payments. Send confirmations and reminders. Keep your refund policy clear.

Create your rental agreement, waiver, safety brief script, and incident and overdue checklists.
Load packages, add-ons, deposits, and rules into your booking and payment systems.
Run mock rentals with friends or advisors; time each step and refine.
Train staff on fitting life jackets, equipment checks, docking help, and customer communication.

Varies by jurisdiction: Some states prescribe renter instruction and records for rental liveries. Confirm requirements with your state boating agency and adjust your paperwork and training accordingly.

Go-Live Checklist

Launch with confidence by double-checking the essentials. Keep the list short and visible. When you can tick every box, open the doors.

Plan a simple marketing kickoff. Update your website, notify local hotels and campgrounds, and add clear dock signage. A steady trickle of first customers beats a surge you can’t handle.

Want a quick marketing outline? See how to create a basic marketing plan and make sure your website answers every common question in one page.

Business formed, Employer Identification Number issued, and state tax accounts set up if required.
State rental (livery) requirements confirmed; renter instruction and record rules built into your flow.
Local business license and zoning confirmed; dock, marina, or port approvals in place.
Safety equipment verified on each vessel by length and waters; capacity and rules signage posted.
Insurance bound; certificates on file for marinas and partners.
Booking, payment, and waiver systems tested; refund rules published.
Staff trained; safety brief and checklists laminated at the counter.
Website live with packages, rules, location map, and booking links; signs in place at the dock.

Take a breath. You’ve built a clear, safe way for people to enjoy the water. Keep it simple, keep it honest, and keep improving what matters most—safety, clean boats, and a smooth day on the water.

101 Tips for Running Your Boat Rental Business

New to the industry? These tips give you concrete steps you can put to work today. Use them to make safer decisions, set clear policies, and run a rental people recommend. Read through once, then act on the sections that matter most right now.

Whenever a rule could differ by state or city, verify with your state boating agency and local business licensing office. When in doubt, favor safety, clarity, and simple systems you can teach to anyone on your team.

What to Do Before Starting

Confirm you have legal, reliable access to the water you plan to use, including dock space, launch ramps, and parking for customers.
Map your season length using historic weather and tourism patterns so you can set realistic hours, staffing, and cash flow expectations.
Call your state boating agency and ask whether a rental livery permit is required, what renter education is mandated, and what records you must keep.
If you’ll operate in a state or national park, ask about commercial permits, insurance requirements, and approved launch points before you invest.
If you plan to build or place docks or moorings in navigable waters, contact the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers district to learn what authorizations apply.
Decide whether you will be a pure rental (renter operates) or also offer captained trips; carrying passengers for hire triggers different federal requirements.
Draft a one-page business plan that lists your core packages, prices, policies, and how you’ll get bookings during peak and shoulder seasons.
Line up an insurance broker who understands marine risks and rentals; ask what evidence of coverage marinas and public agencies typically require.
Verify local zoning and business licensing for a dock office, kiosk, or mobile delivery model so you can set up without delays.
Create a startup budget that covers fleet, required safety gear by vessel length, storage, fuel handling, software, signs, and training materials.

What Successful Boat Rental Business Owners Do

Standardize a pre-rental safety briefing that covers local hazards, no-wake zones, capacity limits, and what to do if weather changes suddenly.
Post capacity limits and basic rules on every boat and at the counter so staff and renters see the same message.
Keep a maintenance log for each vessel that tracks hours, inspections, repairs, and parts replaced to spot patterns early.
Use checklists for opening, pre-launch inspection, return inspection, and closing—then audit them weekly.
Train staff to fit life jackets correctly and verify required equipment before every departure and after every return.
Document incidents and near-misses on the same day and review them monthly to adjust procedures.
Build relationships with marina managers, harbor officials, and first responders so you can coordinate during busy or hazardous days.
Stage spare gear—propellers, lines, fuses, and batteries—so a small failure doesn’t cancel a booking.
Practice docking and emergency drills with staff at the start of the season and after any turnover.
Schedule short turnover buffers between bookings to allow for cleaning, fueling, and unplanned fixes without cascading delays.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Write a step-by-step check-in process: greet, verify ID and age, confirm any state boater-education requirements, collect payment, and walk through the briefing.
Use a single, plain-language rental agreement and waiver; teach staff to explain key points in under two minutes.
Verify required safety equipment by vessel length before every trip: wearable life jackets, throwable device if applicable, sound device, fire extinguisher, navigation lights, and visual distress signals where required.
Create a fueling procedure that includes spill prevention, a designated fueling area if allowed, and a cleanup checklist.
Keep a spill kit with absorbent pads near fueling areas and train staff on how and when to use it.
Assign radios or phones to staff and set call signs and check-in intervals during peak hours for faster coordination.
Maintain a key control system that tracks which keys are out, with time stamps tied to each booking.
Stage a “go bag” on each boat with laminated rules, local map, emergency numbers, and a basic tool kit.
Use an equipment ID system (tags or QR codes) so you can tie any damage or loss to the right booking quickly.
Create a repair triage: what is fixed immediately on site, what goes to the shop, and when a vessel is pulled from service.
Set a daily vessel rotation to balance hours across the fleet and reduce uneven wear.
Cross-train staff so at least two people can cover check-in, briefings, fueling, and dispatch.
Hold a five-minute shift huddle to review weather risks, hazard reports, and capacity each morning.
Use a digital calendar or board to display boat status—available, out, due in, cleaning, repair—in real time.
Back up contracts, waivers, and incident logs daily to a secure location you can access if the office system fails.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Learn the Inland Navigation Rules basics and teach your team how they apply to your waterway, including right-of-way and sound signals.
State rental livery rules can require permits, renter education, specific records, and sometimes insurance; verify details with your state boating agency.
Age and boater-education rules often differ for personal watercraft; confirm minimum ages and education proof requirements.
Vessel registration and titling rules apply to rental fleets; keep certificates on file and onboard as required.
If you operate inside a national park, a commercial authorization is typically required; expect insurance and reporting conditions.
Placing or modifying structures in navigable waters generally requires authorization; contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before you build.
Oil storage above certain thresholds can trigger federal spill prevention planning; count all containers that meet the rule.
Seasonal demand often concentrates on weekends and holidays; plan pricing, staffing, and fleet availability accordingly.
Check for lake drawdowns, drought restrictions, or flood controls that can affect depth, access, and speed limits.
Some areas require aquatic invasive species inspections or decontamination; know the local protocol to avoid fines and delays.
Noise and no-wake rules can be strictly enforced in residential coves; include them in your briefing and signage.
Expect stronger liability exposure than many retail businesses; align insurance, training, and documentation with that reality.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Claim and complete your business profile on major map platforms so visitors can find hours, pricing ranges, and booking info.
Create a one-page website with clear packages, rules, frequently asked questions, and a simple booking button.
Partner with hotels, campgrounds, and short-term rental hosts; provide a rate sheet and an easy referral process.
Place clear directional signs within marina rules so walk-ups know where to park, check in, and return equipment.
Publish peak-day booking alerts and last-minute openings in the morning to convert indecisive customers.
Use high-quality photos that show clean boats, fitted life jackets, and happy groups in safe conditions.
Offer add-on bundles—cooler plus dry bags, or towable tube plus rope—to increase convenience and average order value.
Schedule preseason promotions for locals to build early reviews and word of mouth.
Ask permission to share customer photos and include a quick note about safety in every caption.
Join local tourism and chamber groups to get listed in visitor guides and event calendars.
Print simple rack cards for hotel lobbies and visitor centers with a map, top packages, and booking instructions.
Track which channels drive bookings and shift spend toward the highest-converting partners and keywords.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

Send a confirmation that repeats key rules—arrival time, required ID, age and education checks, and weather policy—so there are no surprises at the counter.
At check-in, verify age and any required boater-education proof before you take final payment.
Use a local map during the briefing to point out hazards, no-wake areas, speed limits, and approved zones.
Show how to start, stop, dock, and use emergency equipment; a one-minute demonstration prevents many problems.
Give renters a simple laminated quick-start card to keep at the helm for the entire trip.
Publish a clear late-return policy that explains grace periods, fees, and how to call if they’re delayed.
Offer a short text check-in halfway through longer rentals to answer questions and reinforce safe behavior.
Make extensions easy when the schedule allows; collect payment immediately and update due-back time in the system.
Explain deposit and damage policies in plain English before departure and again during the return inspection.
Invite renters to book their next outing at checkout with a small, time-limited return-customer perk.
Keep a list of family-friendly routes and calmer times of day; suggest them to first-timers.
Provide simple accommodations when possible—sun protection tips, seating preferences, and mobility-friendly boarding options.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

Publish a weather policy that covers unsafe conditions, who makes the call, and how refunds or credits work.
Offer a punctuality pledge you can keep—such as departing within a defined window after check-in—so customers trust your schedule.
Photograph hull condition and propellers at check-out and return to reduce disputes and speed up resolutions.
Use a calm, step-by-step damage review process that focuses on facts, photos, and contract language.
Escalate safety concerns to a manager immediately and document the outcome before the next rental.
Invite private feedback by email or text within 24 hours and respond to public reviews with short, solution-oriented replies.
Track service issues by type and time to spot patterns you can fix with training or equipment changes.
Set a response-time standard for messages and calls and publish it so customers know when to expect an answer.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

Prevent spills with careful fueling procedures, drip-control tools, and trained staff positioned at the nozzle and vent.
Recycle used oil and batteries through approved programs and keep receipts with your maintenance logs.
Choose boat soaps and cleaners labeled as environmentally considerate and use them sparingly away from the waterline.
Switch to reusable items—dry bags, drinkware suggestions, and laminated maps—to cut waste and restocking costs.
Keep engines tuned, props undamaged, and hulls clean to reduce fuel consumption and noise.
Brief renters on respectful wildlife distances and shoreline protection to minimize environmental impact.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

Subscribe to safety updates from your state boating agency and review any rental or livery changes before the season starts.
Check marine forecasts and hazard statements daily and adjust operations for wind, lightning, and visibility risks.
Review federal guidance annually on safety equipment, navigation rules, and recordkeeping that affect rentals.
Attend marina, harbor, or park concession meetings to hear about rule changes, projects, or ramp closures early.
Ask your broker for an annual insurance review that covers fleet changes, claims trends, and required limits.
Keep a one-page compliance checklist and re-verify every spring before you take bookings.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Write a severe-weather plan that covers early closures, recalls, customer notifications, and safe shelter options.
Build a flexible staffing plan with on-call shifts for peak holidays and calm-weather surges.
Adjust packages and pricing for shoulder seasons to maintain bookings without overextending fleet hours.
Change fleet mix over time based on actual usage and maintenance data, not guesses.
Adopt mobile check-in and digital waivers to speed lines and cut paperwork handling.
Create a short, plain-language change log so staff knows exactly what procedures shifted and why.

What Not to Do

Do not skip or rush the safety briefing; a fast departure now often turns into a longer incident later.
Do not exceed posted capacity or allow unsafe loading; enforce limits even when the dock is busy.
Do not treat captained trips as rentals; carrying passengers for hire has different federal requirements you must meet first.
Do not store fuel or oil haphazardly; keep containers secured, labeled, and away from drains with spill materials on hand.

Sources: U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety, eCFR, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Weather Service, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Small Business Administration, NASBLA, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety, eCFR, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Small Business Administration