Commonly Asked Questions
How old do I need to be to rent a boat? What other requirements need to be met?
To rent and operate any boat you must be at least 21 years old with a valid divers license. For the safety of all passengers and to ensure an enjoyable experience, we require that renters have prior boating experience. If you are a first-time boater or are nervous about driving a rental boat, we recommend hiring an experienced captain. We’re happy to assist with recommendations or help arrange a captain for your trip. A captain will incur an additional charge. Call Kent for advice.
When is payment due and how do I make a reservation for a boat rental?
For a one day boat rental, the full amount will be charged at time of booking. For a multi-day boat rental, a deposit is required and the remaining balance is due 10 days prior to your rental date and will be charged to your credit card on file. You can make the payment in your customer portal anytime. Full payment is also accepted at time of booking if you so choose. You can book online or call Kent directly to make a reservation for your boat rental.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel more than 10 days from your rental date there is a 3.5% administration fee. If you cancel less than 10 days out, but more than 48 hours from your rental date then there is a 15% fee charged. There are no refunds given 48 hours or less from the rental date. If on the day you rent it is hazardous to be on the water (such as lightning or very high winds) then we will first try to move you to another day if possible, if another day will not work then a full refund will be given, minus a 3.5% administration fee.
Do you allow pets?
We suggest the lake is best viewed while leaving your pets either at home or a boarding facility to keep them out of the hot summer sun. Since we understand this isn’t practical for every situation we do allow small dogs (less than 35lbs) in our boats if you pay the pet fee of $65. Please call if you have questions. This fee covers only 1 dog and you must keep them off the seats. You are responsible for any damage caused by your pet including any messes they make. Any signs of an unauthorized pet being onboard will incur a $250 fee. Our fishing boat has no restriction on size of dog.
Can we ski or tube behind the boats?
You can tube, ski, and wakeboard behind our pontoons and ski boats. We offer tubes, wakeboards, skis, free of charge with a boat rental from Kent’s Coeur d’Alene Boat Rentals.
Where are we allowed to go on the lake?
We allow our watercraft to travel nearly the whole lake as well as the Spokane River. We require that customers do not go any further south than Harrison, as past this point there are many shallow spots and hazards in the water. We do not recommend going to Harrison as it takes up your whole day! We have tried the ice cream and have found better in Coeur d’Alene. We do not allow our watercraft to go on either the Coeur d’Alene River or the St Joe River. There are many miles of lake and river to play on so you will not get bored with seeing the same view. Safe and defensive boating is what we ask all our customers to practice and this includes obeying all no-wake zones and keeping away from the shoreline as well as other boats. For this reason, we encourage our renters to head out onto the more spacious Lake Coeur d’Alene, rather than boat on the Spokane River. There are shallow bays on the lake as well as sea weed/milfoil in spots so be sure to stay in the middle of the lake.
Passenger & Weight Capacity
Each boat has its own Coast Guard approved weight and passenger capacity. If these limits are exceeded, the rental may be canceled at Kent’s discretion with no refunds issued. Safety is a top priority, and final judgement rests with Kent, according to the law.
Where do we meet?
Our on-water location is next to the Harbor Center at 1031 N Academic Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. There is free on-site parking and you just walk down to the Marina and board your boat. Look for the big blue GAS sign.
What extra fees are charged?
At Kent’s CDA Boat Rentals we do not charge extra for equipment, no upcharge for gas, and no mandatory “damage fee” or “insurance fee”. You will be charged tax and a small online booking fee. You are responsible for refueling the boat. We have gas pumps at our dock to make the end of your day stress free. We only charge a pet fee when you choose to bring a small pet onboard.
Where do we get gas?
There are several marinas around Lake Coeur d’Alene that sell gas. If you need fuel during your boat rental please stop and get some. Watercraft gauges are never 100% accurate and we highly recommend getting fuel before reaching a ¼ tank remaining. Conveniently refuel at our dock when you return the boat, making the end of your rental stress free.
Is there a cleaning fee?
The $50 cleaning fee ONLY applies if the boat is returned in an excessively dirty condition, beyond normal use, that would require extra time and effort to clean. To avoid this charge, we kindly ask renters to return the boat in a reasonably clean state.
Does the rental come with personal flotation devices or life jackets?
Yes, every rental includes free of charge a PFD for each person up to the capacity of the boat you have rented. Children’s vests will be provided as well. Laws require children 14 and under in a boat 14 feet or less to wear vests at all times while on the boat. We recommend kids 10 and under always keep a vest on whole boating.
Am I required to have a boater’s license?
No, there is no boater’s license required in the state of Idaho. We will go through operations with every driver prior to your rental. We strongly recommend that all renters familiarize themselves with Idaho boating laws and responsibilities found at this link https://assets.kalkomey.com/boater/pdfs/handbook/idaho-handbook-entire.pdf
Do you deliver?
We are located at Lakeside Water Rentals at the mouth of the Spokane River on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Our watercraft are stored in the water and are ready to depart from the dock. We have delivery options to other lakes, but you must call to make arrangements prior to making a reservation. If you would like delivery of your rental boat directly to your dock on Lake Coeur d’Alene or the Spokane River, please call Kent to inquire about your options.
Can I trailer the watercraft?
Unfortunately we do not allow any watercraft to be trailered by customers. With all of our watercraft being already on the water in slips, we are able to cutout the hassle of crowded boats launches. This make the boarding process much easier and enjoyable for you our guest.
