How To Handle Last-Minute Boat Booking Issues

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Organizing a spur-of-the-moment day out on the water can be thrilling, particularly on Toronto’s beautiful waterfronts. As exciting as the idea is, a spontaneous boat trip may come with unanticipated challenges. Whether you are trying to book Gone Sailing Adventure’s yacht rental in Toronto for a special occasion or you just need to step out, it is important to acknowledge that last-minute booking logistics may be more stressful. This guide is intended to help you manage last-minute booking hiccups so you can enjoy your day. The following are key points to consider, as recommended by Gone Sailing Adventures professionals;

1. Understand the meaning of a last-minute boat rental booking.

Firstly, it is important to clarify what we consider a last-minute booking at Gone Sailing Adventures. The majority of boat rental companies in Toronto encourage their clients to book at least a day or two earlier, especially for party boats or larger yachts. At Gone Sailing Adventures, we consider bookings less than 24 hours before departure as urgent; therefore, clients may often be required to pay more and accept possible availability limitations. When you decide to book less than 24 hours late, you must know that we may not get your most preferred time slot or yacht of choice. However, with a bit more planning and flexibility, we may make it happen for you.

2. Use reliable and reputable boat rental companies such as Gone Sailing Adventures

You have a better chance of navigating last-minute booking challenges when you partner with trusted service providers like Gone Sailing Adventure. Our company guarantees clients instant booking confirmations and real-time availability. Moreover, we can quickly resolve emerging challenges as our support staff are tech-savvy. Most local yacht rental service providers in Toronto have mobile applications and live calendars that can be accessed via their respective websites. It is important to avoid individual service providers or even companies with unverified listings. These unreliable institutions often lack safety certifications and licensing, which makes them risky.

3. Embrace flexibility

As someone opting for spontaneous booking, flexibility is important. The Gone Sailing Adventure boats are a favourite among locals, especially on holidays and during the weekend. Therefore, clients making last-minute reservations for 2 PM boats should be open to using the noon or evening boats in case of limited availability. Many yachts rental companies in Toronto provide one to two-hour trip options, morning sails, and sunset cruises. Thus, we encourage our clients to be open to a range of hours to avoid disappointments.

4. Go for less popular trips and smaller vessels.

Party boats and yachts are often in high demand for both visitors and local seafarers. If you struggle finding a yacht rental in Toronto for a spontaneous afternoon on the water, then consider picking smaller boats such as Kayaks, speedboats, and pontoon boats. These less popular boats are easier to secure on short notice and can make a big difference for last-minute bookings.

Moreover, they are more affordable as they don’t require a crew or a captain.

5. Prepare your identification documents beforehand.

Failure or delays in providing your identification documents during a short-notice boat rental booking may further complicate potential hiccups. Just like other boat rental service providers, Gone Sailing Adventure requires clients to have valid credit cards for bookings and official national identity cards. Clients who wish to go on the trip without a crew or a captain are expected to provide relevant certification and licenses that confirm their boating training and experience. Digital documentation can further help speed the process.

6. Confirm relevant details before submission.

We encourage clients to confirm the following vital information before checking in;

  • Pickup time and locations
  • The service providers’ emergency contacts
  • Elevant cleaning and fuel guidelines
  • Available amenities include coolers, sound systems, and life jackets
  • Cancellation policies
  • Current and predicted weather patterns

Unnecessary misunderstandings at departure can cause further delay or even cancellation. Therefore, sticking to this guideline will ensure you are on the same page with the service providers.

7. Expect a restricted trip customization.

Clients booking our services last minute must understand that their customization options are restricted. We may not be able to provide you with your preferred drink selection, decoration, and music playlists. For these reasons, we encourage clients to make the best of such trips by bringing along simple snacks and Bluetooth speakers. Moreover, clients should also come with their beverages and sunscreens to allow them to focus on their experiences.

8. Book with a captain

We encourage ur clients who are unfamiliar with sailing to select yacht rental options with a professional captain. Having a qualified and experienced captain not only reduces stress and liability but also provides clients with scenic route suggestions and local insights into the most scenic routes.

9. Consider back-ups

Setting up backup options will prevent you from scrambling last minute. We advise clients to use local companies such as Gone Sailing Adventure, Boatsetter, and GetMyBot, among others, to expand their options.

Let the journey begin, a world of adventures, relaxation, and memories awaits!

YOUR SAFETY IS AT RISK

When considering chartering a yacht in Canada, we know you have many options. Some of these options look super exciting and at ridiculously great prices. Recent trends in the industry have opened the door for many unqualified individuals to purchase boats and offer charter services to the unsuspecting public. It’s easy to create a website and even easier to just list a boat on sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Getmyboat, Boat Setter and many others.

Unfortunately, many of these operators are NOT licensed, insured or qualified to accept your trust on the water.

In order to be licensed and insured a number of items MUST be in place. Listed are just a few.

  • The operator must be licensed by Transport Canada with a commercial license known as either:
    – Limited Master under 60tonne.
    – Small Vessel Operators Permit (SVOP).
  • The name of the vessel must be visible on the stern (back) or the registration number beginning with the letter “C” must be visible on the side of the vessel near the front. Boats with a registration number beginning with “ON” are not licensed for passengers.
  • If the vessel is under 12m (40’) it should participate in the Transport Canada Small Vessel Compliance Program and display a “Blue Decal” and have corresponding certificate.
  • If the vessel is over 12m (40’) or carries more than 12 passengers, it MUST BE INSPECTED by Transport Canada and have an inspection certificate on board.
  • All vessels must have commercial liability insurance and coverage specifically for the number of passengers approved to be carried on board.
  • The vessel must comply with commercial safety requirements beyond recreational standards. Many of these illegal operators do not have the proper training, carry proper safety equipment, nor do their recreational boats meet the design/construction requirements of a commercial, passenger carrying vessel. These illegal operators try to stay under the radar of Police/OPP/RCMP/Transport Canada by:
  • hiding the name of their vessel by hanging items over the stern
  • not letting you know where they will have you board until just before the start of your charter.
  • pick you up at a public park (where docking is not permitted).
  • suggest to you that you are friends of the owner/operator out for a ride and not a paying customer.
  • allow you to drink alcohol while the boat is underway (illegal-same as a car) but tell you to hide your bottles etc.
  • insist on a cash transaction or part of it as a way of defrauding the internet listing company.
  • Make you sign a “Charter Agreement” just before you board without giving you details of the document beforehand.

    Over the last few years there have been a number of deaths and even more accidents resulting from these types of operators. Be safe and know who you are getting on a boat with. All licensed operators should willingly display their credentials, and most are members of the Passenger & Commercial Vessel Association (PCVA).

    Link to Global News Report on Charter Accidents

Check before you book
&
Know before you Go!

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