OPERATING & SAFETY RULES: 

NO PETS ALLOWED ON BOATS.

There are two “NO GO” Zones: The boat shall NOT BE OPERATED IN THE AREA:

• SOUTH OF BREAK WALLS (to the left as you head north out into the lake), even if you see other boats in the prohibited area, because there is thick aquatic vegetation, shallow water, and is often used by kayakers.

• WITHIN 100 YARDS of LAKEFRONT PARK (to the right as you head north out into the lake) marked by a row of white buoys.

CUSTOMER IS 100% LIABLE FOR ANY LEGAL CITATIONS, PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY AND LOSS OF LIFE FOR TRAVELING IN THE “NO GO” zones.

The Catherine Creek Canal all the way out to the bridge is a No Wake Zone which means go slow and do not create a wake.

Do Not attempt to beach boats anywhere in Seneca Lake. Pontoon and propeller damage can result. Customer will pay 100% of damages.

Prohibitions against drinking alcohol and/or consuming drugs apply to boating just the same as they do to driving.

Boating accidents do occur, and the lake is regularly patrolled – Be Responsible.

You will give way to ALL boats under sail or powered by humans at all times (kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddleboards). You will allow all oncoming boats to go by you to the left. These are US Coast Guard Rules. Find more info on our website, in the abridged NYS Boaters’ Guide.

Northern Limit of travel of boat is Peach Orchard Point on east (right) side, approximately 8 miles North of Watkins Glen. Corresponding limit on west (left) side of the lake is Glenora Point.

When returning please call us at 607-228-0420 or (Capt Jay 607-351-1917)as soon as you enter the Catherine Creek Canal and go under the bridge. This will alert SBR staff so they can assist in returning boat to the dock at Clute Park Public Boat Ramp.

GASOLINE

You will start off with a full tank. (24 gallons total) Feel free to use the entire amount, but BE CAREFUL not to run out of fuel. $250 for Rescue boat / Fuel Delivery Charges will apply if deployment of a boat is required for refueling. Once ½ the fuel is used, you should start heading directly back to the dock. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to keep track of fuel consumption.

REFUELING of the boat is to be performed by SUNSHINE BOAT RENTALS staff ONLY! NO EXCEPTIONS.

Extended Rentals: arrangements can be made for additional pre-filled tanks if needed. Fuel Tanks brought to the Marina will be filled at no charge with up to 24 gallons for each day the boat is rented.

SAFETY GEAR

Boat Capacity / Max Persons changes with each boat. DO NOT exceed the amount shown on the boat’s placard or allowed by Sunshine Boat Rentals.

We provide a throw cushion, fire extinguisher, horn/whistle and flares, and anchor & line. These are not to be used for any purposes other than in the event of an emergency

Any equipment misused will have to be paid for in full. We provide all required Safety Equipment for pontoons, with the exception of infant vests.

Life Vests are provided on board and are recommended to be worn at all times.

NY State Law requires that children under the age of 12 must wear a life vest at all times.

Cooking/Grilling on the boats is NOT ALLOWED.

WEATHER

Keep an eye out. Storms can come up quickly and unexpectedly and even from the opposite direction of the current wind. When in doubt, seek shelter by the shore in a protected area on the lake, or temporarily return to the dock. Bear in mind that we operate Rain or Shine, and a rental will NOT be cancelled and Refunded or Rescheduled due to weather. Renter assumes the financial risk of inclement weather.

BOAT OPERATION:

Special care should be taken to avoid floating or submerged obstructions in the water, including logs and grass mats. If grass gets entangled around the motor, or the boat seems sluggish, place the throttle in Neutral and allow the boat to stop. Then Reverse, and allow the grass to become dislodged.

When shifting, always pause in Neutral when going from Forward-to-Reverse, or Reverse-to-Forward. If this is not followed, the motor can be damaged, resulting in added charges for you.

TOWABLES / TUBES

Sorry, no towables and tubes are allowed on our boats.