ALL BOAT DRIVERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR AND AGREES TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS TO BE ABLE TO HIRE THE CRAFT
➥ Prior to setting off, you will be given detailed briefing on the operation, equipment and safe handling of vessel by trained Swan Boat Hire staff.
➥ The driver has sufficient skills to drive the hire vessel. They are medically fit to drive the vessel (without medical conditions) and must use this vessel in a safe and responsible manner, with regard for all vessel passengers, other vessels, swimmers and hire equipment.
➥ Whilst on the water the driver must contact Swan Boat Hire on 07 54437225 immediately in the case of any mechanical difficulties or safety issues.
➥ The driver must remain under 0.05 % BAC during hire time and is responsible for ALL of my passenger’s actions during the hire and until safely on shore.
➥ The driver must only carry the maximum number of passengers for which the vessel is licensed and they will remain inside the vessel while underway.
➥ The driver will be aware it is prohibited and dangerous to ride on the bow (the nose) of the small vessels or outside the gate on Pontoon and Cruiser vessels.
➥ The driver will be aware vessels are restricted from entering the Maroochy Waters Canals, unless authorized by Swan Boat Hire staff prior to departure from shop. While in the canals, drivers will observe all speed limits including 6 knot speed limit (walking pace), disregard for this results in hire termination.
➥ WARNING! Hire vessel is not permitted to approach river mouth, cross the bar or enter the ocean. Access to Cornmeal Creek (Plaza), beyond the shoals sign in North channel and the 2nd rock wall in South channel, also Pincushion area is also forbidden. Disregard for this results in hire termination.
➥ Drivers are not permitted to tow another vessel experiencing any difficulties whilst they are on the water. They must contact Swan Boat Hire for assistance. The hire vessel must stay 30 meters clear of all swimmers, non-motorized craft, obstructions and other vessels.
➥ Drivers must promptly report to shop at hire completion with all equipment (map/manual, esky, handlines). Deposit is withheld if equipment is damaged/missing. Hirers returning after the hire closing time for that day, must pay for the extra hire time plus a 50% surcharge and/or will lose full deposit.
➥ Hirer’s will leave an imprint of my credit card for security if my pontoon group is consuming alcohol e.g. Bucks/Hens Party, 18th, 21st, Christmas Party etc.
Failure to comply with any of the abovementioned conditions will result in the termination of hire and forfeiture of all monies paid. Driver’s will need to sign a carbon copy of these terms prior to departing from shore, acknowledge the exact number of people onboard the vessel and accept full responsibility for any damages caused to this or any vessel or party and legal recovery costs.
BOAT HIRE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Christmas and September Holidays: 8:00am-4:30pm for hire and 7:30am-4:30pm for the shop 7 days (weather permitting)
All other periods: 8:00am-4:00pm for hire and 7:30-4:30pm for the shop 7 days
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We are in a food/retail van parked in a car park opposite 71 Bradman Avenue Maroochydore, adjacent to the BBQ area and right next to the beach where the boats are moored.
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Anyone over the age of 18, who is under their blood alcohol level limit can hire our boats.
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A boating licence is not required as we provide detailed tuition on safe boating practice, navigation and observing speed limits. A car license or passport is required as a form of photo identification. We do not have any fast boats that require licenced drivers.
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We sell bait, tackle, ice, drinks, snack food, ice cream, hats and sunscreen.
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We hire crab pots, fishing rods, buckets, knives and cutting boards and eskies.
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If you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible on 0403601452 or via email: [email protected]. The hire fee will be held by Swan Boat Hire and you have 12 months to reschedule another hire.
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Yes we are pet friendly on all of our boats and paddle craft. We suggest bringing some water and a bowl for your pet to drink from. Please clean up any mess left by your pet on returning the hire craft.
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It is essential that the hirer brings photo identification for both boat and paddle craft hire. Payment in the form of cash, debit or credit card is available or you can book online. We recommend hirers bring clothing appropriate to the weather and sun protection.
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Paddle craft can be used between the river mouth and wetland sanctuary along with up the creeks and Maroochy Waters canal system. Talk to one of friendly staff members to determine what the wind and tides are predicted to be during your hire to determine the best route.
All boats can be operated between the river mouth and wetland sanctuary along with up the creeks and Maroochy Waters canal system.
All boats can be operated between the river mouth and wetland sanctuary along with up the creeks and Maroochy Waters canal system. The extra large 12 seat pontoon BBQ boat requires a boat licenced crew member with knowledge of the river to access areas downstream of Chambers Island. Tides, wind and swell need to be taken into consideration on the day and may limit access to certain areas. -
Yes you can beach the paddle craft, small and bbq boats on plenty of beach and sand bank areas in the lower river for a picnic, swim, explore, fish and to let your children or animals run around. During our briefing we will outline the best beaches and sand banks to pull up to with regards to the prevailing conditions and tides.
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Yes there are several option:
- The Waterfront Hotel is in Eudlo Creek and has a jetty you pull up to.
- Rivershore Resort is in Petrie Creek and also has a jetty to moor at. This is a great location to pick up takeaway coffee.
- The Boat Shed restaurant at Cotton Tree near the public Swimming Pool have dine in and takeaway options.
- Pull into the boat ramp area adjacent to the jetty upstream of Bli Bli bridge and walk about 80m to the local shops which include IGA, bakery, Subway, cafe and sushi.
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Hirers are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment on the day. Weekends, public holidays, school holidays and special occasions such as Father’s Day are our busiest times, particularly with the BBQ Pontoons and Cruisers. They can often be booked weeks and months in advance. You can check availability and book online at our website anytime.
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Maritime Safety Regulations prohibit all hire craft approaching the Maroochy River mouth or crossing the bar into the ocean; doing so would result in termination of hire. All craft at Swan Boat Hire are licensed and equipped for calm water use only – meaning rivers, canals or creeks. The area between the southern tip of North Shore and the northern end of Cotton Tree beach adjacent to the river mouth entrance is prohibited to cross between, due to shallow sand banks, strong current, wind and swell (please refer to map).
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Fuel and gas are included in the hire fee.
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All hire craft are hirable during daylight hours only and will be booked in around our operating hours at that time of the year.
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E.g. during a three hour hire, use two hours in the morning and one hour later in the afternoon?
Hirers must take the amount of time booked in one block. Splitting up a hire period is not permitted in any craft.