A boating rental company in Boston lets people steer their own vessels, even if they don’t have a boating license.
Boston Electric Boats offers private electric boat rentals where people can take the wheel and navigate Boston Harbor with their own crew.
Customers have the option to book a “Be Your Own Captain Rental” where someone in the group can be the captain of the boat, regardless of their boating background, according to the company’s website.
Boston Electric Boats is a Boston boating company that offers private boat rentals where people can steer their own vessels regardless of their boating background.@pahcreative and @rhcreatiive
The designated captain must be 21 years old or older and must sign off on Boston Electric Boat’s cruising rules, guidelines and safety checklist.
Boston Electric Boats’ staff will walk the entire group through the boat’s user-friendly features — from the forward/reverse throttle to the digital map that outlines a suggested path for boats to follow — before setting sail.
Workers will also highlight proper boating safety measures and protocols. In case any issues come up while on the water, passengers can contact staff via text message or phone call. The boats also only have a top speed of 6 mph.
Rentals start at $439 for six passengers and $499 for up to 12 passengers. Both rental options last up to two hours. Every boat comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker and cooler.
Groups are welcome to bring their own food and beverages onboard or purchase several add-ons, including charcuterie boards, veggie platters or dessert boxes from Sweet Lizzy P. The latter must be ordered 48 hours in advance of the boat rental reservation.
Alcoholic beverages are also allowed, but whoever is driving the boat should not be drinking when behind the wheel.
Boston Electric Boats is a Boston boating company that offers private boat rentals where people can steer their own vessels regardless of their boating background.@pahcreative and @rhcreatiive
Those more looking to sit back, relax and let a professional cruise them around the harbor can book the “Captain Provided Charter,” which is a boat rental with a licensed captain. These rentals start at $639 for two hours and up to six passengers.
Boston Electric Boats is located right behind Boston Sail Loft on Lewis Wharf at 28 Atlantic Ave. Boat rentals are available starting at 10:30 a.m. daily from May to October.
While Boston Electric Boats’ model works this year, the Hanson Milone Act could change things next year. The act would require anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft to obtain a valid boater safety certificate by April 1, 2026.
Boston Electric Boats — which says it has not had any incidents, accidents or injuries over the past four years of operation — plans to continue business as usual in the interim, according to owner Patrick Rourke.
The company is also actively working with the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association to create an abridged version of the certificate with the goal of exempting the rental company or still allowing it to offer self-guided boats, according to Rourke.
