GET READY TO DRIVE OUR E-BOAT
Boating safety is paramount for a worry-free and enjoyable experience on the water.
Prior preparation by the skipper is crucial to ensure everyone’s safety!
At our boat rental service, we prioritise responsible boating. Skippers who haven’t prepared adequately will not be permitted to hire a boat
LEARN THE ROPES
From landlubber to skipper. Even though you don’t need a skipper’s ticket, you do need to have a basic understanding of navigations and what you can and cannot do on the boat and the river
WHERE TO EXPLORE
There is a set limit as to where you can travel on the Swan River. To see where you can sail and discover attractions, please download our maps and plan your journey
WEATHER PROTECTION
The weather plays a huge part in boating.
We do not operate if the gusts are stronger than 30km or if it rains. With a protection we will refund you should the weather not be boating worthy on your day
WHICH BOAT SUITS YOU?
"G6"- THE PICNIC BOAT
- 2-6 hour cruises + sunset crews + Custom tours for up to 8 people
- Seats max 8 people in a horse shoe formation with the skipper at the back
- A wooden picnic table in the middle
- Comfortable seating cushions
- Room for a 60cm esky near the skipper seat + ample room under the table for soft bags
- All safety features included
- Sunbathing bed behind the steering
- Full size roof
- 4 mooring ropes
- The G6 is a monohull with a shallow v hull
"FEELIN' NAUTI" - THE LOUNGE BOAT
- 2-4 hour cruises for up to 4 people
- Seats 4 people – 2 in the front on the sun pad and 2 at the back inc skipper
- Nibbles and drink tables near the skipper and a swing table over the sun pad
- An ice box with drink holders in the bow
- Comfortable seating cushions + a large sun pad for lounging
- Room for a 60cm esky in the middle
- All safety features included
- Roof covers the back of the boat. The sun pad is not covered
- 3 mooring ropes
- Feelin’ Nauti is a trihull which makes it more stable
LEARN THE ROPES
Look to the right, give way to the right, turn to the right and stay to the right.
Always keep right in channels = between markers
-
Boating is weather dependant! If it’s not safe, you are not going out
- If the gusts are around 30 km throughout your hire, we will not set you off on the river. The boat is too slow to handle the gusts
- Check the weather prior to your boat hire. Look at Ascot, Bayswater and East Perth to get a well rounded idea. It could be nice in Ascot, but too windy in East Perth. Use BOM or Windy app.
- We do not operate if it is raining. A little rain whilst you are out does not suffice to cancel the hire.
- We highly recommend purchasing our Weather protection. If the weather turns bad on the day of your hire, you will receive a full refund less the protection cost
-
You need to know how to drive the boat. We will also go through some training on your day
- Throttle forwards moves the boat forward. Backwards makes the boat reverse. Use it lightly. Kill switch to be attached for the boat to move
- No beaching the boat. You do not know what is under the water
- Hit boat wash on a 40 degree angle and make the bow (front of boat) go up and down and not the boat side to side
- Be ready with the hook when approaching a jetty. Do not use your hands to grab the jetty
- The boat cannot be left unattended. One person has to stay with the boat at all times
- Operating the boat under the influence of drugs and alcohol is not permitted
- Kids are never to be in control of the boat
- Respect the people living on the foreshore. Keep noise down
- The tide, current and weather will play a part in the speed. Plan your journey and don’t push the destination
-
The river is no different than a road. There are rules and regulations to follow and adhere to for yours and others safety.
It’s important to understand what the signs on the river means. They are there to help you navigate the waters and keep you away from shallow waters and prohibited areas.
Red Marker – Follow these markers when going downstream (towards CBD). Markers to be on the right side of the boat.
Green Makers – Follow these markers when going upstream (towards Swan Valley). Markers to be on the right side of the boat
Yellow Buoys after Matagarup Bridge – Special markers indicates that no vessels are allowed.
Guildford yellow Buoys – Be aware of these buoys on the right hands side of the river. Stay away from them as they are oxygenising the river
YOU’RE THE SKIPPER. YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE CALL US IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT SOMETHING
-
Stay safe inside the boat
- Hands and legs to be inside the boat throughout the hire
- Keeping the boat balanced makes for a smoother ride. Only one adult can sit at the helm. Balance the weight around the table. i.e. Do not keep all the kids on one side
- No sitting at the back of the boat (near the engine) whilst travelling
- Always take the kill switch off when stopping the boat so you don’t accidentally start the boat
- Hold on to glasses on the table if approaching boat wash (=waves from another boat)
- Kids needs bums on seats at all times
- Do not use the roof to hold on to. It can only hold the roof and not a person
- Smoking is prohibited
- Use the bin provided. Leave no trace
- Children 10 y/o and under have to wear a life jacket at all times – by law
-
There are rules and regulations on the river too
- Stay in the middle of the river, slightly on your right hand side.
- Follow RED markers on your right when going towards the city
- Follow GREEN markers on your right when going towards the Swan Valley
- Boats can pass you on either side
- Oncoming boats should always pass you on your left hand side.
- Stay your course so the others know where you are going
- Don’t go in front of other boats as they are faster than you
- You cannot to take the boat across Perth Waters to South Perth without following the channels (a 6 hour hire will take you there) nor go past Elizabeth Quay and under the Narrows Bridge (it’s not in our map)
- You are not allowed to moor to trees, under bridges, or in locations where mooring is prohibited (see signs on jetties)
- Look out for commercial ferries and Captain Cook Cruises
- The speed limit changes on the Swan River. Though our boat won’t reach the limit, others will speed.
- Make sure others know which direction you are going. Approach bridges in such a way that you are visible to oncoming traffic
- You can moor at any red courtesy buoy for up to 4 hours
- Be aware of sail boats at Maylands Yacht Club. They have right of way
- Always look out for SUP’s and kayakers, and people in the water
- Use the map to help with navigation
- You may only use the jetties outlined in our maps
FROM LANDLUBBER TO SKIPPER
Everyone receives a comprehensive Safety Briefing on how to operate their vessel safely and how to navigate the river.
Though you do not need a skipper’s ticket/boat license, you do need to have basic knowledge of what is expected of you as a skipper, so please be prepared prior to the hire. It’s only so much we can teach you in the 15min on the dock.
If you’re feeling unsure about your ability to handle our boat, just click the button below and send us an email and request to hire a boat guide for an hourly rate prior to your booking date to make sure you’re confident with skippering the boat yourself.
We don’t want you to miss out on this experience.