RENT A BOAT

Terms & Conditions

Terms of Service

Effective Date: 8/4/2025

Welcome to BoatSitterUS! Please read these Terms of Service (“Terms”) carefully before accessing or using the BoatSitterUS website, mobile services, or any of our related tools (collectively, the “Platform”). By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Platform.

1. Overview of BoatSitterUS

BoatSitterUS operates as a booking platform that connects guests (“Renters”) with boat owners (“Owners”), licensed captains (“Captains”), and approved brokers (“Brokers”) to facilitate private yacht and boat rentals.

BoatSitterUS does not own or operate any of the vessels listed on the Platform and is not a party to the actual rental transactions between Renters and Owners.

2. Eligibility

To use the Platform, you must be at least 18 years old and able to enter into legally binding contracts under applicable law.

By accessing the Platform, you confirm that all information provided is accurate, and you agree to use the Platform in compliance with these Terms and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

3. Booking Terms

When a Renter books a vessel through BoatSitterUS:

  • A contractual agreement is formed between the Renter and the Owner.
  • BoatSitterUS serves as a limited agent to facilitate booking and payment.
  • All bookings are subject to Owner availability, weather conditions, and final approval.

Owners retain the right to decline any booking request.

4. Payments and Fees

All payments are processed securely through Stripe, our third-party payment provider.

  • Renters pay the total booking amount at the time of confirmation (which may include taxes, fuel charges, cleaning fees, or other add-ons).
  • Owners and Captains receive payouts after the charter is completed, minus BoatSitterUS service fees.
  • Brokers, when applicable, receive commission-based payouts based on pre-approved arrangements.

By using the Platform, you agree to Stripe’s terms of service in addition to these Terms.

5. Cancellations and Refunds

The following Standard Bareboat Charter Cancellation Policy applies unless otherwise stated on a specific listing or booking agreement:

  • More than 7 days before charter: Full refund of all payments made.
  • Within 7 days of charter: 50% of total charter fee is non-refundable.
  • Within 48 hours of charter: No refund.

Weather Policy:

  • If the USCG declares unsafe boating conditions (i.e., Small Craft Advisory or worse), the charter will be rescheduled or refunded in full.
  • Light rain or cloudy weather does not qualify for a refund.
  • If mechanical failure occurs or the boat becomes unavailable, a full refund or a comparable or upgraded replacement vessel will be provided.

Refund Processing:
When applicable, refunds will be issued within 5–10 business days to the original payment method used at the time of booking.

6. Insurance and Safety

BoatSitterUS requires that all listed vessels maintain current and valid insurance, including charter use coverage.

Captains must be U.S. Coast Guard licensed and may be required to provide additional documentation upon request.

BoatSitterUS is not responsible for incidents, damage, injury, or loss that may occur before, during, or after a charter.

7. Guest Responsibilities

As a Renter, you agree to:

  • Arrive on time for your charter.
  • Adhere to the maximum passenger capacity.
  • Follow all safety rules and Captain instructions.
  • Refrain from illegal activity or excessive intoxication.
  • Respect the vessel and return it in its original condition.

Violating these terms may result in termination of the charter without refund.

8. Owner & Captain Responsibilities

Owners and Captains are responsible for:

  • Ensuring vessel safety and cleanliness.
  • Maintaining proper licensing and insurance.
  • Communicating charter details clearly with Renters.
  • Reporting incidents or damage immediately to BoatSitterUS.

Failure to meet professional and safety standards may result in removal from the Platform.

9. Broker Program

Approved Brokers may promote listings and earn commission through referrals and charter facilitation. Brokers must comply with all local and federal licensing laws and agree to uphold BoatSitterUS standards of professionalism and transparency.

Unauthorized promotion or misrepresentation of listings is grounds for removal from the program.

10. Platform Rules

You agree not to:

  • Circumvent the Platform to avoid service fees.
  • List false or misleading information.
  • Post content that is unlawful, defamatory, or obscene.
  • Solicit users outside the Platform for competing services.
  • Use the Platform for anything other than legal charter-related activities.

11. Privacy & Data Use

We respect your privacy and handle personal information responsibly. When you use the Platform, we may collect basic information such as your name, email address, phone number, billing details, and service preferences.

By using the Platform, you consent to our collection and use of this data in accordance with our [Privacy Policy]. Your information will only be used to facilitate bookings, verify payments, and provide customer support.

12. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform (logos, copy, design, photography, etc.) is the property of BoatSitterUS or its content partners and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written consent.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BoatSitterUS and its affiliates are not liable for:

  • Loss or damage related to use of the Platform.
  • Injury or death during a charter.
  • Acts or omissions by third parties (Owners, Captains, Brokers, or Renters).
  • Service interruptions, technical issues, or delays.

Use of the Platform is at your own risk.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BoatSitterUS, its officers, employees, partners, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, or losses resulting from:

  • Your use of the Platform.
  • Your interactions or agreements with other users.
  • Your violation of these Terms or applicable laws.

15. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in the State of [Insert State], rather than in court. You agree to waive any right to a jury trial or to participate in a class action lawsuit.

16. Force Majeure

BoatSitterUS shall not be liable for delays, cancellations, or failures in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, strikes, labor disputes, government actions, or interruptions of internet or telecommunications services.

17. Warranties Disclaimer

The Platform and its services are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, express or implied. BoatSitterUS does not warrant that listings, boats, captains, or brokers will meet your expectations or that services will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and BoatSitterUS regarding the use of the Platform. They supersede any prior agreements, communications, or understandings, whether written or oral.

20. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, for any reason, without notice — including but not limited to violations of these Terms.

21. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of [Insert State], without regard to conflict of law principles.

22. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. If material changes are made, we will provide notice via the Platform or email. Continued use of the Platform after any changes indicates acceptance of the new Terms.

23. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:

📧 Email: info@boatsitterus.com
📞 Phone: (954) 998-5388