Thinking about hiring a boat in Ireland for a relaxing cruise or a fun adventure on the water? Before you set off, it’s worth knowing how security deposits and damage waivers work—they’re there to make life easier both for you and the boat company. Let’s break it all down in simple terms so you know exactly what to expect.
What’s a Security Deposit?
When you rent a boat, the company will ask for a security deposit. It’s basically a safety net—a chunk of money they hold just in case something goes wrong, like accidental damage, missing equipment, or if you don’t follow the contract rules. If you bring the boat back in good shape and on time, you’ll get your money back, no problem. Security deposits are pretty standard, whether you’re renting a small day boat or a fancy cruiser.
Why Do They Need a Deposit?
A few reasons, really:
- Protection against damage: Boats aren’t cheap, and even a small accident can cost a lot to fix.
- Covering lost stuff: If you misplace gear, like a life jacket or a kitchen item, the deposit helps pay for it.
- Making sure you stick to the rules: Things like returning the boat late or super messy can cost the company extra—your deposit helps with that.
How Much Is It?
It depends on the boat. For most cruisers, you’re looking at anywhere from €700 to over €4,000. Bigger or fancier boats will have a higher deposit. Usually, you’ll pay by credit card when you check in, but some places might take cash or debit cards, too.
What’s a Damage Waiver?
A damage waiver is kind of like insurance you can buy when renting the boat. Instead of putting down a big deposit, you pay a smaller, non-refundable fee (often between €80 and €200) to cover accidental damage. Sometimes, this means you don’t have to leave a hefty deposit at all, or at least your liability is much lower if something does go wrong.
Security Deposit vs. Damage Waiver: What’s the Difference?
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Feature
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Security Deposit
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Damage Waiver
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How you pay
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Refundable (if all’s well)
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Non-refundable fee
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What it does
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Covers damage, loss, not following rules
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Limits what you pay if there’s an accident
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Amount
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€700–€4,000 +
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€80–€400
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Do you get it back?
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Yes, unless there’s an issue
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Nope
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Excess/deductible?
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Might apply if no waiver
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Usually a small excess
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What’s Covered? What’s Not?
Neither option covers everything. Big no-nos like deliberate damage, breaking the law, or ignoring navigation rules aren’t covered. You also can’t claim for lost personal stuff or major third-party problems. Always read the fine print so you know exactly where you stand.
Returning the Boat
When you’re done, the company will check the boat for damage or missing items. If it’s all good, you’ll get your deposit back. If not, they’ll deduct the repair or replacement costs. If you took out a damage waiver, you’ll only have to pay what’s stated in the waiver—sometimes just a small excess.
Handy Tips
- Do a walk-through before you go to spot any old damage.
- Read your contract and insurance details. Ask questions if you’re unsure.
- Think about buying a waiver, especially if you’re new to boating.
- Be on time when returning the boat to avoid extra fees.
Conclusion
In short, security deposits and waivers are there to make boat hiring smooth and worry-free for everyone. Knowing how they work means fewer surprises, so you can kick back and enjoy your Irish waterway adventure!