FAQ
Everything you need to know about our boat rentals in Boston MA, so you can cruise with us like a pro!
BOATS & CRUISING
Yes, the boat is quite simple and easy to operate, with a top speed of only 6MPH you will have ample time to steer and maneuver as you navigate the Harbor. The designated captain must be 21 years or older and will have signed off on viewing our Cruising Rules, Guidelines and Safety Checklist. The captain and entire group will also receive a tutorial from one of our crew members on the dock before heading out. Each boat is equipped with a detailed map and a navigation system that will allow you to simply follow a pre-programmed route around the inner harbor.
We have boats that have a total capacity of 6 passengers and 12 passengers. There is no flexibility on the total capacity. For larger groups please reach out as we may be able to accommodate a multi-boat booking.
Yes, the boats have a Bluetooth radio with multiple speakers so you can sync up your favorite playlist.
No, the boats do not have toilets, there is a porta-potty on our property if anyone needs to go before or after your cruise. If a bathroom break is needed when out on your cruise you can come back to our dock or you can stop at one of the designated restrooms along the route. Legal Harborside in Seaport, Reelhouse restaurant in East Boston and Encore Boston in Everett are all designated docking locations you can stop at for a bathroom break. There must be a dock attendant on site to help you dock.
You can bring your own food and drinks, each boat has a cooler and ice is available upon request for additional charge. Please no glassware or glass drinking bottles on the boat. No straight hard alcohol is permitted on the boat, seltzer, beer and wine only.
You should wear whatever you’d like, the temperature tends to be a bit cooler out on the water so we recommend you to bring an extra layer or two. The windows on the boat offer protection from the wind on cooler days and allow for a breeze on the warmer days.
You should wear any type of shoes you’d like, boat shoes or any rubber sole sneaker is encouraged for safely walking on the dock/boarding the boat, sandals or flip flops are not as safe as they allow more opportunity for tripping.
In an attempt to keep our boats in pristine condition we’ve implemented a no shoe policy once aboard our boats. We ask that all guests respect this policy as long as they are comfortable with it. We provide a shoe basket on each boat for storing your shoes while on your cruise.
No the canopies are permanently attached but you are welcome to open the side window enclosures and let the breeze flow through the boat. We will show you and your group how to do this before you head out for your cruise. If you are looking to soak up some sun, the back deck area will be your spot.
You will see what is called the Inner Harbor which stretches from Charlestown to Seaport with East Boston and the backdrop of the cityscape in between. If you choose the route to the Casino you will cruise under the Tobin Bridge, up the Mystic River and your turnaround point will be up close and personal with the backside of the casino.
We suggest that you and your entire group are gathered by our gate and ready at your scheduled booking time. Please plan an additional 15-20 minutes for any setup/ decoration time and we will do our best to have the boat ready for you.
SAFETY & RESTRICTIONS
Yes, there is a life jacket for each passenger on the boat at all times, the life jackets are located under the seat cushions within the main seating area. For kids under the age of 12 life jackets will be available, but please feel free to bring your own if you prefer, please note it must be a proper type II life jacket.
Although we love all animals unfortunately no pets are allowed on our boats.
We will assess the damage and charge the person/party accordingly. We offer an optional reduce your liability insurance for $40 that covers incidental damages to the boat reducing any out of pocket expense from $2,500 to $500. This does not cover negligence or liability towards other parties and this does not cover damage caused to the boat from not following our cruising rules outlined in the rental agreement/waiver.
You can only dock our boats at designated docks which are outlined on our Harbor map, these docks have attendants that will be there to help upon arrival. This is for your safety and for the boat’s safety. When approaching any dock, use extreme caution and approach very slowly, don’t forget to have a line ready to hand-off to the dock attendant.
No, boats need to stay within the marked territory and are not allowed to travel through the locks into the Charles River. This would result in an instant termination of your rental and additional fees charged.
No, this is the furthest point you can travel as you head out toward Castle Island/ the Outer Harbor. This territory line is clearly marked on your guide map and navigation screen.
The rentals and charters are BYOB so you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. We ask that you do not bring any glass drinking bottles or glassware of any kind. If you do and glass is broken on the boat we will charge a cleanup fee. No hard alcohol is permitted on our boats. Safety of our passengers is our top priority and we reserve the right to restrict customers who decide to show up with an excessive amount of alcohol. Please drink responsibly. You may not bring firearms, illegal drugs, anything that can be lit (i.e., candles, grills, cook tops) fireworks, any flammable liquid/gel/aerosol and/or dangerous chemicals. There is no smoking of any kind permitted on our boats.
If you have a problem with the boat during your rental, please contact the dock by calling the dock phone. We will troubleshoot the problem and decide if you need to head back to the dock or in the event of a break down we will come out and tow you back in.
No you are not allowed to anchor the boat anywhere in the harbor, although it is ok for you to float while the boat is in neutral gear. This can be during sunset or anytime you find a space without much traffic or other boats around. We have some locations marked on the map where this would make the most sense. You are still responsible for any oncoming traffic and should be aware of your surroundings at all times.
No, there is no swimming off of the boats, there is no swim ladder making it very difficult to get back into the boat. It is also dangerous to swim in the harbor due to the boat traffic. There is no hanging off of the boat to dip legs or arms into the water, it is important the inside of the boat stays dry to protect the batteries.
No, there is absolutely no fishing allowed from any of our boats.
DAY OF YOUR BOOKING
We suggest that you and your group arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled booking. This will allow for your group to be gathered and ready to begin your pre-cruise overview and guarantee your full 2 hours of cruise time. If you and your entire group do not arrive at or before your exact scheduled booking time your cruise time may be reduced.
The closest parking lot is located on the property of Lewis Wharf and there is a parking garage and additional parking lots within walking distance.
Since our boats are covered with canopies and have full window enclosures, we continue to operate during cooler weather and/or rain showers. Reservations are cancelled if weather is considered too dangerous or unsafe to navigate the harbor (for example; high winds, heavy rain storms, severe lightening or rough seas). Bookings that are cancelled by Boston Electric Boats due to severe weather or unsafe conditions are eligible for a rain check and may be rescheduled for a later date with no fee applied. If a refund is requested a refund will be issued, a $100 refund fee may apply. An activity protection plan is available at the time of checkout. Choose the Peek Protect option to be eligible for a refund when cancelling at any time and for any reason leading up to your booking, at least 24 hours of notice required.
We have a cancellation/ reschedule freeze period of 4 days leading up to your booking date/time, if you decide to cancel your booking within that freeze period you will not be eligible for a refund. If you cancel prior to the 4 day freeze period you will be eligible for a refund less a $100 cancellation fee. If you cancel and would like to reschedule to a later date, a $100 rescheduling fee may apply. An activity protection plan is available at the time of checkout. Choose the Peek Protect option to be eligible for a refund when cancelling at any time and for any reason leading up to your booking, at least 24 hours of notice required.
We are so happy you’ve decided to celebrate a special occasion with us and we would love to help you make it as amazing and as memorable as we possibly can. Please reach out to us ahead of
time so we can coordinate and plan accordingly.
Prior to your booking, please ensure that the Rental Waiver was reviewed and signed online by everyone in your group. The person who booked or plans to be the captain must bring a valid driver’s license. We also suggest bringing food and drinks, sunglasses, sunscreen, an extra layer of clothing and your favorite playlist.
PRICING & PAYMENT
Our boats make for an excellent corporate outing and/or team building activity. Whether one boat or multiple boats in order to accommodate the entire company or team we are happy to help. Please reach out for more info and scheduling.
Yes, you can book up to 6 boats at one time which will accommodate for a group of up to 66 adults. Please reach out to make this request and we will do our best to accommodate. The boats can cruise the harbor together but will need to remain a safe distance apart and refrain from any unsafe actions, specifically getting too close to one another. There is absolutely no tying up/rafting the boats to one another.
Yes, a MA state sales tax and a processing fee will be applied to your total. At the time of booking you are given an option for a $40 Reduce Your Liability Insurance, this reduces your financial responsibility for any damages caused to the boat from $2,500 down to $500.
Your card will be charged in full for your reservation at the time of booking.
