Frequently Asked Questions

A) You must be an experienced boater willing to take full responsibility for the cost of any damaged equipment. By renting, you accept 100% responsibility for the safety of your crew and yourself.

B) If you were born after January 1, 1987, you need a boater safety certificate. Those born before this date are exempt.

C) Ideally, you should have owned or currently own a boat. If not, significant experience on the water is necessary—around 30 days is a good starting point (the Coast Guard requires 360 days for a commercial captain).

D) The Apostle Islands qualify as offshore boating territory. If you respect the vastness of Lake Superior, she will bless you; if you underestimate her size and distances, she will show you otherwise. When venturing further into the islands, stay within your comfort level and remember that conditions can change rapidly. An hour out in calm waters could turn into a challenging and unenjoyable return if large waves develop. 

 In 2024, fuel costs have ranged from $50 to $175. Those who kept their speed smooth and slow demonstrated how efficient these boats can be. The $175 was for a comprehensive trip around the islands by a local professional mariner showing his family all the sights.

Assume your boat gets less than 3 miles per gallon.

Max Capacity is the maximum to when a boat becomes unstable or performs poorly. It takes person and wieght into consideration and I hated this question my whole life because groups always want to take more, and I love how boats perfom and less is better. Understand the Coast Guard is vigilant and will tow you in for going over Capacity. I have rental agreement capacities that are lower than the legal plate to error on the side of safety. Understand the legal plate assumes we all wiegh like 125lbs sometimes... (all people are a soul and count as 1, trying to tell me the baby or small child doesnt count towards capacity will not make me happy or trusting in your understanding of Marine Safety). 

Boston Whalers 6 people (seating limited)

Deck Boat 9 people

Lund 6 people

Scarab 6 people

 Madeline Island is the easiest destination, offering a town, public docks, and restaurant docks. The Apostle Islands are vast and stunning, providing ample opportunities for exploration. However, I recommend focusing on the nearer islands rather than the farther ones. Outer Island is strictly off-limits. Devils Island is reserved for perfect days only, and you must show me your plan if you intend to go that far because it's crucial you understand the distance offshore. If you're unsure about the scale of the area, I suggest visiting Stockton Island, which is much more frequently traveled.

a) No. All boats must be returned to the trailers before dark.

a) We are fair-weather boaters. For winds over 15 mph, I offer you the chance to cancel or reschedule, though I may still let you go depending on the wind direction and other variables. Winds of 20 mph or higher are typically an automatic cancellation.

We don't cancel for light rain but will for storms. Ultimately I wont let boats go out unless people will be safe, succesful, and happy. 

It is a short season so please dont use my caution against me if you arbitrarily wanna cancel and the day is nice I may push back, but really it is up to you if you like the weather or not.

For insurance reasons any SMALL CRAFT WARNINGS are automatic cancelation. Tow Boat US claims he wont recover boats in such conditions, and I am sure my insurance would be very upset with me so its a hard no if the Government Marine Forcast has in full caps: SMALL CRAFT WARNING. 

• CB-Boats.com provides all Coast Guard-required safety equipment.
• Extra boating gear can be exchanged at the shop. Boats are equiped with dock lines, fenders, 2 anchors, VHF, and GPS (Except Scarab Jet Boat).
• Always be prepared for Lake Superior to be cooler than expected.
  • Sweaters and even winter jackets can come in handy, even in mid-summer.
• Food and water are important survival equipment in case of delays on the water.
• Sunglasses are often necessary to see clearly in marinas.
• Additionally, pack refreshments and any equipment you will enjoy while exploring Chequamegon Bay and the Apostle Islands.

No.

No, all participants in the rental must sign the participation waiver and depart/return with the rental. People who think they can do this are underestimating the distances between islands. 

No. Logistically it is not currently feasible. 

No. No tow sports. No engine running when people in water. Key in cup holder when people in water so no one bumps key with butt and causes major injury or death.