One weekend left!

How many people can be on a boat?

The max is 8 adults, or 10 if some are children under 10. The boats have a 2000 pound capacity. Please do not arrive with more than 8 adults, as we will not allow you to board the boat and there are no refunds for going over capacity.  You can always rent two boats to meet your party's needs.  There is no smoking on the boats.

**The newest addition is called the Commander, and it will seat up to 14 adults!  

Do children and babies count toward capacity counts?

Yes, every person counts! Our boats can fit 8 adults, or up to 10 people if two or more are kids under 10.  We have lifejackets for children, but not for infants.  Please bring an infant lifejacket for your tiny riders.  Please note, your 110 lb sister-in-law's 28 year old cousin still counts as an adult.

Are dogs allowed?

Unfortunately we cannot allow our furry friends aboard the boats.  Please make arrangements for your pets.  Arrangements do NOT include leaving them in the car in the parking lot.  It HAS happened, we DID call the Conservation Officers, rentals were stopped and not refunded, and nobody left happy- including the dog.  

Can we bring food and coolers?

You can bring food in coolers, and the store has some snacks, ice cream and ice.  Please note- no red liquids are permitted due to staining.  This includes juice/wine/etc.  Glass bottles are not permitted.

Grills are not permitted on the boats, and fires are prohibited on the shorelines.

Are life jackets provided?

Life jackets are provided with every boat rental.  Please be sure to put an accurate number of people who will be on the boat when making the reservation so we can be prepared. We do not carry infant jackets.  Children 13 and under must wear the life jackets whenever the boat is in motion, per Indiana law.  We have no problem instructing them to wear them the entire time for your peace of mind :)

What do I need to rent a boat?

You must be 21 with a valid driver's license and credit card in order to rent a boat.  A $200 security deposit hold will be run on your card when you arrive for your rental.  This is fully refundable if the boat is returned in the same condition.  

If your card is declined for the security deposit, you will not be permitted to take the boat out and your reservation is non-refundable. 

Can I fish off the boat?

Fishing off two of the boats is permitted, the Commodore and the Misty Harbor.  These pontoons have the same features as our other boats- great motors, new bimini tops, swim ladders, etc.  

If you are trying to impress your mother-in-law, leave the poles home and book one of the other boats :)

Boats not suitable for fishing are noted in the descriptions.  You will not be allowed to bring poles/bait aboard a boat that fishing is not permitted on.

Indiana law requires anyone 18 and over to have a fishing license to fish in this lake. Licenses can be purchased at the store where you check in, or ahead of time at https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/9339.htm . A screenshot is sufficient proof of a fishing license per DNR regulations.

Can we park the boat at the beach?

You may not beach the boats at any time, unless returning the boat under certain circumstances (water levels) and under supervision by our staff.  You may anchor in front of the shore and swim to it (this is a great way to get rid of the kids and enjoy some adult boat time, just make sure they don't lose the lifejackets).

How does payment work?

Payment is due in full when you make your reservation. 

We do not refund due to late arrival, illness, car problems/traffic, or overcast/rainy conditions.

Can I pay cash?

Cash payments are accepted if you make your reservation in person at Cataract Lake Marina.  Security deposits do require a valid credit card.  We can not hold a date/time without full payment.

How much is the deposit?

We authorize a $200 deposit when you come in for your reservation.  It is fully refundable when the boat comes back the way it went out.  We can take cash or card for the deposit.  Loss of equipment will be deducted from the deposit, this includes anchors, fenders, ladders and lifejackets.  

How does the damage deposit work?

We authorize your deposit to cover minor repairs to the boat if something breaks or is lost.  Staff will review the boats with you before you take the boat out and it is expected that the boat will return in the same condition.  If it doesn't, we will get a quote for repairs and you'll be charged accordingly with documentation. We want you to have a good time on the boat- but we want the next people to as well.  Damage or loss to a ladder is an automatic $200 charge as it puts a boat out of service.  Please pay attention when staff shows you how to stow/strap your ladder before you go out.  Each boat is different and could be different from any other boat you may have been on before.

What happens if I cancel a reservation?

Boat rentals are non-refundable.  However, you can transfer your reservation to another day/time/person up to 48 hours in advance of your scheduled time.  Severe weather events can be transferred same day, but there are no refunds or last minute transfers for overcast/rainy days.  Please monitor the weather in Poland, IN, as it can vary greatly from Indianapolis and other areas.  

If you are running late for your reservation, please call and let us know.  We stagger our departures so each group can have the easiest experience loading up and getting on the water.  If you are late, we may have to launch the next group before you if it is their time.  We will do our best to extend your boating time, but we are generally fully booked on the weekends and holidays with little to no wiggle room on reservation times.

How do I check in for a reservation?

We go over the rules with every reservation, whether you have never been on a boat before or you are an Admiral in the Navy.  Please pay attention to our procedures as they may differ from other boat rental agencies.  We do this to ensure you have a seamless happy boat day and get your deposit returned.

What happens after returning a boat?

We will check out the boat for you, make sure all of the equipment and life jackets are accounted for.  Any damages will be assessed and if all is well your deposit is refunded!