What do I need to bring?
We always recommend you bring a fully charged cell phone in case of emergencies. Your credit card and Driving license. We always recommend sunscreen, water, towels, swimsuits, change of clothes, sunglasses…
I don't have a truck to pull the boat, can you bring it to us?
The boats will ALWAYS be in the water for you and ready to go. We will never ask you to pull and launch the boat yourself.
Is there shade on the boat?
Yes, all boats are equipped with a bimini top, that will partially cover the boat from the sun.
What time should I arrive for my rental?
It is recommended that you arrive for your rental at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure the entire rental time is allotted. This will allow time for check-in, loading onto the boat and going over the operation & safety presentation. Rental times cannot be extended due to late arrivals.
What if I can't come to my reservation?
You will be considered a no-show 15 minutes after the agreed start time, if we have not informed us that you are running late and the deposit will not be refunded. If you have not contacted us, we will cancel the booking, the $150 deposit will be kept and not refunded. If you have contacted us, in most cases, we will reschedule for another day with no fees.
If you are late, please call us to not be considered a no show.
What if I'm late to pick up or return the boat?
Rental times cannot be extended due to late arrivals. If you return the boat later than the scheduled return time, there is a $30 fee per 15 minutes.
Will someone teach me how to drive the boat?
Absolutely! We go over an instructional presentation educating our customers on the detailed operating procedures, the local boating laws and regulations, Navigational markers, as well as Boater’s safety and etiquette. If you don't feel comfortable driving, we can offer you a captain at $25/hour.
Can someone in my group other than the renter drive the boat?
Yes. Anyone in your group may drive the boat as long as they are at least 25 years old, have a valid driver’s license on file with Tejas Watersports LLC. Also, if you were born on or after September 1, 1993, you must have completed a Boaters education course to legally rent a boat. For more information, please visit http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/texas/
Can I bring any firearms on the boat?
No. Even if you have a license to carry, you cannot bring any firearms on the boat.
How old do you have to be to rent a boat?
25 years old to Rent or Drive. If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, you must have completed a Boaters education course to legally rent a boat. For more information, please visit http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/texas/
Do you provide life jackets?
Yes, the boats are supplied with all required safety equipment. We will walk you through on safety equipment location as well as how to use them.
Do I have to wear a life jacket?
By Law, children 13 years old or younger a must wear a life jacket at all times. Also Tejas Watersports LLC requires any guest who is mentally or physically impaired, elderly, medicated or those who are not strong swimmers wear a life jacket at all times.
Do you allow pets on the boat?
No.
Where can I take the boat?
You can take the boat anywhere on the lake that boats are allowed, unless otherwise restricted by Tejas Watersports LLC. A rental attendant will explain any restrictions or prohibited areas during the rental presentation and will provide you with a map. Also be aware that some of the larger boats may not fit under certain bridges depending on the lake level.
Do you allow grills on the boat?
No. There are several day use areas nearby that are equipped with grills and picnic tables. Note that some of the lake parks do not allow access by water so check the restrictions for the park you wish to visit before your rental.
Are the boats insured?
Yes we do carry insurance in case of an accident, however the insurance does not cover any damage that might happen during your time on the boat. You will have the option to purchase a $55/rental or day insurance. In case of any damage, the maximum dollar amount you would be responsible is $450. If you were to refuse the waiver, we will take a $500 refundable deposit. If there are no damage, the deposit is refunded when you return the boat. If there are damages, we would keep the $500 deposit and you would be financially responsible for all repairs that go beyond the $500 deposit.
Do the boats have restrooms?
No, they are not equipped but you have restrooms where you will be departing/returning from.
How many people can I put on the boat?
Each boat type has a specific maximum passenger and weight capacity that may not be exceeded at any time. Every person onboard counts toward the total capacity and children count the same as adults regardless of their weight or size. Please refer to the Rental page to view the passenger & weight capacity for each boat.
How much do I have to pay when making a reservation?
We require $150 to be paid when making a reservation, to hold your reservation. This deposit comes off your final bill. If you have a pending reservation and we don't have availability, your deposit will be refunded within 24-48 hours.
Is gas included?
Yes, gas is included.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes, we offer a 10% discount to our returning customers as well as Military or veterans.
What is your weather policy and what do you mean by Non-Refundable deposit?
Our weather policy is based on current weather conditions AT OUR DOCKS. If it is raining at our docks or we determine it is too dangerous to depart from our docks at the start of your reservation, we will cancel your reservation and you will not be responsible for payment of your reservation or we can reschedule for a different date. Once you have left the dock, no refunds will be given for any unused portion of your reservation. Please note that even if it’s raining at your home, it may not be raining on Lake Houston, so we recommend that you plan to arrive on time for your reservation to avoid being charged for your full reservation fees. You are responsible for the time that you reserved and no shows will be charged for the full amount of the reservation.
Deposits are only refunded in the event of bad weather. All day rain, high winds or when the coast guard has issued a small craft advisory. You have the option of receiving a full refund or rescheduling your day. After all, it's not your fault if mother nature has a hissy fit!
If you CANCEL FOR ANY OTHER REASON, your deposit will not be refunded. However, if your plans change, you can reschedule (with 48 hours notice - except holiday weekends), and you can use your deposit towards the rental cost. If you reschedule or postpone your rental LESS than 48 hours before the booking, YOU LOSE YOUR DEPOSIT, and you will be required to pay another deposit for the new date.
9am is way too early. Can I leave later?
Maybe... If it is a Fri-Sat-Sun reservation and you want to sleep in - choose the afternoon slot.
Weekdays - Monday through Thursday there MAY be more flexibility depending upon reservations. Just ask us. During Winter we are very flexible.
If I come in early, will I get a refund?
Depends. If the weather turned and WE INSTRUCTED you to come in early then we will pro-rate your time on the water.
What happens if I get lost and cannot find my way back?
All boats have GPS trackers so we know exactly where you are and can guide you back to our docks.
What if a storm comes while we are out on the water?
Contact us by cell phone for specific instructions. Pontoon boats are generally NOT targets for lightning and our summer storms pass very quickly. If you are delayed returning to dock by a storm you WILL NOT be charged overtime fees. Your safety is our utmost concern. However, if you then use the storm as an excuse to party on at the island well past your return time, we WILL charge you overtime fees! Our office has radar, we KNOW when the storm passed
May I fish from the boat?
Yes, but you need to bring your own fishing license. If you get fish blood, bait goo and guts all over our boats see, there will be a $90 cleaning fee. Fishing rods are available for rent.
What if my boat doesn’t start?
If your boat does not start, call us. We can probably figure it out on the phone. If not, we'll come and get you. If we find it was "operator error" due to you not following the instructions, you will be charged $50 per hour for our time and gas
Anything we did not answer? Please call us, text us at 661-238-6664 or email us at info@tejaswatersports.com
In conclusion...
The secret to a great day on the water with Tejas Watersports LLC is COMMUNICATION! You have a cell phone, call us! We are happy to guide you and advise you.
NO discounts will be applied on holiday weekends including Easter, Mother and Father's day, Memorial day, 4th July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
DO NOT call the Coast Guard unless you are unable to contact us by cell phone and it is a life threatening emergency. We will get to you a lot faster than they can.
Our family is moving out of the country, so is Tejas Watersports. We want to Thank You for the past few years.