Boat Rental General Questions
We want your rental experience with us to be as easy and relaxing as possible. Please refer to the information below for any general questions regarding the rental rules as well as other important information. 

What should I expect when I arrive?
When you arrive for your rental, please park and check in at the front desk in the pro shop. Our staff will assist in finalizing rental waivers, damage deposit, and authorization. They will also show a safety video and help size any children for life jackets. Please keep all of your belongings and personal items in your vehicle until our staff escorts you to your boat. The boat will be uncovered with a full tank of gas and ready for your day on the water. Once to your boat, a Munson staff member will go through a rental departure process and explain all operations and safety precautions while on board. When you are ready to go, our staff will untie the boat and push you off for your day on the water.

What is allowed?
1. Coolers, food, beverages (no glass), personal items, fishing equipment.
2. Alcohol - renters are allowed to bring alcohol but the operator must not be over the legal limit at any time. 
3. Decorations - decorations are allowed on board but must be taken with upon return. No silly string, confetti, duck tape, or any other strong adhesives. No offensive signage will be tolerated. Do not block the driver's line of sight with any decorations. Do not block any Munson Ski & Marine signage. 

What is not allowed?
1. Pets
2. Watersports
3. Smoking, grills, heaters, or anything that is a fire hazard.
*Burns found on our boats will result in an additional cost.

What is the cancellation policy?
We will offer a 100% refund for the cost of the rental if cancelled within 72 hours of your rental. Any cancellations within the 72 hours prior to your rental you will forfeit your deposit and no refund will be issued.

How many people am I allowed to bring?
Capacity will vary depending on which model you have rented. Please find capacity limits below.

Bennington 22 SL - 10 people
Bennington 22 SSB - 10 people
Bennington 24 LX - 12 people
Bennington 25 SXSR - 14 people

Does my rental come with a captain?
No. As the renter you are responsible for driving and docking the boat. All drivers must be of legal age with a valid drivers license.

Does my rental come with a full tank of gas?
Yes. A full tank of gas will be provided at the beginning of the rental. Any additional fuel during the rental period will be at the renter's expense. Our marina has a gas dock with easy entry and exit for any additional fuel needs. 

Does my rental come with life jackets?
Yes. USDA life jackets will be provided at the beggining of the rental for everyone on board. All passengers must wear life jackets at all times. Children 13 and under will be provided a neoprene life jacket at no additional cost.

Are watersports allowed?
Unfortunately, we cannot permit watersports at this time due to liability and insurance reasons. We are actively working with our insurance companies to find a solution as soon as possible.

Am I allowed to fish?
Yes. Fishing is allowed on your rental. Renters will be responsible for bringing their own fishing gear. Munson Ski & Marine does not rent fishing gear at any of our facilities. Cleaning fish is not allowed on any of the rentals. All unused bait must be taken with upon return. Please follow all state regulations and requirements when fishing. Visit the Illinois DNR website for more information about state regulations, law, and licensing by clicking here.

Are pets allowed on board?
No. We love your furry friends as much as you do but no pets are allowed on any of the rentals.

Does my rental come with a stereo or speaker?
Yes. All of our rental boats are equipped with a bluetooth stereo system. You are also allowed to bring your own speaker or stereo if you choose. If you need help connecting your phone to the bluetooth stereo, our staff is happy to help. 

What should I expect when I return?
We ask you please be on time when returning your rental. Returning your rental late will result in an additional cost. Before arriving, please text 815-363-5400 to ensure our team is waiting at the dock marked "Rental Boats Only". A Munson staff member will be at the pier waiting to help get you parked and tied up to the dock. While your family and friends unload from the boat, the operator and Munson staff member will start the check in process. This process takes roughly 10-15 minutes to make sure no significant damge has been done to the boat.

Excessively Dirty Boats
Renters should expect to find their rental boat clean and in good working order upon their arrival. Munson Ski & Marine is responsible for all cleaning, fueling, and maintanence of the rental fleet. In order to maintain our service commitment levels to our customers, renters are asked to make an effort to return the boat as clean as possible without any significant mess. 
*Boats brough back with any excessive mess will result in an additional charge.

Late Fees
If you show up late for your scheduled departure time, no additional time will be added to your rental period. If you are more than 20 minutes late for your scheduled rental, you will be charged the full amount for the rental period.

Weather Policy
Boating is an activity enjoyed in all kinds of weather. Cloudy conditions or cooler temperatures are conditions considered safe for boating. Reschuduling or cancellation of your rental will not be considered until the day of your rental as forecasts and conditions can quickly change. Please refrain from reaching out to reschedule due to weather until one day before your rental. If you are unable to fufill your rental due to dangerous weather conditions (heavy rain during the actual time of your rental), you will be contacted via email and text and can elect to either reschedule at no charge or receive a 75% refund of the rental rate.

Arrival & On Site Expectation For Rentals
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. If you are more than 20 minutes late for your scheduled rental, you will be charged the full amount of the rental.