Conditions of Hire
  
BOOKINGS: Driver must be 25 or over and holder of a current motor vehicle drivers licence. A deposit of $500 is required (direct deposit, cash or credit card) within 7 days of booking to confirm your reservation. The balance of hire charges are payable 30 days prior to departure.

WHERE YOU CAN GO: See the location map for the limits of the hire area.You can take the boat throughout the reaches of Middle Harbour which includes between Roseville Bridge, under the Spit Bridge to Clontarf & Balmoral. NSW Maritime has set a boundary (smooth water plying limit on the Maritime Map) which cannot be crossed which extends from Grotto Point (Dobroyd) to Middle Head. This is due to swells & commercial traffic on the main Sydney Harbour which is unsafe for houseboats use. .

SECURITY BOND: In addition to the hiring charge a minimum bond of $1000 is payable 2 days prior to the time of hire (direct deposit or credit card). An increased bond is payable in the case of young adult groups and groups comprising all males or all female people. The bond is the hirer's guarantee that terms and conditions will be adhered to and the $1,000 will be forfeited if terms and conditions of hire are breached. 

THE HIRE: Middle Harbour Houseboats reserves the right to prevent the rented vessel to be moved from the secure mooring on which it is situated, subject to weather conditions prevailing and forecasted.

AGE: No boat licence is required however signatures to the Hire Agreement must be of legal age & responsible people. Houseboat driver must be 25 or over and holder of a current motor vehicle drivers licence.

CANCELLATIONS: The deposit less $150 cancellation fee will be returned if the operators are notified at least 30 days prior to the hire period, or within this period only if the operators are able to relet the boat for the full hire period.

FIREARMS & PETS: Are not permitted on board or in the National Parks.

NO.OF PASSENGERS: Maximum sleeping overnight 4 persons. Licenced for maximum 8 persons at any time.

FUEL & GAS: We do not charge extra for fuel & gas.

LINEN: Doonas & Pillows are provided. Please provide your own sheets/pillow cases & towels.

CLEANING: We do not charge a cleaning fee, we ask that you be considerate when leaving the boat.

THE LETTING: Is made on the understanding that the houseboat is placed at the disposal of the hirer on the date specified. In the event that the owners are unable to do so, due to mechanical failure or circumstances beyond their control, the deposit will be refunded in full. The hirer shall have no claim on any account against the owners.

LATE ARRIVALS: Any hirer who does not take the houseboat within 24 hours of the time booked automatically forfeits the booking deposit. The houseboat will then be re-hired unless prior arrangements have been made with the management.

PARKING: Ample parking is available in Tunks Park car park and in surrounding streets.

HIRE CHARGES: Hire charges and the terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Payment of the deposit will secure the hire rate for the period booked.

GST: GST is not applicable in the hire of the houseboat.

INSURANCE: The boat is fully insured with a marine policy. The limit of the hirer's liability (provided the terms of the hire contract are kept) is $1000.00

LATE RETURNS: To ensure your houseboat is ready on time for its next hire, late returns are charged a penalty fee of $100/hour to cover standby labour costs & loss of hire time for the next hirer.

HIRE BRIEF: On boarding the houseboat you will be given a complete run down on how to operate the vessel & its equipment. You will be taken for a short drive to learn how to steer the boat, if required. A "Welcome Aboard" (reference manual) will be on hand with details for operating the equipment. Maps and suggested anchoring locations/activities and areas of operation of the houseboat will also be outlined.