Question 1

Do you need a boating license to rent a pontoon?

Accepted Answer

No. On a rental boat in North Carolina, you are not required to have a boaters license. However, at Ottey Charters, we require the driver to have prior boat driving experience. All drivers must be over the age of 25.  If you do not have boating experience, you can take a local boating safety course prior to your experience with us. 
 
We offer captain lead excursions Friday through Sunday during our operating hours.

Question 2

Are drinks and food allowed on the boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encourage you to bring a cooler and snacks on the boat. We do not allow any kind of grills on the pontoons. It is legal for people 21 years and older to drink on the boat. However, while beer and wine are allowed, Hard liquor is NOT  allowed on pontoon boats.  The driver of any boat needs to remain sober for the duration of the rental.

Question 3

What time can we pick up our rental?

Accepted Answer

You will be notified via email once you book your appointment with us. We will reach out with details about arrival times, parking, pick up and drop off times as well. If you have any questions during the process, we are always a phone call away.

Question 4

If the weather is bad on the day I booked, how is it handled?

Accepted Answer

In the case of bad weather on the day of your rental, we will be happy to reschedule your appointment and will reach out to agree on a new date.  We DO NOT reschedule a rental date based on ‘forecasted weather’. for example, if it is calling for 50% chance of rain and thunderstorms, we still expect you to show up on the chance the weather changes. Often, the weather is forecasted to storm and can end up a nice day. 
If you have had the rental out on the lake more than half the appointment and then it starts raining, we will not reschedule another full day. During the spring and summer rain does not typically last long so we recommend waiting it out (if it's light rain) for about 25-30 minutes, it will typically pass and you can finish your appointment. 
If it is a complete rain out day, we will reschedule your reservation or give you a 100% Gift Card value to use for a booking anytime on our website.
We DO NOT cancel, reschedule or refund a booking due to cloudy or cold weather.

Question 5

Do you charge a fuel fee?

Accepted Answer

No, the pontoon boats come with a full tank of gas at the time of rental. However, you are responsible for the fuel you use. Should you run low on fuel, you must return to the marina. Running out of gas, which is unlikely under normal boating conditions, will result in an additional charge for fuel delivery.

Question 6

Where will we be picking up the rental?

Accepted Answer

A detailed email with instructions will be sent over before your appointment. You are also welcome to contact us if you need any additional assistance during your appointment.

Question 7

Is smoking allowed on the pontoon or jet ski?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not permit smoking on our rentals under any circumstances.

Question 8

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

21660 Crown Lake Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031. 
Located in Cornelius right off of I-77, Crown Harbor is a quick 20-minute drive from Charlotte, NC with easy access to the rest of Lake Norman

Question 9

Is fishing allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fishing is allowed on Lake Norman.

Question 10

Are there life jacket regulations?

Accepted Answer

Individuals aged 13 or younger must wear a US Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket at all times, whether the boat is stationary or in motion, anchored or not. Additionally, we recommend that everyone, regardless of age or swimming proficiency, wear a Life Jacket whenever they are swimming or in the water for any reason.

Question 11

Do you provide a driver for the boat?

Accepted Answer

During the weekdays there will be no captain available, however, on Friday through Sunday we offer captain led excursions for an additional fee.

Question 12

Do you offer a large party boat for events?

Accepted Answer

Our pontoon can seat up to 14 passengers. We do not allow anymore than 14 people on the boat at once.

Question 13

Do you have jet skis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we currently offer one jet ski. Rates start at $90/Hr.

Question 14

Are there bathrooms on the pontoon?

Accepted Answer

No our pontoons are not equipped with bathrooms.

Question 15

Does the pontoon provide shade?

Accepted Answer

Indeed, each of our pontoons is equipped with a bimini top that offers shade for approximately half of the seating area. If desired, you can adjust the bimini top to allow full sunlight across the pontoon. Please inquire with our staff upon arrival for instructions on how to operate the bimini top.

Question 16

Is the dock wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Our marina accommodates wheelchair access. There's a slight gap between the pontoon and the dock, but the pontoon is level with the dock on the water. It's simply a case of bridging the gap to transfer the wheelchair onto the boat.

Question 17

Do you take a security deposit when booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once you place your booking inquiry and we approve it, you will receive an invoice via email with your quote and others directions regarding your rental. Half of your total fee is due up front, the other half is due within 48 hours of your rental. Should a mishap occur on our end, we will provide a full refund. Otherwise, if anything occurs on your end or due to weather*, we are happy to reschedule your appointment.

*Please see the What happens during bad weather FAQ for more details

Question 18

Will the full tank of gas last all day?

Accepted Answer

All our rental vehicles are provided with a full tank of gas, which should suffice for the duration of a full day's rental.

Question 19

Can we return the boat early?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are free to come and go as you wish. Typically, there is no staff present at the dock upon your return, but you may return the boat at your convenience.

Question 20

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Upon booking your rental date, you may cancel and receive a full refund or choose an alternative date up to 7 days before the rental date. If you cancel between 6 to 2 days before the reservation, you are eligible for a 75% refund. No-shows or cancellations on the day of the rental will incur the full rental charge. Alternatively, we offer refunds via gift card for future bookings, should you prefer.

Question 21

Are we responsible for cleaning the boats when we are done?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cleaning supplies are available on the dock. It's necessary to clean the entire boat. Leaving behind food, crumbs, or similar debris will attract birds that can damage the boat overnight. Additionally, a cleaning fee will be applied if the boat is left unclean.

Question 22

What if the gas gauge looks low?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring your fuel consumption is crucial. Our pontoons are equipped with 70hp motors that are fuel-efficient when used properly. Operating the boat at full throttle all day, especially when loaded with people, will deplete the fuel rapidly. It's advisable to run the boat at 3/4 throttle for regular travel. Should the fuel level drop to a quarter tank, it's wise to refuel at a lakeside pump before returning to our marina.

Frequently Asked Questions