Frequently Asked Questions
What you need to know:
Do I need a boat licence?
Yes. The driver of the boat must hold a valid Australian boat licence. You must produce your boat licence to BA Boat Hire before your hire can commence.
How many people are allowed on board?
The Bluefin Weekender is licenced to carry a maximum of 4 persons at any time.
The Amara Centre Cabin is licenced to carry a maximum of 6 persons at any time.
The Amara Centre Cabin is licenced to carry a maximum of 6 persons at any time.
How do I secure my booking?
A deposit of 50% of the booking fee is required to secure your booking. This is to be paid by EFT.
Do I need to pay a Security Bond?
Yes. This is to cover our insurance excess in the event of a mishap. $500 security bond is required for all half day and full day hires. $1,000 security bond is required for all weekend and extended hires.
What is the earliest time I can launch?
Our earliest booking starts at 7:30am.
Do you supply fishing equipment?
We have fishing rods with tackle boxes, crab nets and eskies for hire. Bait is also available.
How far offshore can the boat travel?
The vessel has operational limits within South Australian waters as set by the Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). We operate along the River Murray, in all Adelaide metro waters, and some regional locations. Give us a call to confirm your holiday destination is within our operational limits.
What if I don’t know where to fish?
We will hopefully have you catching fish in no time! Our vessels comes with a fully stocked GPS with fishing marks for beginners and the avid fisherman.
Can you skipper the boat for me?
Please drop us a line to discuss skipper services on the Amara Centre Cabin. We are unable to skipper the Bluefin Weekender for you.
Do I need to clean the boat after my booking?
We take care of everything for half and full day hires. For weekend and extended hires, we request that the boat is returned clean and tidy. Cleaning fees apply.
Can I hire for an extended period?
Definitely! Best to get in early for long weekends, as they tend to book up several months in advance. Please give us a call with your holiday dates.
Can I tow the boat with my car?
Yes. A suitable tow vehicle is required. Tow and go is not available for half day hires.
How much does the boat weigh?
The Bluefin Weekender: Approximately 1,000 kg (1 tonne) combined boat, motor, trailer.
The Amara Centre Cabin: Approximately 2,500kg (2.5 tonne) combined boat, motor, trailer.
The Amara Centre Cabin: Approximately 2,500kg (2.5 tonne) combined boat, motor, trailer.
About your booking:
What should I bring?
Your boat licence, snacks, drinking water, sunscreen and a hat. You are welcome to bring your own fishing equipment, or we can supply for you. We also recommend bringing an esky to keep your catch fresh!
What time do I need to arrive for my booking?
Bluefin Weekender: Please arrive 15 minutes before your hire time. We will need 15 minutes for your safety briefing prior to departure.
Amara Centre Cabin: Please arrive 30 minutes before your hire time. We will need 30 minutes for your safety briefing and on water induction prior to departure.
Amara Centre Cabin: Please arrive 30 minutes before your hire time. We will need 30 minutes for your safety briefing and on water induction prior to departure.
What if I’m running late for my booking?
Don’t panic! Please give us a call.
What happens if I’m returning late from my booking?
Apart from upsetting the next hire group, you will be charged a late fee of $50 per hour.
What if I cancel my booking?
We understand plans can change. Your deposit will be transferred for use at a mutually agreeable time.
What if the weather is bad for my booking?
We will only operate your booking if the weather is safe to do so. If we are forced to cancel your booking, your deposit will be transferred for use at a mutually agreeable time.
Do I have to pick up or drop off the boat?
Only for extended hires. However, we offer delivery to your requested location if you are already at your holiday destination. Fees apply. We launch and retrieve the boat for you for half day and full day hires.
Do I need a life jacket?
We supply adult and child life jackets and all other safety equipment. All children 12 years and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times. The smallest child lifejacket that we supply is 15kg-25kg.
We suggest adults also wear a life jacket at all times, however this is optional for persons 12 years and over.
We suggest adults also wear a life jacket at all times, however this is optional for persons 12 years and over.
Can you launch and retrieve the boat for me?
Yes. All half and full day hires are walk-on walk-off at North Haven boat ramp. This means we do all the hard work for you! Other locations can be discussed.
DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM AGE?
Any hirer must be 18 years of age or over to hire our vessels.