Confirm the site before buying
Ask the site manager and relevant authorities about permits, permitted areas and operating periods. Distinguish equipment hire from guided activities, which may have different requirements.
Observe access, parking and visitor numbers at different times. Record potential closures due to wind, currents, water levels or water quality.
Budget for complete equipment
Choose craft for the waterway and users. Have a qualified local professional confirm suitable safety equipment and instructions. Do not apply the same leash rule to every environment.
Six craft at €900 would cost €5,400 in this example. Add paddles, correctly sized buoyancy aids, pumps, spares, storage, transport and insurance. Inflatables also need inflation, checking and drying time.
Count slots you can actually sell
For illustration, one craft hired at €25 for 70 days produces €1,750 in revenue. At 35 days, that falls to €875 before costs.
For hourly rentals, forecast sales by time slot. Leave time for briefing, returns and checks between departures. Include closure days and costs that continue outside the season.
Track departures and returns
Prepare a site-specific procedure covering the permitted area, navigation instructions, return time and what to do in difficulty. Check that customers understand it.
- Check conditions before each departure.
- Fit safety equipment and inspect the craft.
- Record who has left, their equipment and expected return time.
- Have a procedure for overdue customers and raising the alarm.
Sell an outing you can support
Publish hours, duration, supplied equipment and weather terms before booking. Get written insurance confirmation for your activity and site.
On return, count accessories, inspect and rinse as the manufacturer specifies. Remove damaged items from service. Give campsites and accommodation providers these practical details and current availability when asking for referrals.