To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, the following terms apply to all watercraft rentals at WFO Watersports. By signing the rental agreement and/or waiver, you agree to comply with the terms below:

 Eligibility & Requirements

1. Boating License Requirements
   If you were born before January 1, 1984, you are not required to have a Boating Safety Identification Card to operate a motorized vessel on the Lake of the Ozarks. If you were born on or after January 1, 1984, you must possess a valid Boating Safety Identification Card from any U.S. state. A temporary Missouri Boating Safety Card, valid for 7 days, can be obtained by completing the online rental course at www.boat-ed.com/missourirental. For more information, visit www.mshp.dps.mo.gov.

2. Vessel Capacity Limits
   Per federal law, WFO boats may carry no more than 13 passengers. Only select vessels (Lowe 200 HP and 250 HP models) are rated for and permitted to carry up to 13 people. All other boats must follow the capacity limits set by WFO Watersports, which may align with or be more restrictive than the manufacturer’s stated capacity.
3. Child Life Jacket Requirement
   Children age 7 and under are required by law to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on board and on the dock. Child-size PFDs will be provided if needed.
4. Renter Age and Identification
   The primary renter (lessee) must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID.
5. Arrival Time and Waivers
   Renters should arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled rental time. Electronic waivers must be completed before arrival to expedite check-in and maximize rental time.

Equipment, Vessel, and Operational Rules

6. Damage Deposit & Equipment Responsibility
   A refundable damage deposit of $300–$500 (based on the vessel type) will be held on a credit or debit card. This hold will be released after the vessel is returned, pending inspection.Renters are responsible for the condition of the vessel and all equipment provided. Each boat is stocked with essential items—such as life jackets, dock lines, fenders, safety equipment, and other required gear—which are reviewed during the safety briefing. Any missing or damaged items upon return will result in charges deducted from the deposit.

7. Fuel Policy
   All vessels depart with a full tank of fuel. Upon return, WFO will refill the tank, and the renter will be charged for the fuel used.
8. No Night Boating
   Night operation of WFO vessels is strictly prohibited. All rentals must end before sunset.
9. Kill Switch Use
   The vessel operator must wear the engine cut-off lanyard (kill switch) at all times while underway. Exceptions include anchoring, docking, trailering, trolling, or operating in no-wake zones.
10. Operating Boundaries
    Vessels must remain within WFO’s designated boundaries:

• Northwest Limit: Shady Gators / H. Toad’s (7 Mile Marker, Main Channel)
• Southwest Limit: Margaritaville (26 Mile Marker, Main Channel)
• Southeast Limit: Public Beach #1 (11.5 Mile Marker, Grand Glaize Arm)Traveling outside these areas is not permitted. If a vessel leaves the boundaries and requires assistance, the renter will be responsible for all related costs, including towing—whether or not permission was granted.

11. Marina Location
    WFO Watersports is located at the 17.5 Mile Marker in Backwater Jack’s Cove. This is a no-wake zone, and travel to the main channel takes approximately 10 minutes at idle speed.

Rental Timing Policies

12. Late Arrival Policy
    If the renter is more than 30 minutes late for the scheduled reservation, the vessel may be reassigned to another customer. No-shows may be charged the full rental rate.
13. All-Day Rentals Must Start On Time
    All-day rentals must begin at their scheduled time or no later than 11:00 AM. Failure to arrive or contact WFO by that time may result in forfeiture of the vessel and applicable charges.
14. Return Times
    All vessels must return to WFO by the designated return time, based on your rental duration:

• 4-hour rentals: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM or 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
• 8-hour rentals: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
• WaveRunners: 2- or 4-hour increments as scheduledPlease confirm your return time at check-in.

15. Late Return Charges
    Renters returning vessels late will be charged a prorated fee based on the vessel’s hourly rate.
16. Weather Policy
    Weather on the Lake of the Ozarks can be unpredictable. WFO makes all weather-related decisions based on actual conditions at the time of your rental—not forecasts.If conditions are overcast or lightly raining, the rental will proceed as scheduled. However, in the case of severe weather (including heavy rain, lightning, or hazardous conditions), WFO may delay or cancel departures in the interest of safety.If inclement weather prevents departure at the start of your reservation, you may receive a full refund or be offered to reschedule. If you are already on the water and must return early due to worsening weather, WFO may offer a prorated credit or refund at its discretion. Safety remains our top priority.

General Policies

17. Cleanliness Fee
    A $50 cleaning fee may apply if the vessel requires excessive cleaning upon return.
18. Cancellation Policy
    To cancel a reservation, email RentBoats@wfowatersports.com.

• Cancellations made 7 or more days before the rental date will receive a full refund, minus a $20 processing fee.
• Cancellations made less than 7 days prior will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
• No-shows or failure to contact WFO will result in a charge for the full rental amount.

19. Use of Hired Captains or Drivers
    If the renter hires a private driver or licensed captain to operate the vessel, the renter is responsible for ensuring the driver completes all required waivers and is approved by WFO Watersports.The renter must notify WFO in advance with the name of the hired driver so they can be added to the rental manifest. The renter must also indicate whether the driver will be meeting the group at WFO’s marina or picking them up from a private dock.While WFO Watersports is not a charter company and does not provide captains or drivers, we maintain a list of independent captains that renters may contact directly to arrange service. Please call our office for referral information.

    All hired drivers must comply with WFO’s safety policies, vessel boundaries, and operating requirements.

20. Alcohol, Drug, and Smoking Policy
    Alcohol is permitted onboard for passengers of legal drinking age. However, the vessel operator must remain sober and drug-free at all times. Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances is strictly prohibited.Smoking of any kind that requires a lighter or match is not allowed on any WFO vessel. This includes cigarettes, cigars, and similar products. Violations may result in early termination of the rental without refund, and additional charges may apply for cleaning or damage.

21. Pets Onboard
    We love our dock dogs—so yes, pets are allowed on all WFO boats. We just ask that you give us a heads-up in advance so we can be prepared to welcome them aboard.The renter assumes full responsibility for any damage, messes, or extra cleaning caused by pets. A cleaning fee or damage charge may apply if needed. Please keep pets under control for their safety and the safety of others.

22. Liability for Damages Beyond Deposit
    If the cost of repairs or replacement exceeds the held damage deposit, the renter is financially responsible for the full amount of damages incurred during the rental period.