Hourly Rentals Hobie Catamarans

To rent a sailboat, you must be 18 years or older or accompanied by someone who is.

All participants must be able to swim. The minimum eligible age is 4 years old.

Catamaran renters should have previous sailing experience and be confident in their abilities to handle a Hobie in all reasonable conditions. 

If you have any doubts, avoid the hassle and schedule a lesson. We guarantee you will get more out of your experience and become a better sailor.

A $50 tow fee will apply if we need to send someone out to retrieve your boat – for example, if you do not know how to sail upwind or do not return on time.

Reservations are recommended for Hobie Cat rentals, as that allows us to rig your boat and have it waiting for you when you arrive.

Safety is ultimately our top priority. We will not operate in hazardous weather conditions such as heavy rain, thick fog, high winds, or thunder and lightning. If severe weather cancels your reservation, we will make every effort to reschedule for another day. Otherwise, a full refund will be issued.

However, no guarantee can be made that every day will be perfectly sunny. So we will operate as usual in overcast conditions, light fog, and intermittent sprinkles. Guests should dress appropriately for changeable weather and bring a positive attitude!

The captain makes the final decision on weather-related cancellations, and reservations should be considered upheld unless we contact you directly.

To leave enough time for our check-­in procedure, we recommend your party arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Also, leave yourself some margin for traffic or parking-related delays, pre-departure bathroom stops, etc.

No refunds or credits will be given for customers arriving late. Trips are scheduled multiple times per day, and to ensure that all of our reservations are honored, your tour must still be returned at the regularly scheduled time.

Renters will need a valid photo ID and a form of payment if they have not prepaid.  Most renters bring water, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

You will be on the water so we recommend wearing clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

We are happy to provide a small dry bag for your valuables. This might include a cellphone (to contact us in an emergency) or a camera.

If you don't bring a phone, make sure somebody has a waterproof watch. It is YOUR responsibility to return the boat back on time.  We will not be able to signal you or warn you.

Note: Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals assumes no responsibility for items stored in a dry bag. 

Yes. PFDs must be worn by everybody using our equipment.  The life jacket is a critical piece of safety gear that will keep you afloat if you are tired or cold.  It is very difficult to put on a life jacket when you’re in the water, so better to wear it all the time.

We have life jackets for all shapes and sizes. Younger children are welcome to bring their own life jacket if they are more comfortable, provided it is Coast Guard approved (no arm floaties).  Otherwise, we have several kid's sizes. Note that the age minimum for participants is 4.

No, we do not allow pets on any of our rental equipment.

Renters are allowed access to any part of the resort that is normally open to the public. 

This includes multiple restaurants, parking lots, and restroom facilities.

The resort pool, deck area, and beach chairs are reserved only for registered guests.

Possibly. If no other customers want to rent your boat, we may extend your rental period (assuming we are not about to close). 

Please check with a Down Cape team member before the end of your scheduled rental period to see if an extension is possible.