How does hiring a Captain work?

Contact us and schedule your group’s date. If possible, it is best to book your captain first before renting a boat to make sure we can fit you into our schedules when it works best for you. If you need help finding a boat to rent, we are happy to assist. We will meet you at the marina you are renting your boat from and handle all the operations for you from there. Depending on the rental company we may be able to deliver the boat to where you are staying to make it more convenient for your adventure. We have an extensive network of verified license captains and rental companies to help make booking your lake day an easy experience. We can provide multiple captains should you need more than one boat for your group.

How long to charter trips last?

All our trips have a 4-hour minimum time charge. Most people pick from a 4,6 or 8 hour trip but we can work with you to accommodate your plans.

Do I need to fill out a waiver?

Yes, each person getting onto the boat will need to complete a waiver. Please see link above.

What type of services do you offer?

In addition to providing, you with a boat captain for your lake day adventure, we also offer on the water training time to help you get comfortable with operating your own vessel. Derek and Bryan each own a fishing guide business if you are looking for other things to do while at the lake.

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept payments in the form of cash, credit or debet cards. We utilitze square for card payments and there is a processing fee included.

How to pick the best Captain?

You want to enjoy a nice day on the lake but do not have a boating license, don’t want to worry about the risk of getting pulled over by water patrol, or maybe you’re just not super confident in operating a boat. So now what? There are a few things you want to look for when selecting a boat captain. 

  • First: Are they insured?We’re not talking about the liability insurance required by the lender for them to get a loan on the boat. Does your captain carry commercial business insurance to cover you if you were to get hurt or involved in an accident while on the boat? 
  • Second: Most waterways in Missouri including Table Rock Lake and Lake of the Ozarks require you to have a United States Coast Guard Captain license to legally charter clients on a vessel.Obtaining a Coast Guard captain license consists of logging hundreds of hours of time operating a boat, a series of difficult tests to prove your skills and knowledge of the water ways and boat operations, a background check, medical training, and random drug screenings. 
  • Third: You want someone that knows the area and has extensive knowledge in all the restaurants, bars, scenic areas, swimming holes and party spots.

 

Good news for you all captains operating for Bearded Boat Captain are United States Coast Guard licensed, Insured, and very knowledgeable with the local waterways and area attractions.