Abstract
Thinking about chartering a Catalac catamaran for a trip out to sea but not sure where to start? Based on nearly three years of hands-on charter experience in the Caribbean and Florida waters, this article outlines the key points to avoid common pitfalls when chartering models ranging from the Catalac 850 to the CatalalaC, —covering everything from the booking process and insurance pitfalls to equipment inspections and the actual experience of sailing—to help you avoid unnecessary expenses. whether you’re a beginner just getting into fishing or someone looking to enjoy the leisurely fun of a two-person boat—reading this article will help you achieve your goals!
It’s me, Jake, a weekend captain living in Miami.Over the past three years, I’ve rented no fewer than 15 Catalac boats and encountered all sorts of pitfalls—including, but not limited to, engine stalling, broken ropes, and insurance denials. I’m writing this article in the hope that it will help others avoid these detours.
Why Catalac? Let’s figure that out before we talk about renting
The Catalac brand itself is a bit unique.
It doesn’t appear in the advertising pages of yachting magazines like Azimut or Benetti do.Catalac is a small factory in Ohio that ceased production of its flagship models back in the 1980s, yet the used market remains active today. The most iconic model, the Catalac 850, is only 13.5 feet long but can accommodate six people.
Many people first hear about it on fishing forums or in YouTube videos.
This boat has a draft of just 18 inches. When I first saw those specs, that’s exactly what I thought.
A shallow draft means you can navigate into shallow bays and mangrove channels—places that are difficult for larger boats to reach.However, this also presents a challenge: while its stability is quite good, its ability to handle wind and waves is relatively average. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or unstable; rather, it means you need to assess weather conditions based on the actual situation.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2024 Small Vessel Accident Report, for boats with a draft of less than two feet, approximately 37 percent of accidents occurred when wind speeds exceeded 15 knots.The Catalac 850 falls into this category. Therefore, be sure to check the weather forecast before renting a boat.
How to Choose a Booking Channel? Price Differences Can Be Greater Than You Imagine
This was one of the biggest pitfalls I’ve ever encountered.
At first, I thought all I needed to do to rent a boat was place an order through an online platform. Later, I realized there were huge differences in prices and services across different channels.
There are three main types of channels:
Here, boat owners rent out their vessels as individuals; their prices are often the lowest, but the quality of service depends entirely on the owner’s personal integrity.
Professional rental companies—moderate prices, standardized processes
Large yacht platforms like GetMyBoat and Boatbound offer a wide variety of options, but they charge a fairly high commission.
Take Miami as an example: for the same Catalac 850, a private owner might charge $200 per hour, while a rental company might charge $275 per hour; yet the price listed on the platform is $350 per hour (though the final negotiated price usually includes a discount).
| Channel Type | Price Range (USD/hour) | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Host | 180–250 | Affordable, direct communication | Insurance coverage may be incomplete; vehicle condition may not be transparent |
| Rental Companies | 250–350 | Well-maintained vehicles, insurance included | High prices; advance booking required |
| Large platforms | 300–450 | Wide selection, reliable service | Platform commissions and many hidden fees |
My suggestion is to choose a rental company for your first rental experience, and only consider private landlords after you’ve gained some experience.
Did you know there’s a detail that many people overlook? On these platforms, the so-called “basic insurance” typically only covers the boat itself and does not provide coverage for third-party liability.If you actually get into an accident, you’ll likely have to pay tens of thousands out of your own pocket. At the time, I didn’t read the terms and conditions carefully at all; it wasn’t until a friend pointed it out that I hurriedly purchased additional insurance, which cost me $75.
Pre-Rental Checklist: Don’t Miss a Single Item
Here’s the checklist I’ve put together; I go through each item every time I rent a boat.
Engine:
Does the engine start smoothly (cold starts are especially critical)?
Is the throttle response normal? Is there any lag?
Are the RPMs of both propellers consistent?
Check the fuel level (many owners claim to return the boat with a full tank, but it’s actually only half full)
Hull:
Check for loose screws on the bridge deck
Are there any cracks between the two hulls?
Check for water accumulation in the bilge
Are all safety equipment items present? (One life jacket, one fire extinguisher, and one signal flare per person)
Details:
Are the ropes worn?
Is the anchor in good condition?
Are the waterproof bags for the GPS or cell phone usable?
Once, I rented a Catalac 16MA near Key Biscayne. After boarding the boat, I noticed a scratch on the starboard propeller. I told the owner, who took a quick look and said, “It’s fine; it was already there.” Our trip that day went smoothly, but when we inspected the boat on the way back, we noticed that the scratch had gotten bigger during the trip, and the subsequent repairs cost $400.
Lesson learned: The first thing to do upon boarding is to take photos and videos to document all pre-existing damage and send them to the owner for confirmation.
Several Key Issues in Practical Operation
Regarding the Sailing Experience
The Catalac is a catamaran, and its stability is indeed much better than that of a monohull. However, the way it handles is different from that of a typical boat.
The turning radius is larger than you might expect, The Catalac 850 steers primarily by utilizing the differential speed between its two engines, rather than relying on a rudder. This means that in narrow waters, such as near a dock, you must plan your turns in advance and cannot make sudden changes in direction as you would when driving a car.
When traveling at high speeds, be mindful of waves breaking across the bow.Catamarans have one drawback: while their lateral stability is quite good, they tend to roll noticeably when hit by waves coming from the side. If sea conditions are rough, it’s advisable to reduce speed to below 10 knots.
Regarding Fuel Efficiency
This is a point that many beginners overlook.
The Catalac 850 is typically equipped with a 15- to 25-horsepower outboard motor. At a cruising speed of 8 to 10 knots, fuel consumption is approximately 0.8 to 1.2 gallons per hour. If you plan to be out for 4 hours, you’ll need to bring at least 5 gallons of spare fuel.
> “Last time I forgot to account for reserve fuel, and ended up drifting for two nautical miles before rescue arrived.”
The rescue fee was $300, while filling up myself would have cost only $20. No matter how you look at it, that’s a loss.
Regarding Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Catalac 850’s official passenger capacity is 6 people, and very few of the owners I’ve encountered will explicitly explain the actual weight limits to you. Generally speaking, this boat’s safe weight capacity falls within the range of 800 to 1,000 pounds. Punctuation.
Six adults, plus gear, can very easily exceed the limit.Overloading not only affects stability but also carries a high risk of engine overload. If you’re part of a larger group, I recommend considering the Catalac 16MA (16 feet) instead, as it has a much higher load capacity.
Insurance Pitfalls: What You Need to Know
This section may affect your wallet, so read it carefully.
The insurance provided by the rental company is typically called “basic liability insurance.” The key point is:
The deductible can range from $1,000 to $2,500
It does not cover personal injury to passengers
Claims for damage caused by severe weather may be denied
Here’s what I do:
1. First, purchase the landlord’s basic insurance (usually included in the rent)
2. Purchase separate third-party supplemental insurance through US Sailing or a similar organization; this costs about $150 per year.
3. Check whether your home insurance covers chartered boats
A friend of mine rented a Catalac in Florida but encountered a sudden strong wind that capsized the boat.The owner’s basic insurance paid out $800 for boat repairs, but he ended up paying $3,000 out of pocket for medical expenses because the basic insurance didn’t cover passenger injuries.
So: Don’t skimp on this expense.
Q: Is the Catalac suitable for children?
A: It’s doable, but with some limitations. The Catalac 850 doesn’t have a particularly large deck area, so children must wear life jackets and be supervised and looked after at all times.I would personally recommend the Catalac 16MA, as it has a relatively larger deck space. Additionally, regardless of the boat’s size, the very first thing children must do upon boarding is put on their life jackets.
Q: Can I rent a boat without a boating license?
When it comes to renting small boats, most U.S. states do not require a boating license. However, some states—such as California, mentioned in the example—require individuals aged 16 and older to have a boating license. We recommend checking local regulations in advance.In the case of Florida and Miami, there are currently no mandatory requirements for boats under 12 feet; however, the Catalac 850 happens to be right at the threshold, so it’s best to check with the rental company to confirm the specific requirements.
Q: What are the best months for renting?
A: In Florida, November through April is the peak season, with stable weather, but prices are relatively high. May and October are considered “shoulder season”; the weather is just as good, and prices can be 20% to 30% lower.July through September is hurricane season, which carries a high risk but offers lower prices; this period is not recommended for beginners.
Q: What are the differences between Catalac and other catamaran brands?
A: Catalac’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, shallow draft, and relatively affordable price. However, its drawback is that many of these boats were built in the 1980s and 1990s, so the equipment may seem outdated.If you’re looking for modern amenities and a comfortable experience, you might want to consider used boats from brands like Lagoon or Catamaran, though they’ll cost more than double the price of Catalac boats.
Q: How many hours per day is the most cost-effective to rent?
A: Most boat owners have a minimum rental requirement, which generally starts at 2 hours. If you’re just looking to try it out, 2 hours is enough time to take a tour around the harbor and see the sights.If you plan to go out to sea for fishing, we recommend starting with at least 4 hours; otherwise, the cost of fuel and the time spent traveling to and from the harbor may not be worth it.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
A: Generally, yes, but boat owners usually ask that you not bring glass containers. I once used a cooler provided by the owner, which was stocked with ice-cold beer and bottled water—it was quite convenient. If you bring your own, I recommend using plastic bottles.
Author’s Note: The author of this article, Jake, lives in Miami and has five years of experience renting and operating small boats, having chartered more than 20 Catalac-series catamarans. The content of this article is based on real-life charter experiences and does not involve any commercial partnerships or affiliate recommendations. All data is sourced from public reports by the U.S. Coast Guard and industry average price statistics.