Alaska Wild Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about boat rentals, booking, payments, delivery, safety equipment, towing, approved destinations, cancellations, fishing trips, hunting trips, and remote Alaska adventures.

Start Here

Planning a Rental?

The right rental depends on where you are going, how many people are traveling, how much equipment you are carrying, and how much boating experience you have.

Review the questions below, then contact Alaska Wild Rentals with your dates, destination, passenger count, towing vehicle, and planned activities.

01

Reservations

Booking and Payment

How do I reserve a boat or piece of equipment?

You can reserve through the Alaska Wild Rentals website or contact us directly. For boat rentals, we recommend providing your dates, destination, passenger count, boating experience, towing vehicle, and planned activities.

Is full payment required when I book?

Yes. Full payment is generally required to confirm the reservation unless Alaska Wild Rentals approves another written payment arrangement.

Is a security deposit required?

A refundable security deposit may be required depending on the boat, equipment, rental length, destination, and reservation. The applicable deposit will be shown during booking or included in the renter-specific agreement.

How old do I need to be to rent?

The primary renter and authorized operator must generally be at least 21 years old and provide a valid government-issued photo ID.

Can someone else operate the boat?

Only authorized operators may operate or tow the rental. Additional operators should be disclosed before pickup and may need to meet the same age and experience requirements.

Do you offer daily and weekly rentals?

Yes. Daily, multi-day, weekly, and extended rentals may be available depending on the equipment and current schedule.

02

Boat Selection

Choosing the Right Boat

Shallow Rivers

Jet Boats

Best suited for many shallow rivers, braided channels, backcountry access, river fishing, and hunting transportation.

Lakes and Coastal Water

Aluminum Fishing Boats

Best suited for many lakes, deeper rivers, protected coastal trips, fishing, sightseeing, and family recreation.

Portable Adventures

Inflatables and Kaboats

Useful for smaller lakes, portable transportation, camping, protected water, and destinations where a trailer boat may not be practical.

How do I know which boat I need?

Tell us your destination, waterway, passenger count, cargo, towing vehicle, experience, and planned activities. We will help identify which available boats may be appropriate.

What boat is best for shallow Alaska rivers?

A jet boat is generally the best choice for suitable shallow rivers. Jet propulsion removes the exposed propeller, but the boat still requires enough water to float and feed clean water into the jet intake.

What boat is best for lakes?

Aluminum fishing boats are generally a good choice for larger lakes. Smaller inflatables and Kaboats may work well for protected lakes and customers who want a more portable option.

What boat is best for Seward or Prince William Sound?

An approved aluminum fishing boat is generally the best option from our fleet for suitable coastal trips. Approval depends on the route, forecast, operator experience, load, and specific boat.

How many people can the boats carry?

Capacity varies by boat. Passenger count is only part of the calculation. Fuel, coolers, camping equipment, hunting gear, harvested game, and other cargo must also be included.

03

Operating the Equipment

Experience and Instruction

Can someone with no boating experience rent a boat?

Some boats are straightforward to operate, but not every destination is suitable for a beginner. New operators should choose a conservative lake or protected route rather than a braided river, remote waterway, or exposed marine destination.

Will you show me how to operate the boat?

Yes. We review the basic controls, starting procedure, fuel system, steering, safety equipment, launching, loading, and equipment-specific instructions at pickup.

Is a jet boat difficult to operate?

The controls are relatively simple, but safely reading shallow water, braided channels, gravel bars, sweepers, and changing river conditions requires judgment and experience.

Can I practice before leaving?

Depending on the rental, location, and schedule, we may be able to review controls and procedures before departure. Renters are still responsible for selecting a route appropriate for their experience.

Can I operate while drinking alcohol?

No. Operating rental equipment while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, or any impairing substance is strictly prohibited.

04

Rental Logistics

Pickup, Delivery, and Transportation

Where do I pick up the rental?

Pickup location depends on the equipment and reservation. Confirmed pickup instructions will be provided before the rental begins.

Do you deliver boats?

Delivery may be available throughout Southcentral Alaska, Interior Alaska, and other approved road-system destinations. Pricing depends on distance, equipment, dates, and scheduling.

Do you deliver to Seward or Whittier?

Delivery may be available depending on the boat, dates, and schedule. Contact us for availability and a delivery quote.

Do you deliver to Fairbanks?

Fairbanks and Interior Alaska delivery may be available. Longer-distance delivery is priced separately and must be arranged in advance.

Can I take the rental anywhere on Alaska’s road system?

Many boats are supplied on trailers and can be transported to approved road-system destinations. The intended location must be disclosed and approved before departure.

05

Tow Vehicles

Trailers and Towing

Are the boats supplied on trailers?

Most larger boats are supplied on road-ready trailers. Portable inflatables and some smaller packages may be transported differently.

What type of vehicle do I need?

Your vehicle must have adequate towing capacity, a compatible hitch, working trailer-light connection, and any braking equipment required for the trailer.

Can I tow with an SUV?

Possibly. It depends on the boat, trailer weight, vehicle towing rating, hitch rating, passengers, cargo, and route. Provide your vehicle year, make, model, and towing capacity before pickup.

Will you show me how to connect the trailer?

Yes. We can review the coupler, safety chains, electrical connection, winch strap, transom straps, and general launching procedure.

Am I responsible for trailer damage?

Yes. The renter is responsible for the boat, motor, trailer, and included equipment during the rental period.

06

Boating Responsibly

Safety Equipment and Trip Preparation

Are life jackets included?

Included equipment depends on the boat and rental package. Confirm the equipment checklist before pickup and provide the sizes needed for every adult and child.

What additional gear should I bring?

Bring warm waterproof clothing, food, drinking water, navigation, communication, first-aid supplies, dry clothing, and any route-specific survival equipment.

Should everyone wear a life jacket?

Yes. Alaska’s cold water and changing conditions make wearing a properly fitted life jacket one of the most important boating precautions.

Do I need a satellite communicator?

It is strongly recommended for remote trips and areas without dependable cell coverage. Garmin GPSMAP 67i rentals with active inReach service are available separately.

Where can I read your safety guide?

Review our Alaska Boating Safety Guide before your trip for information about life jackets, cold water, weather, river hazards, marine travel, emergencies, fuel, and float plans.

Read the Alaska Boating Safety Guide
07

Where You Can Go

Approved Destinations and Waterways

Do I need to tell you where I am taking the boat?

Yes. The intended destination and waterway must be disclosed before pickup. Boat approval may be limited to a specific route, region, or type of water.

Can I take the boat on any river?

No. Alaska rivers range from calm waterways to technical whitewater, extremely shallow streams, tidal channels, and large glacial rivers. The route must be appropriate for the boat and operator.

Can I take a boat into Resurrection Bay?

Approved boats may be used in suitable portions of Resurrection Bay when conditions and operator experience are appropriate.

Can I take a boat into Prince William Sound?

Approved aluminum boats may be used for suitable Prince William Sound routes. Approval depends on the specific destination, forecast, operator, passenger load, and boat.

Can I take a boat to the Deshka or Yentna River?

Approved jet boats may be used for suitable Susitna drainage trips. Long-distance and remote routes require experience, fuel planning, navigation, and emergency communication.

Does destination approval guarantee safe conditions?

No. The renter is responsible for evaluating current weather, water levels, tides, waves, visibility, hazards, and whether conditions remain within their abilities.

08

Outdoor Adventures

Fishing and Hunting Trips

Can I fish from the rental boats?

Yes. Many of our boats are suitable for fishing. Anglers are responsible for current licenses, seasons, emergency orders, bag limits, and equipment restrictions.

Can I use a rental boat for a moose hunt?

Some boats may be approved for hunting trips. Passenger weight, fuel, camp equipment, hunting gear, expected meat weight, water conditions, and experience must all be considered.

Can I transport harvested game in the boat?

Yes, when the boat is approved for the trip and the total load remains within safe limits. Meat must be contained and loaded so it does not block drainage, controls, emergency equipment, or safe passenger seating.

Can I use the boat for shrimping?

Certain approved boats may be used for shrimping in Prince William Sound. Renters must obtain current permits and follow all pot, buoy, season, and reporting requirements.

Do fishing rods, tackle, or hunting equipment come with the boat?

Unless specifically listed in the rental package, personal fishing and hunting equipment is not included.

09

Beyond the Road System

Remote Alaska Adventures

Can I take a rental boat on a fly-in trip?

Some portable boats may be suitable for fly-in trips. The air transporter must approve the packed weight, dimensions, motor, fuel containers, and total passenger and cargo load.

Can your boats be shipped to remote villages?

Transportation may be possible through road delivery, air freight, barge, or an approved third-party transporter. Availability and cost depend on the equipment, destination, and rental length.

What equipment should I bring for a remote trip?

Bring emergency shelter, extra food, water purification, navigation backups, satellite communication, repair supplies, first aid, warm clothing, and enough fuel for delays and changes.

Can I rent for several weeks?

Yes. Extended rentals may be available and are often a good fit for hunting camps, fly-in trips, and remote expeditions.

Where can I learn more about remote rentals?

Visit our Remote Alaska Adventures page for information about portable boats, hunting trips, fishing trips, fly-in logistics, navigation, fuel, and communication.

View Remote Alaska Adventures
10

Changing Plans

Weather, Cancellations, and Rescheduling

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made at least 30 days before the rental start date are generally eligible for a refund minus a 10% processing fee. Cancellations made less than 30 days before the rental are generally non-refundable.

Can I reschedule my rental?

Eligible reservations may be moved to available dates within the same calendar year. Requests should be made at least seven days before pickup, delivery, or shipment.

Do I receive a refund if the weather is bad?

Weather is part of boating in Alaska. Refunds are generally not issued for poor weather, road conditions, flight delays, tunnel delays, fish conditions, or early returns.

What should I do if the forecast is unsafe?

Delay departure, choose a more protected destination, reschedule when eligible, or cancel the trip. Never operate simply because the equipment has already been rented.

What happens if Alaska Wild Rentals cancels?

If we cancel because of equipment failure, safety concerns, or logistical problems, the renter may receive a refund or eligible future-booking credit according to the rental agreement.

11

Renter Responsibility

Damage, Cleaning, and Returns

Am I responsible for damage?

Yes. The renter is responsible for loss, theft, damage, missing equipment, excessive cleaning, unauthorized use, and recovery costs during the rental period.

What should I do if the boat is damaged?

Stop operating when continued use may worsen the damage or create a safety risk. Move to a safe location when possible and contact Alaska Wild Rentals with your coordinates and a description of the issue.

Can I repair the boat myself?

Do not modify or perform permanent repairs without approval. Emergency temporary repairs may be necessary for safety, but contact Alaska Wild Rentals whenever communication is available.

How clean does the boat need to be when returned?

Return the boat reasonably clean and free of garbage, loose bait, fish remains, blood, excessive mud, personal belongings, and fuel spills.

What happens if I return late?

Late returns may be charged at the full daily rental rate for each day or portion of a day the equipment is late. Additional costs may apply when another reservation is disrupted.

Where can I read the complete rental policies?
12

Add-On Equipment

GPS, Starlink, and Outdoor Gear

Do you rent satellite communicators?

Yes. Garmin GPSMAP 67i handheld GPS and satellite communicator rentals are available with an active inReach subscription.

View Garmin GPSMAP 67i Rental
Do you rent Starlink?

Starlink rentals may be available for camps, cabins, remote work sites, and extended Alaska trips.

Do you rent portable power stations?

Portable power options may be available as add-ons for camping, communication equipment, Starlink, refrigeration, and charging.

Can I rent gear without renting a boat?

Yes. Certain GPS units, satellite communicators, Starlink equipment, and outdoor gear may be rented separately.

Is the Garmin subscription already active?

Yes. The Garmin GPSMAP 67i subscription is active and the unit is ready for GPS navigation, two-way satellite messaging, tracking, location sharing, and interactive SOS communication.

Still Have Questions?

Send Us Your Trip Details

Include your dates, destination, number of passengers, boating experience, towing vehicle, planned activities, and whether you need delivery.

Call or Text

907-302-1775

The fastest option for availability, boat selection, and trip-specific questions.

Send a Message

Contact Alaska Wild Rentals

Use our trip-planning contact form to send dates, destination, passenger count, and delivery information.

Ready to Explore Alaska?

Find the Right Rental for Your Adventure

Explore shallow rivers, mountain lakes, coastal waters, fishing destinations, hunting areas, remote camps, and Alaska’s backcountry with equipment from Alaska Wild Rentals.