Charles Mill Boat Rental FAQ

Here are some of the questions that we find ourselves getting asked a whole lot. If your question isn't on here, just give us a call at 1-800-837-BOAT (2628) and we'll be more than happy to answer it.

What do I need to rent a boat?
Can I make reservations for a boat?
Do the boats come with a driver?
Do I need to bring my own life jackets?
Can I bring my dog on the boat?
I've made my reservation, but now it looks like it is going to rain. What do I do?
What if I want to take the boat out past closing time?
What else do I have to pay for?
What methods of payment do you accept?
Do you have any deals on boat rental right now?
How many people are allowed on a boat?
Is there a place nearby where we can eat?

Reservation Policies

What do I need to rent a boat?

The only things you need to bring to rent a boat are a valid ID ( a driver's license will do the trick) and a major credit card. We keep these as a deposit while you are out on the water and will return them to you once you have returned. The credit card you deposit will not be charged for anything.

Can I make reservations for a boat?

Yes, you can make reservations for a boat. In fact, we encourage it. Although we have enough boats most of the time, certain days through the summer (especially July and August) fill up quicker than others. Some boats (like the cruise boat) require reservations because of the preparation needed to get it ready to go.

If you have any doubt at all about availability, please call us at 1-800-837-BOAT (2628) to confirm availability. It costs you nothing to reserve a boat, but we do have a few policies which you can read about here.

Do the boats come with a driver?

No, the cost of a driver is not included in the cost of a rental. We do offer driver services for boats at $20 an hour extra, usually used on our cruise boat.

If you have never driven a boat before, don't worry! Before each rental goes out one of our trained employees will give you a quick but thorough run-down of how the boat operates as well as tips on which spots on the lake to avoid. All of our boats are easy to operate and are chosen based on their  reliability.

Do I need to bring my own life jackets?

No, we provide all the safety equipment you need to be on the water, including life jackets, a fire extinguisher, a safety flag and whistle, a throw cushion, an oar and an anchor. If you have life jackets that you would like to bring yourself, please feel free to do so. It is required by Ohio state law that any child 10 years or younger wear a life jacket at all times while on the boat.

Can I bring my dog on the boat?

Absolutely. Be aware, however, that anything Fido leaves behind on the boat will be your responsibility. We charge a $35 cleaning fee for anything that needs to be cleaned before we send it out again, including doggy hair and droppings.

I've made my reservation, but now it looks like it is going to rain. What do I do?

Nobody likes boating in the rain, so we'll work with you on bad weather days. As long as you cancel your reservation at least 24 hours in advance you will not be charged for your rental. Simply call us up and we can cancel your reservation and if you would like, reschedule it for a sunny day.

What if I want to take the boat out past closing time?

That's not a problem. We have overnight rates on our pontoon boats and fishing boats that are exactly the same as our four-hour rental rates. Overnight rentals allow you to keep the boat from the time we close until the time we open the next day, generally at 9 a.m. For more information about overnight rentals, click here.

What else do I have to pay for?

Besides the rental, all you have to pay for is the gas you use and, if you like, the optional prop insurance. How much gas costs is based on the size of the engine, how much you use and how long you are out. Generally, people use about $3.00-$6.00 an hour in gasoline.

Prop insurance is an option (except on overnight rentals, where it is required) we offer to help protect you from the cost of replacing a prop. Due to the shallowness of the lake and the many submerged logs, it is not uncommon to bang the prop around on the bottom of the lake. The insurance costs $8.00, paid before you go out, and will protect you from paying $83.00 to get the prop repaired.

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, credit and debit cards for boat rentals. No personal checks please.

Do you have any deals on boat rental right now?

Occasionally we will run special deals on rental. Check out Bob's Bargains to see what we have to offer.

How many people are allowed on a boat?

This depends on the size of the boat you are renting. Our fishing boats can accommodate four people, our pontoon boats 10 people and our cruise boat 18 people.  Keep in mind that everybody on the boat counts, even small children and infants. There are strict weight limits on the boat as well, as overloading a boat can cause potential balance issues.

Is there a place nearby where we can eat?

There are several places to eat nearby. If you bring your own food, we have several picnic tables along the water as well as a large back deck that can accommodate large parties. The park also has several pavilions which can host large parties. Call them at 419-368-6885 to arrange a reservation.

Mifflin, located less than a mile from the marina, has several options for food, including the Mifflin Inn, Mifflin Dairy Bar and the Mifflin Market. The Cabin Restaurant, Oak Park Tavern and Skyway East are also a short driving distance away.

Didn't see your question? Call us at 1-800-837-BOAT (2628) and we'll be happy to answer it for you.

Reservation Policies

1. Reservations are for a minimum of 4 hours.
2. Please plan on arriving for your rental 30 minutes before your scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary paperwork so we can get you on your boat on-time.
3. If renting a boat for multiple days, we require a 50% deposit.
4. Your rental is non-refundable if it is not canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled time.
5. All reservations must be paid for ahead of time. You will still owe for the gas you use when you return.
6. You will have the boat during the time arranged. We cannot guarantee you that the boat will be available before or after your arranged time.
7. We prefer that reservations be taken within the time frame of 9:30 am-1:30 pm. or 2:00 pm.-6:00 pm. This allows us to have a boat available for other potential reservations at other points in the day.