Last updated: [date]
By booking a rental through SOPIF ("we," "us," "our"), you ("renter") agree to these Terms and Conditions, in addition to the printed rental agreement and liability waiver signed at check-in. These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict-of-law principles.
Renters must be 18 years or older and able to provide valid government-issued identification. Operators of motorized vessels and personal watercraft must hold a valid California Boater Card, as required under California Harbors and Navigation Code §678.11 for all operators regardless of age. Sailboats and guided excursions may be booked with a licensed captain if the renter does not hold a Boater Card. See our FAQ for details.
A booking is confirmed only once a deposit has been received (see our Cancellation & Weather Policy for deposit amounts). Full payment of the remaining balance is due at pickup, before departure. We accept [credit/debit card, cash — specify your accepted methods here]. Prices quoted are per vessel per hour unless otherwise stated and do not include applicable California sales tax.
This is a strict, tiered cancellation policy. See our full Cancellation & Weather Policy for cancellation windows, refund percentages, deposit terms, and weather-related rescheduling.
Renters agree to: operate vessels safely and in compliance with the California Harbors and Navigation Code and U.S. Coast Guard regulations; ensure a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) is worn by every passenger, and that children under 13 wear a PFD at all times while the vessel is underway, per California Harbors and Navigation Code §658.5; never operate a vessel while impaired (California's boating-under-the-influence limit is the same 0.08% blood alcohol threshold as driving); follow all posted safety briefings and instructions; and return the vessel and equipment in the condition received, normal wear excepted.
Boating and watersports are inherently hazardous recreational activities. By renting from SOPIF, renter acknowledges and voluntarily assumes all risks inherent to boating, jet skiing, sailing, and watersports activities, including but not limited to risk of collision, capsizing, immersion, and injury. Renter releases SOPIF from liability for such inherent risks to the fullest extent permitted under California law. Consistent with California Civil Code §1668, nothing in this release waives or limits SOPIF's liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any statutory liability that cannot lawfully be waived. A full written assumption-of-risk and release form is provided and must be signed at check-in.
Renter is responsible for any damage to or loss of the vessel, motor, or equipment during the rental period, beyond normal wear and tear, up to and including full replacement value. A security deposit will be collected and may be applied toward the cost of repair or replacement. Renter agrees to report any damage, mechanical issue, or incident immediately, and to operate the vessel in compliance with all California Harbors and Navigation Code requirements, including personal flotation device (PFD) requirements for all passengers and mandatory PFD use for children under 13 while underway.
To the fullest extent permitted by California law, SOPIF's total liability arising out of or related to a rental is limited to the amount actually paid by the renter for that rental. SOPIF is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. Nothing in these Terms limits liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any other liability that cannot be limited or waived under California Civil Code §1668 or other applicable law.
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any dispute arising out of or relating to a rental shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in [your county — e.g. Los Angeles County], California. [Optional: add an arbitration clause here if you prefer disputes to be resolved outside of court — a lawyer should draft this specifically, since enforceability requirements are strict in California.]
We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of our booking services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
Questions about these terms can be sent via our contact page.