Boat Rental Guidelines

At The Center for Wooden Boats our boats are our exhibits – they are historic and often rare vessels that we are excited to share with you. Here are some of the details about boat use.

Hourly Rental Fees

Minimum 1 hour rental for sailboats - 1/2 hour for rowboats.

No prior experience is required to rent rowboats or pedalboats, but prior experience and the ability to pass a check-out are required to rent our sailboats. See below for more details.

Check-out fee - $10 

Rules

• Life jackets must be worn at all times while aboard our boats
• No alcohol is allowed on board
• Boats must stay on Lake Union, between the Aurora and I-5 bridges.
• Be alert to other traffic on the lake, especially boats entering and leaving marinas and waterways
• Our exhibits may not be tied up to any docks, piers, or pilings, other than our own - please do not stop or go ashore. This is how our boats get damaged.
• We cease sailboat rentals in over 12 knots of wind or at the discretion of the Livery Manager
• Renters are responsible for returning boats in the same condition as when they were checked out.

Livery Passes

A variety of livery passes are available from one day to a year. Please contact khunter@cwb.org to learn more.

Sailing Check-Outs

Before using our sailboats, a check-out must be arranged with one of our livery staff or sailing instructors. The purpose is to make sure you are comfortable handling traditional small boats and to answer any questions you may have about the boat you have chosen. This is not a lesson, you will be in complete control of the boat. If you want to brush up your skills first, call us and ask about our one-on-one lessons.

You may schedule a check-out through the front desk but you might have to wait up to a couple weeks for a guaranteed time. You may also come to CWB during livery hours and we will try to accommodate you as soon as possible. Keep in mind that if the wind is too light, the check-out may be rescheduled for a later time.

Below is a list of required skills sailors must confidently demonstrate in order to rent CWB boats:

• As the helmsman, sail away from the dock and out of the Center's channel; stay clear of other boats and obstructions while obeying the rules of the road.
• Be able to sail four rapid tacks to windward.
• Sail directly into the wind and intentionally stop the boat. Sail off on either port or starboard tack, as directed by the instructor.
• Sail in a complete circle, executing proper sail trim throughout the sequence of tacks and jibes, all voice commands, execute good control while changing sail position and body motions
• Answer questions about right of way for specific encounters during the test.
• Sail back to the dock with all sails raised and luffing – multiple attempts are fine, provided good control of the vessel is maintained throughout.