BoatByVal Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: 02/24/2026

By booking, renting, operating, or riding on a pontoon boat provided by BoatByVal (“we,” “us,” “our”), the renter, designated Captain/Operator, and all passengers (“you,” “client,” “operator,” “Captain,” or “passenger”) agree to the following Terms & Conditions.

These terms apply to all persons on board, regardless of age.

All BoatByVal Safety Rules & Guidelines (available on our website and provided prior to departure) are incorporated into these Terms & Conditions and must be followed at all times.
Failure to follow any posted or provided safety rules will be considered a violation of these Terms & Conditions.

1. Captain / Operator Responsibility

The individual designated as the Captain / Operator of the vessel assumes full responsibility for:

  • Safe operation of the boat at all times

  • Compliance with all Texas Parks & Wildlife, Lake Lewisville, and local boating laws

  • The conduct, behavior, and safety of all passengers

  • Ensuring all BoatByVal safety rules are followed and enforced at all times

  • Any injuries, accidents, damages, fines, or citations occurring during the rental period

The Captain is solely responsible for ensuring that all passengers understand and comply with all rules and safety instructions.

Failure to enforce safety rules or operate the vessel responsibly may result in full responsibility for any resulting incidents, injuries, damages, or legal consequences.

BoatByVal does not provide a licensed captain unless explicitly stated in writing. Operation of the vessel is at the renter’s own risk.

2. Passenger Responsibility

All passengers agree to:

  • Follow all safety rules and instructions provided by BoatByVal and the Captain

  • Act responsibly and avoid unsafe or reckless behavior

  • Remain seated while the boat is in motion unless instructed otherwise

  • Comply with all applicable laws and safety requirements

Passengers who fail to follow safety rules do so at their own risk and assume responsibility for any resulting injury, incident, or damage.

Failure to comply may result in removal from the activity or early termination of the rental without refund.

3. Age & Boater Education Requirements

To operate a BoatByVal pontoon boat:

  • The Captain must be 32 years of age or older, OR

  • Captains under 32 years of age must possess a valid Texas Boater Education Certificate and provide proof before departure

This age requirement is a BoatByVal safety policy and applies regardless of prior boating experience.

Failure to meet these requirements will result in cancellation of the rental without refund.

Texas Boater Education (FREE & Official):
https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/boater-education/

4. Assumption of Risk

Boating activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

  • Slips, falls, collisions, wakes, weather, and water conditions

  • Injuries related to boarding, swimming, or movement on the vessel

  • Injuries caused by passenger actions or negligence

By participating, all renters and passengers knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks associated with boating and water-related activities.

5. Release of Liability & Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by Texas law:

  • BoatByVal shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, death, loss, or damage to persons or property

  • This includes injuries to the Captain, passengers, or third parties

The renter and Captain agree to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless BoatByVal from any claims, lawsuits, damages, losses, or legal actions arising from the rental.

This applies whether damages arise from:

  • Negligence

  • Misuse of the vessel

  • Unsafe behavior

  • Failure to follow rules or laws

6. Swimming & Designated Areas (Lake Lewisville)

Swimming, floating, or entering the water is only permitted in designated swimming areas as allowed by Lake Lewisville regulations and Texas Parks & Wildlife rules.

The Captain is fully responsible for ensuring that:

  • No passenger enters the water in restricted or non-designated areas

  • Swimming does not occur near marinas, docks, bridges, or boat traffic lanes

  • All swimming activity is conducted legally and safely

Any injury, citation, or incident resulting from swimming in unauthorized or unsafe areas is the responsibility of the Captain and participating passengers.

BoatByVal is not responsible for injuries, citations, or incidents resulting from swimming in unauthorized or unsafe areas.

Violation of swimming regulations may result in:

  • Immediate termination of the rental without refund

  • Liability for fines, penalties, or damages

7. Passenger Rules & Conduct

The Captain is responsible for ensuring that:

  • Passenger limits are never exceeded

  • All safety instructions are followed

  • Required safety equipment is used properly

  • Children are supervised at all times

  • No reckless operation occurs (speeding, sharp turns, wake violations)

All passengers must follow safety instructions immediately when given by the Captain or BoatByVal.

Any injury or damage resulting from failure to follow safety instructions is not the responsibility of BoatByVal.

BoatByVal reserves the right to terminate the rental immediately without refund if unsafe or illegal behavior occurs.

8. Alcohol & Substance Policy

  • Alcohol is permitted only if used responsibly and legally

  • Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited

The Captain must remain capable of safely operating the vessel at all times.

Any citation, arrest, injury, or penalty related to impairment is the sole responsibility of the Captain.

BoatByVal is not responsible for consequences related to alcohol or substance use.

9. Damage, Loss & Cleaning Fees

The renter is financially responsible for:

  • Any damage to the boat, motor, or equipment

  • Lost or damaged items (anchors, ropes, safety gear, accessories)

  • Excessive cleaning due to spills, trash, stains, or bodily fluids

Repair, replacement, cleaning, and any related downtime costs will be charged to the payment method on file.

10. Weather & Conditions

  • Rentals operate rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by BoatByVal

  • Weather-related decisions made by BoatByVal are final

BoatByVal reserves the right to delay, modify, or terminate rentals due to safety concerns related to weather or water conditions.

No refunds for early returns due to personal preference or discomfort.

11. Cancellations & No-Shows

  • Late arrivals may result in reduced rental time

  • No-shows or last-minute cancellations may be non-refundable

  • Specific cancellation terms are disclosed at booking

12. Right to Refuse or Terminate Rental

BoatByVal reserves the right to deny, cancel, or terminate any rental without refund if:

  • Safety rules are violated

  • Unsafe or illegal behavior occurs

  • The Captain fails to follow instructions

  • Passengers are placed at risk

  • Any safety concern arises at any time before or during the rental

13. Agreement & Acknowledgment

By booking, operating, or riding on a BoatByVal vessel, the renter, Captain, and all passengers acknowledge that they:

  • Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions

  • Agree to comply with all rules and laws

  • Accept full responsibility for the vessel and all passengers

  • Understand that the Captain is responsible for enforcing all rules on board

  • Acknowledge that failure to follow rules may result in injury, termination of rental, or financial responsibility

📍 Contact Information

BoatByVal
Lake Lewisville, Texas
📧 boatbyval@gmail.com
📞 469-365-9450