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Commonly Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s included with the boat rental?
Each rental comes with a licensed captain, fuel, a premium Bluetooth sound system, a large floating mat, water floats, all required safety equipment, and a spacious cooler stocked with ice, plus everything you need for a fun and hassle-free day on the water.
Where is the pickup location for the boat?
We are a commercially insured charter business with limited pick-up locations due to lake regulations. Lake Travis pick-ups are at Mansfield Dam Park or Paradise Cove Marina (fees apply), and Lake Austin pick-ups are at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp ($5 cash per person).
If you have a private dock or are staying on the lake, a pick-up may be arranged with prior notice.
What is the reason for the 6% online booking fee?
When booking online, a 6% processing fee is applied to cover additional platform and transaction costs. To avoid this charge, you can save by booking directly with us over the phone. Call us at (512) 680-9102 to make your reservation.
How much should I tip my captain?
A 20% gratuity (or captain fee) is required and must be paid directly to the captain by the end of your boat charter. Payment options include cash, Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp. If you did not prepay the gratuity during your reservation, please ensure it is settled at the end of the charter.
Do I need a boating license, can I operate the boat myself, and are your captains experienced?
How early should I order drinks and party essentials for boat delivery?
To ensure timely delivery and that everything is chilled and ready for your Lake Austin or Lake Travis cruise, please place your order at least 72 hours in advance.
Are there any discounts available for the delivery service fee?
Yes, you can enjoy $25 off your delivery fee when you use the discount code ” BigTexBoatRentals”.
Are pets allowed on the boat?
Yes, you can bring your well behaved furry friend with you. Just contact us before the trip so we can accommodate your dog or service animal. Make sure it has a life jacket as well.
Can I bring decorations for my boat trip?
Absolutely! We want your time on the water to be as celebratory as possible. Balloons and other decorations are allowed, so feel free to decorate the boat for your lake day.
Please note: while decorations are welcome, glitter is not permitted, as it is difficult to clean and can damage the boats. We appreciate your help in keeping our fleet in great condition.
What should I bring with me?
Be sure to pack ice, towels, sunscreen, cups, sunglasses, snacks, beverages, about $5 in cash per person, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
What items are prohibited on the boat?
Please avoid bringing red wine, glitter, messy foods, glass beer bottles, and anything that might disrupt a positive atmosphere.
What is the best way to get there?
Are alcoholic beverages allowed on board?
Yes, alcohol is allowed; however, red wine and glass beer bottles are not permitted. Please opt for cans or plastic containers instead.
Where should I park for my Lake Travis adventure?
We’ve got two pick-up locations to make your trip a breeze! Our main spot is at Paradise Cove Marina (17141 Rocky Ridge rd., Austin, TX 78734). They have plenty of parking and charge a fee of $5 per person to enter the marina, plus $20 per vehicle for parking (your awesome crew included!).
Our other option is Mansfield Dam. This is a cash-only location with a $5 per person entrance fee to the park itself. Keep in mind that we only have one boat picking up from Mansfield Dam at this time, so be sure to confirm your pick-up spot when you book your unforgettable Big Tex experience!
Do I need to bring a cooler?
No, we provide a large yeti cooler filled with ice for your drinks free of charge.
Do we need to pay for gas?
Gas is included in the hourly rate. If we are bringing the boat to a different lake other than Lake Austin or Lake Travis there will be a small fee.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are based on how far in advance you notify us:
• 15+ days before your trip: Full refund of your deposit minus a 6% booking fee
• 14–9 days before: $100 cancellation fee + 6% booking fee
• 8–3 days before: 50% of the total will be charged + 6% booking fee
• Within 72 hours: No cancellations permitted, 100% of the total will be charged
To cancel, contact us via email (info@bigtexboatrentals.com) or phone call
(512-680-9102)
What happens if it rains?
Our team closely monitors weather conditions leading up to your trip. We don’t cancel reservations based on forecasts alone, final decisions are made on the day of your booking and only in cases of unsafe or severe weather. If a cancellation is necessary, you’ll receive a full refund or have the option to reschedule.
Is there a captain fee?
A mandatory 20% captain fee is required for all charters. This may be:
- Pre-paid during booking, or
- Paid directly to the captain at the end of the trip
The captain fee is calculated based on:
- Hourly rental rate
- Add-ons (excluding taxes and booking fees)
- Additional tips are not required, but always appreciated.
What happens if we are late or don’t show up?
- No-Show = No contact 30 minutes after start time → 100% of trip price + 20% captain fee
charged to card on file. - There is no compensation for late arrivals or early returns
Can I reschedule my booking?
- All modifications or reschedule requests must be made 15+ days before your trip
- Subject to availability, we will do our best to accommodate changes, but availability is not
guaranteed. - Within 7 days of your reservation, reschedules are only permitted if Big Tex cancels due to
unsafe weather conditions.
Do I need to bring identification?
- The cardholder must provide a valid government-issued ID (DL/ID) matching the card on file
This may be:
- Uploaded during waiver completion, or
- Provided prior to the reservation
📌 This is required to prevent fraudulent transactions
Can you refuse service?
We may refuse service without refund if anyone in your party:
- Is unruly or excessively intoxicated
- Poses a danger to themselves or others
- Displays unsafe or disruptive behavior as determined by our staff or captain
Are we responsible for damages or cleaning?
- Guests are responsible for any damage to the boat, equipment, or property caused by their group during the charter.
- Damage repair costs will be charged to the card on file.
- Excessive cleaning fees will apply for spills, stains, trash left onboard, or any condition beyond normal use.
- Failure to follow the rules provided in your confirmation email may result in additional charges.