Renting a Boat at Medina or Canyon Lakes? (Houston, Lakehills: for sale, rentals)

[majormadmax]

We were looking at a small boat for sale on the Lackland "Lemon Lot" (used car lot) and thought it would be a good idea to rent a small powerboat first to see if we enjoy before even considering buying one.

Can anyone recommend a good boat rental place? Preferably at Medina Lake, but Canyon Lake would do. This is only to go out for a few hours, no skiing or other activites, just boating around a bit.

Randolph AFB MWR has boat rentals at Canyon Lake, are these competitive prices? Being retired military, that may be our best route; but they seem a little expensive (ski boats are $40 per hour, $95 half day and $180 for a full day; plus life jackets are $3 per day each. Boat fees do not include gas.). Am I just cheap?

Lastly, Randolph's ski boats require a boater’s safety course before renting, anyone done this before?

Cheers! M2

[Camper1]

Paradise Watersports - Jetski & Boat Rental!

I know this place will deliver a boat to you at Medina lake. Not sure on the prices but I think your right, try before you buy.

Your gunna love it!!! We're going back to the county park Saturday. Love my jet ski!

[Camper1]

I didn't know Joe's rented these boats....I have seen them but didn't know who they belong to. Looks like a blast!

Joe's Place Marina & Resort at Medina Lake, Mico Texas - About - Boat Rentals

[Camper1]

Well I'll be darned..learn something new every day. I also didn't know Thousand Trails rented boats!!Medina Lake - Thousand Trails

Lets see what else I don't know!

O.K., maybe not T.T., I could have sworn it said it did. Sorry.

[deek102]

If you're military, contractor, or civilian you might checkout the Randolph or Ft Sam areas up at Canyon Lake. They can probably get you a good rate!

http://www.servicesatrandolph.com/cm/anmviewer.asp?a=37

Fort Sam Houston MWR

I've been told the Ft Sam area is better.. I've been there but I can't compare them as I've never been to the Randolph area.

Let us know the results of your search!

-- Sorry to give you information you already know! I didn't fully read your post!

[wCat]

It's been ages since we've been skiing at either lake, but we spent a lot of time on Canyon before we moved away for a while. I would definitely take the boater safety course even if it isn't required. Both Medina and Canyon are man made lakes. With the water levels so low, many of the tree stumps and branches are close to the surface and even exposed. You'll need extra careful info about navigating those areas......also shallow areas that could be dangerous. They will most likely cover those tricky areas. I'm sure some of the more seasoned boaters can be more helpful with that situation as it is.

There was a great slide show on one of the local news sites showing the lower water levels at the area lakes. Still looks fun, however!

[sc hokie]

I've rented from the Randolph Marina at Canyon Lake last summer. I shopped around first and found their prices competive. The fees do not include gas or a new prop if you happen to hit a sandbar as I found out. The safety course isn't bad. They offer the course at Randolph, but you'll have to call the marina for the next session. The alternative, which I did, was just drive up there, watch a hour video, take the test, then I was good to go. The video only covers safety rules, not general boat controls and ops. You can take the test and rent the same day, but you can't reserve a boat until you have your safety card. Ft Sam's Marina doesn't require a safety course, but they only rent small john boats and smaller.

[TXtrkgrl]

The only place that I know of at Medina is D&H Automotive. There were two phone numbers in the book 830-751-2512 and 830-751-2513. I have NO idea about the prices.

I will warn you though. You know how JEEP stands for Just Empty Every Pocket. Well BOAT stands for Break Out Another Thousand .
They are lots of fun, I must admit!! Cat is right, the lake is VERY low right now (Medina Lake). It is kinda dangerous if you don't know that lake, you're a smart guy, just use common sense.

Have fun!!!!

[banker]

Originally Posted by wCat

It's been ages since we've been skiing at either lake, but we spent a lot of time on Canyon before we moved away for a while. I would definitely take the boater safety course even if it isn't required. Both Medina and Canyon are man made lakes. With the water levels so low, many of the tree stumps and branches are close to the surface and even exposed. You'll need extra careful info about navigating those areas......also shallow areas that could be dangerous. They will most likely cover those tricky areas. I'm sure some of the more seasoned boaters can be more helpful with that situation as it is.

I wondered too about renting a boat. The exposed tree stumps are concerning. Any idea how much the boater saftey course costs and how long it is (time to take)?

Thanks.

[TXtrkgrl]

Apparently there is a home study course. It looks pretty cheap, well worth the money. I think I may do this with my 13 y/o.
TPWD: Boat Texas Home Study Course