Rentals FAQ:

Q:  Do you require a deposit to secure a reservation?
A:   We require a 50% deposit of the entire rental cost. This deposit is non-refundable unless weather is such that we cannot allow the boat out.

Q:  What is the maximum capacity of persons the boat can handle?
A:   Both the 18’ Crestliner and 20’ Sea Raider can are rated to accommodate 6 (the Sea Raider does have fewer seats so it would have to be 6 mid-sized people). I would not recommend fishing more than 3 or 4 people out of either. The Sea Raider is most comfortable with up to 4 people and the Crestliner is most comfortable with up to 3 people.

Q:  How do we get to where you launch the boats in Auke Bay Harbor?
A:   Most of our out of town clients take a taxi. It is about 10 miles from downtown. Some clients rent a car so they can spend some time sightseeing as well. We recommend locally owned “Rent-A-Wreck” (907) 789-4111, they will meet you at your ship or hotel and drop the car off or pick it up for a slight additional fee.  Most taxi services can do a guided tour trip as well so that is always an option.

Q:  Is bait and tackle available for purchase?
A:   We do not sell it ourselves but it can be bought at a store that is at the harbor.

Q:  What kinds of fish can I catch from one of your boats?
A:   King salmon generally run from May-June. Silver salmon start to run from about June-August depending on where a person may be trying to fish for them. Halibut have a similar season to silvers being the strongest in July and August.  Chums and Pinks run throughout the summer.

Q:  How far are the fishing grounds from where the boat is launched from in Auke Bay?
A:   Our clients fish and catch both salmon and halibut right outside of Auke Bay. There are a lot of fishing spots in the 5-15 mile range from the launch ramp. For a chance to catch larger halibut, some of our clients head further out to fish near Hanus Reef and Funter Bay (this distance/area requires the rental of the Sea Raider and a fairly capable boat operator).

Q:  Are there any cabins within boating distance that you would recommend?
A:   The most accessible by boat would be the Shelter Island Cabin, Camping Cove Cabin, and the Berners Bay Cabin. St James Cabin is an option but it is more weather pending.  Follow the link at the bottom of this page and you can view these cabins.

Q:  Where is the best location to halibut fish and/or salmon fish?  Whale watch?
A:   There are plenty of places for both around Shelter Island and up towards Berners Bay.  The fish and whales may move around some so we will tell you when you are picking up the boat.

Q:  How long will the fuel tank in the Sea Raider Last?
A:   The range should be at least 5 hours at 30mph.  This is dependant on loading and weather conditions and the operator.

Q:  How long will the fuel tank in the Crestliner Last?
A:   The range should be at least 5 hours at 18-20mph.  This is dependant on loading, weather conditions and the operator.

Q:  Do you have fishing gear and tackle available for rental?
A:   Yes, we have fishing equipment available for rental. Salmon and halibut poles, downriggers (max of 2 per boat), coolers, and extra fuel jugs are available. We do not however, rent fishing tackle.

Q:  What is considered a rental day?
A:   We consider a rental day to be 8 hours on one calendar day, if a boat is rented for more than one day, we launch the boat on the morning of the first day and pull it back out of the water the evening of the last day.  Other arrangements are available, call and discuss any other needs you might have and we will be as accommodating as possible.

Any others? Feel free to email us jake@panhandlepowerboats.com.

Updated 10-27-09