Is there shade on the boat?

Yes! Each boat has a shade top that covers about half the seating area.

Do we need a boater’s license to rent in North Carolina?

While we recommend it, North Carolina does not require that you have a boater’s license when renting from a watersports business. We’ll give you a thorough safety orientation and take time to make sure you are comfortable operating the boat. If you would like to get your boater safety certificate, you can take a free online course from BoatUS.org.

Where can we go and what are the boundaries?

We typically recommend that you go to Dew’s Island across the sound from Nor’Banks. Dew’s Island and the opposite shore have a beautiful undeveloped shoreline and this is a great spot to explore or drop anchor to swim and relax. 

We ask that you stay north of the Wright Memorial Bridge which is about 7 miles south of us and that you do not go north of Nor’Banks, where it’s too shallow to operate.

Do you provide life vests?

Yes! Nor’Banks provides clean and comfortable life vests for your entire party. We have plenty of children’s life vests in less than 30 lbs., 30-50 lbs. and 50-90 lbs. sizes.

Can we bring our own life jackets?

Yes! You may use your own life vest as long as it is Coast Guard approved.

Can we bring a dog?

Small dogs (less than 25 lbs.) are welcome with a few qualifications. We ask that you only bring your pet along if are 100% certain that he or she is comfortable on boats and will be safe and well-behaved. We do not provide pet life vests.

Dogs can easily damage the vinyl seats with their claws or teeth. The seats are brand new and cannot be repaired, so we’ll take an additional $500 deposit at the time of rental in case we need to replace a cushion.

Can we go fishing and crabbing from the pontoon boat?

You are welcome to fish and crab from the pontoon boats. The fishing on the northern sound can be hit or miss, but the crabbing is usually good. We do not rent equipment or sell bait, but you can get gear in town at Bob’s Bait and Tackle.

When fishing we ask that you please be mindful of your mess and careful with your catch, bait and tackle, especially around the vinyl seats which can be easily stained and damaged.

Do we need a fishing license?

Yes, you will need a fishing license to fish on the sound. You can get a temporary or year-round North Carolina fishing license at www.ncwildlife.org or by calling (888) 248-6834.

Can we hire a captain to drive the boat?

Due to Coast Guard regulation we can not hire out captains to drive the pontoon boats, however we do have other options for captained cruises. Check out our tubing, wakeboarding and waterskiing trips or our catamaran cruises aboard Surfer Girl, our new luxury Maine Cat 38 sailboat!

Which boat should I choose/what is the capacity of each boat?

Both boats are brand new as of May 24th 2019 and come equipped with blue tooth stereo, GPS, depth finder, swim ladder and fish finder.

The capacity represents the maximum number of people and weight allowed on each boat. We are strictly limited to these capacities per Coast Guard regulation.  If your group has 8-10 adults or the total weight of the group with gear is more than 1300 lbs., you should select the larger boat. The larger boat can fit a maximum of 15 people or a total of 2040 lbs. including passengers and gear. If your group exceeds the maximum, you can book two boats or call us to discuss other options.

Can we tow a tube behind the boat?

We do not allow tubing or other towables to be pulled behind the pontoon boats. If you would like to go tubing, wakeboarding or water skiing you can book a tubing or watersports charter with one of our licensed captains. For large groups you can even book a boat to go alongside your pontoon and swap out riders along the way!

Can we bring a cooler with drinks and food?

Yes! You are welcome to bring drinks and food. Keep in mind that operators must remain completely alcohol free!