CONDITIONS OF HIRE

Please read these terms and conditions carefully as you will be required to sign them prior to departure

1. Prices
1.1 : These prices are effective from March 2011. Whilst prices are subject to change at any time, once the security bond is paid, prices will not change.

2. Bonds
2.1: A Bond of $600.00 is payable within seven (7) days of booking in order to confirm the booking. Full hire fee is payable six weeks prior to your hire period. Payment can be by EFT - Mastercard or Visa, or by Direct Debit.
2.2: The bond is over and above the hire fee
2.3: All single sex groups will be charged a higher bond, which will be determined by the proprietor.
2.4: The bonds balance will be refunded within fourteen (14) working days by direct debit or cheque, minus the fuel and LP gas used. Any first aid items, lost items, damage or additional cleaning charges will be deducted from the bond.
2.5: The houseboat must be returned in the condition it was hired, with all rubbish removed.
2.6: The make up and ages of the group should be clearly stated to the proprietors prior to booking your holiday in order to have the bond accurately determined prior to arrival.

3. General
3.1 Prior to the hirer taking possession and departingthe moorings the hirer must:

• Read and sign the conditions of hire
• Provide their full name, address and signature.

3.2: All bookings commence at 3.00 pm on the first day of the hire, and the boat must be returned to the moorings and completely vacated by 10.00 am on the final day of the hire. (Unless time changes prearranged with Dean or Shelly)
3.3: The boat must be returned In good, clean condition otherwise an additional cleaning charge will be levied.
3.4: Any damage to the houseboat or its equipment must be reported to us immediately at the conclusion of hire so that an assessment can be made and remedial action taken.
3.5: Windows on houseboat may not be laminated glass; however they are legal and acceptable. In the event of breakage, windows MUST, by law be replaced with laminated glass. The hirer will bear this cost.
3.6: SMOKING IS NOT permitted inside the houseboat. Cleaning and gutting of fish inside the houseboat is also prohibited. Extra cleaning chargers will apply.
3.7: The houseboat may only travel during daylight hours.
3.8: Any person(s) who drive the houseboat must be over 18 years of age, hold a current drivers licence and must have signed the terms and conditions of hire document.
3.9: The number of persons on board the houseboat must not exceed the number of berths allowed and licensed to that particular houseboat under Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) regulations at any time for safety reasons. A breach of this condition will see the hire terminated immediately and instant loss of bond, without exception.
3.10: Calls from the hirer for assistance, during the hire in event to refloat or rescue a houseboat, plus subsequent repairs must be directed to Eildon Starline on the first instance.
3.11: We the proprietors agree to have the houseboat, motor and accessories in good order for each hire. We the proprietors are not obliged to compensate the hirer for any loss of time due to any unforeseen mechanical problems that may occur during the hire period.
3.12: No pets, firearms or motorbikes are permitted on the houseboats.
3.13: Should the make up or mix or the group differ from that originally stated to the proprietors at the time of booking we the proprietors reserve the right to increase the bond on the spot or refuse the hire at which time all monies paid will be forfeited.
3.14: Upon signing this document the hirer(s) agree that the owner has Issued clear instructions on the correct and safe handling of the vessel, location and use of lifesaving appliances, location of fire appliances and any limits of operation of the vessel.

4. Payments
4.1: Full payment of the hire fee must be made six (6) weeks prior to the hire.
4.2: The bond paid is additional to the hire fee and will be refunded less the fuel and IP Gas used and any damage or cleaning charges levied.
4.3: At the completion of the hire the hirer is responsible for the full payment for the fuel and gas used during the hire period.
4.4: The hirer agrees, that should the security deposit paid be insufficient to meet costs incurred a further charge, substantiated by documentation, will be madxe to the credit card provided.

5. Cancellations
5.1: Cancellation of a booking must be made at least eight (8) weeks prior to the commencement of the hire
5.2: If you cancel your booking after paying our bond, you will forfeit your bond, unless that booking is rebooked for the same period of time and for the same hire fee as the original booking. Once the full replacement booking has been taken and paid for in full the bond will be returned, minus a booking fee of $100.
5.3: If you cancel your booking after your bond and the full amount you will forfeit all mminies paid until that boat has been rebooked for the same period of time and for the same hire fee. If the boat is rebooked for the same hire fee a booking fee of $150.00 will be deducted from your bond.