Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our fishing boat rental service in London and surrounding areas

To rent a fishing boat from Rarudu, you need a valid photo ID (driving licence or passport) and proof of address dated within the last three months. If you plan to operate the boat yourself, you must present a valid boating licence appropriate for the vessel size and waterway type.

For boats under 10 metres on inland waterways, no formal licence is required, but you must demonstrate basic competence during a brief assessment. We also require a refundable security deposit, which can be paid by credit or debit card. All renters must be at least 21 years old and sign our rental agreement outlining safety procedures and liability terms.

Every boat comes equipped with essential safety gear including life jackets for all passengers, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, navigation lights, and emergency flares. We provide anchors, mooring ropes, and basic navigation equipment as standard.

Fishing equipment is available for hire separately. We offer rod and reel sets, tackle boxes with assorted lures and bait, landing nets, and fish finders. You can also bring your own equipment if preferred. For longer rentals of three days or more, we include one complimentary fishing rod set per person. All equipment is regularly maintained and inspected to ensure reliability during your trip.

Safety is our priority. We monitor weather forecasts closely and will contact you if conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly. If we advise against departure due to high winds, storms, or poor visibility, you can reschedule your rental without penalty or receive a full refund.

If weather worsens during your trip, return to the marina immediately. We provide weather updates via mobile phone and VHF radio where applicable. For multi-day rentals, if weather prevents use for more than four consecutive hours, we credit that time towards a future booking. Our team is available during business hours to assist with weather-related decisions and ensure your safety on the water.

We offer flexible rental periods from half-day sessions to weekly bookings. Multi-day rentals receive progressive discounts: 10% off for three-day bookings, 15% off for five days, and 20% off for weekly rentals. Monthly rates are available for regular customers with additional savings.

For extended rentals, we include overnight mooring at our marina or approved locations along your route. Fuel costs are separate and calculated based on actual usage with engine hour meters. Weekend packages (Friday evening to Monday morning) are popular and priced competitively. Book at least two weeks in advance for peak summer months to secure availability and best rates. Payment plans can be arranged for bookings exceeding seven days.

Cancellations made more than 14 days before your scheduled rental receive a full refund minus a £25 administrative fee. Cancellations between 7-14 days receive a 50% refund, while cancellations within seven days are non-refundable unless due to documented medical emergencies or severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office.

We strongly recommend purchasing our optional cancellation protection (£15-£35 depending on rental value) which covers cancellations for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days to the original payment method. You can reschedule your booking once without penalty if done at least 48 hours in advance, subject to availability. Contact our office during business hours to discuss specific circumstances.

About Rarudu

Rarudu started in 2015 when three fishing enthusiasts from London decided to share their passion for angling with others. We maintain a fleet of 18 boats ranging from small dinghies to larger vessels equipped for extended trips.

Our founders met at a local angling club in Richmond and noticed that many people wanted to try fishing but lacked access to suitable boats. What began as weekend rentals of two small boats has grown into a business serving over 2,000 customers annually across the Thames and surrounding waterways.

We operate from our base near Richmond Avenue, providing convenient access to various fishing spots. Each boat in our fleet undergoes monthly safety inspections and receives maintenance after every 50 hours of use. Our team includes four full-time staff members and three seasonal employees during peak months from May to September.

Over nine years, we've built relationships with local fishing communities and environmental groups. We participate in river cleanup initiatives and support sustainable fishing practices through partnerships with Thames21 and the Angling Trust.

Fishing boats at Richmond dock

Our Mission

We provide accessible fishing boat rentals with transparent pricing and reliable equipment. Our goal is to make angling available to both experienced fishermen and beginners through well-maintained boats and straightforward rental procedures.

Our Vision

We aim to expand our services to additional locations along the Thames while maintaining our commitment to safety standards and environmental responsibility. By 2026, we plan to increase our fleet to 25 boats and introduce electric-powered options.

Core Values

Safety First

Every boat includes life jackets, first aid kits, and emergency communication devices. We conduct pre-rental safety briefings and provide weather updates before each trip. Our boats meet Royal Yachting Association safety standards.

Transparency

Our pricing includes all mandatory equipment with no hidden fees. Rental agreements clearly state terms, cancellation policies, and insurance coverage. We provide detailed boat specifications and capacity information upfront.

Environmental Care

We use biodegradable cleaning products and encourage catch-and-release practices. Our staff educates renters about protected species and fishing regulations. We've removed over 500 kg of debris from local waterways since 2018.

Customer Support

Our team responds to inquiries within 4 hours during business days. We offer flexible booking options and provide detailed maps of fishing locations. Renters receive our 24-hour emergency contact number for on-water assistance.

Experience and Expertise

Our team brings 47 combined years of fishing and boating experience. Two staff members hold RYA Powerboat Level 2 certifications, and all employees complete annual safety training. We've completed over 15,000 successful rentals with a 98% customer satisfaction rate based on post-rental surveys.

We maintain detailed records of fishing conditions, seasonal patterns, and productive locations. This knowledge helps us recommend suitable boats and spots based on your skill level and target species. Our fleet includes boats suitable for Thames perch, pike, and carp fishing.

Maintained fishing boat fleet