Introduction
This Refund Policy outlines when and how refunds are processed for charter bookings made through Boat Hire Pty Ltd (ABN 52 659 815 513), trading as Boat Hire Australia. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Booking Terms.
Refund Eligibility
Refund eligibility depends on the timing and reason for cancellation:
- 60+ days before charter (customer cancellation): Deposit refunded less $500 management fee, only if a replacement booking is secured for the same date and vessel
- 30-60 days before charter (customer cancellation): No refund on deposit
- 14-30 days before charter (customer cancellation): No refund on any monies paid. Reasonable consideration given for recoverable third-party costs (catering, entertainment, staffing)
- Less than 14 days before charter (customer cancellation): No refund. No exceptions.
- Weather cancellation (by skipper): Full refund or reschedule at no cost - your choice
- Owner cancellation (vessel unavailable): Full refund or comparable replacement vessel - your choice
Refund Processing
Once a refund has been approved:
- Refunds are processed within 14 business days of the approved refund request
- Refunds are issued to the same payment method used for the original booking (e.g., if you paid by credit card, the refund will be credited to the same card)
- Bank processing times may add a further 3-5 business days before the refund appears in your account
Security Bond Refund
The security bond pre-authorisation on your credit card will be released within 7 business days of the charter's completion, provided:
- No damage has been caused to the vessel, its fixtures, fittings, or equipment
- No excessive cleaning is required beyond normal use
- No outstanding additional charges (e.g., overtime) remain unpaid
If damage is identified, we will notify you in writing with details and costs. The repair or replacement cost will be deducted from the bond. Any amount exceeding the bond will be invoiced separately.
Weather Cancellations
If the skipper cancels the charter due to genuinely unsafe weather conditions, you have two options:
- Full refund: All monies paid will be refunded in full
- Reschedule: Move your charter to an alternative date at no additional cost, subject to vessel availability
The choice is yours. Please note that light rain, overcast conditions, or moderate wind are not grounds for a weather cancellation - charters proceed in all but genuinely unsafe conditions.
Owner Cancellations
If a vessel becomes unavailable due to mechanical issues, sale, or other circumstances beyond our control, you have two options:
- Full refund: All monies paid will be refunded in full
- Replacement vessel: We will arrange a comparable replacement vessel at no additional cost to you
Partial Refunds
Partial refunds are not available for:
- Unused charter time (e.g., boarding late or returning early)
- Fewer guests attending than the number booked
- Early return to the wharf at the customer's request
- Dissatisfaction with weather conditions that do not meet the threshold for an unsafe weather cancellation
Non-Refundable Items
The following costs are non-refundable once committed, regardless of cancellation timing:
- Catering costs: Once food and beverages have been ordered from the supplier, these costs cannot be recovered
- Entertainment bookings: Once a DJ, band, or other entertainment has been confirmed and contracted, these costs cannot be recovered
- Other third-party services: Any services booked on your behalf that have been confirmed with external suppliers
We will always advise you of non-refundable commitments before they are made on your behalf.
Disputes
If you wish to dispute a refund decision or have a concern about your booking, please contact us in writing at [email protected] within 14 days of the charter date.
We will review your dispute and respond within 14 business days. All disputes are handled in accordance with our Terms and Conditions, including the dispute resolution process outlined therein.
Contact Us
For questions about this Refund Policy or to request a refund, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 02 9469 6620
- Entity: Boat Hire Pty Ltd (ABN 52 659 815 513)
Last updated: March 2026