San Francisco Boat Rentals

Look at that Bay.

Shining, shimmering … and for most of us, just slightly out of reach.

If the closest you’ve come to the water is looking out the window while stuck in traffic on the Bay Bridge, you can do better.

Herein: seven of the best multi-use boats you can rent near SF, as organized by the type of waterfaring activity each is best suited for.

Whether you’re looking to sail the Bay on a 72-foot schooner or wakeboard across Tahoe, we’ve got you covered.

LET’S CATCH SOME FISH
Grill your fish right on the boat after catching them from the deck of this Bayliner 245 SB; the captain will steer your party from Sausalito Harbor around the Bay — dock, if you like, in Tiburon, Angel Island or the Embarcadero for a mid-afternoon hike. Looking for a super-robust fishing experience? Round up three of your friends and set off for some spearfishing from this 17-foot Sea Hunt with a live bait well, a through-hull transducer for superior fish-finding, and a new Bluetooth sound system for serenading the fish with your Daily Mix #1 playlist.

LET’S HAVE SOME FUN
Have this Malibu Boats Sunsetter 21 XTi delivered right to the lake of your choice and grab your wakeboard (or skis). Or head directly to South Lake Tahoe and pick up this Mastercraft X10 wakeboard boat — wakeboarding, skiing and tubing equipment included for parties up to nine at no extra cost.

LET’S GO FOR A SAIL
Climb aboard this luxe 49-foot Hunter sloop at Jack London Square and prepare to spread out: Though the Belle Colette maxes out at six passengers, you’ll have the run of three staterooms. Or set sail for Angel Island on the Sun Odyssey 52.2, with three cabins and plenty of room for sundowners at sunset.

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LET’S HAVE A PARTY ON THE WATER
You’ll need to hire your own captain to pilot this Beneteau USA Gran Turismo 44 powerboat, but once you’re staffed up, bring out the rosé and canapés for an apéro on the water — there’s cocktail seating for 12 under a sunroof. Bring your suit (and some friends) if you want to hang on the sun lounge pads. Or maybe you were thinking of a 72-foot replica of a Gold Rush-era schooner?