Requirements & Safety

Requirements to Rent the Hilltop Cruiser

The items below are for the safety of our guests, other boaters, and Sylvan Lake. Thanks in advance for complying.

🙂 Renter Requirements

Primary renter must be 25 or older and present for the entire rental period
Valid government-issued photo ID required. Upload required during booking.
Valid driver's license required for all vessel operators. Indiana law requires operators born after December 31, 1978 to hold a boater education certificate or valid driver's license to operate a motorboat over 10 HP.
Primary renter must sign the Pontoon Boat Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver (e-signature, about two minutes) before delivery.
A $350 refundable security deposit is required at booking and released within 7 days of return, provided no damage or violations occur.
The Hilltop Cruiser is exclusively available to Hilltop Haven guests. You must have an active Hilltop Haven reservation to rent.

⚓ Operating Rules

The Hilltop Cruiser operates on Sylvan Lake only. The vessel does not leave the lake under any circumstances.
No boating before sunrise or after sunset. The boat must be docked and secured overnight.
The primary renter is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel at all times.
The operator must remain sober while operating the boat.
No towing, tubing, or water skiing of any kind.
No pets on board.
Maximum capacity: 10 persons / 1,445 lbs. Do not exceed posted limits.
Any additional operator beyond the primary renter must be disclosed at time of booking. The primary renter assumes full liability for all operators and passengers.

🎣 Fishing

A valid Indiana fishing license is required for all anglers on board. Indiana DNR actively patrols Sylvan Lake.
Licenses are available online at in.gov/dnr or at local bait shops in the Rome City area.
Failure to have a valid license is the sole responsibility of the guest. Fines are assessed by the DNR, not by us.

🦺 Safety Equipment

The Hilltop Cruiser is equipped with the following safety gear. Please familiarize yourself with its location before departing the pier.

10+ USCG-approved life jackets including children's sizes
Throwable flotation device
Marine-grade fire extinguisher
Two anchors with rope
First aid kit

Children under 13 must wear a properly fitted USCG-approved life jacket at all times while the vessel is underway. All passengers are strongly encouraged to wear one.

⛽ Fuel

The boat comes with a full 5-gallon backup gas can (Rec-90 fuel only, do not use ethanol-blended fuel).
Please return the can full at the end of your rental.
Rec-90 is available at the Marathon Gas Station in Rome City, just a short drive from the property. It is marked on the Lake Map.
Failure to return the can full will result in a $50 refueling charge against your security deposit.

🔑 Key and Access

The pontoon key is accessed via a lockbox. Your access code will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Please return the key to the lockbox when your rental ends.
Lost or unreturned keys will result in a replacement fee charged against your security deposit.

📍 GPS Monitoring

For the safety and security of the vessel, the Hilltop Cruiser may be equipped with GPS location monitoring technology. By renting the boat you consent to such monitoring. The GPS is used solely to verify the vessel remains on Sylvan Lake and to assist in recovery in the event of theft or emergency.

🌩️ Weather

All boating must stop immediately during storms, high winds, or lightning. Return to the pier or nearest land if needed, exit the boat, and wait until conditions clear.
The Hilltop Cruiser is a weather-dependent amenity. Availability is not guaranteed during severe weather.
No refunds or credits are issued for weather-related interruptions once the vessel has been delivered.

❌ Cancellation Policy

Full refund minus $50 processing fee if cancelled 14 or more days before your delivery date
50% refund if cancelled 7 to 13 days before your delivery date
No refund within 7 days of your delivery date
24-hour grace period applies if cancelled within 24 hours of booking and delivery is 14 or more days away

🚤 Boating Safety Resources

We strongly encourage all renters to review Indiana boating laws and safety guidelines before your rental begins. The primary renter is responsible for knowing and following all applicable Indiana boating laws, including operating under the influence laws.

📞 Contact and Emergency

Questions before or during your rental: bookings@davinavista.com or 260-854-4501.

For on-water emergencies, contact us immediately at 260-854-4501. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

The Hilltop Cruiser is operated by DaVina Rental Assets, LLC. The pontoon rental agreement is a separate document from any Hilltop Haven occupancy agreement.