self drive boat

[splainey]

Hi Gang,
After visiting Malta for many years and getting ripped off by the boat hirers offering boats etc on the shoreline ive decided on joining this wonderfull site for some info
im in Malta on the 12th aug for a week and wondered if anyone knows of a self drive reputable boat hirer, small open 4 persons style
so i can take the misus and kid to the grotto etc whilst trolling a lure etc
any help would be gr8
thanks and looking forward to a cold hopleaf !!!
cheers
Andy

[skip]

Hi Andy,

The biggest issue with self drive boats stems around accidents that have occured over the past few years and insurance companies then putting up the premiums considerably. This coupled with fuel costs results in a pretty expensive price when it comes to renting.

Providing you have a suitable RYA license it should be no problem as that is something they have clamped down on now following the introduction of a license for us all here (and about time too!!)

One of the largest with good quality boats is Yellow Fun Watersports http://www.yellowfunwatersports.com/selfdriveboats.htm

You can rent from Portomaso Marina or Dolmen Resort Hotel depending which part you want to leave from.

Not sure about their rates etc but the boats based from Portomaso are very good, drop them an email and let us know.

There are probably others but they tend to be older boats etc, though maybe some of the other guys here have some suggestions.

[splainey]

thanks for this, these are the usual suspects i have previously used, but hey i suppose eveyone has a living to earn,
i was going to try to use a set of feathers casting and jigging offshore is this a good idea ? or do you think trolling may be an option,
thanks again and i cant wait to arrive, roll on tuesday

[skip]

Andy,

Yellowfun are definately at the higher end of the price market, but their boats are in much better condition than most I reckon.

The Ramla Bay Hotel has a water sports center where they do self drive boats, no idea on prices or what the boat is though.

And then you're likely to be able to rent a boat from one of the lido operators at Golden Bay, I believe EmicMalta knows the guy.

Jigging with hard metal jigs is starting to catch on, in fact one the largest tackle shops on the island Misterfish who also has a TV programme has started doing some features on jigging and with good success rates.

Not sure about casting feathers as dont shore fish myself, but things like Rapala's etc seem to be used for Barracuda etc alot.

Trolling with small white feather lures is likely to produce some good results and you wont have to go out that far, meaning less petrol! Even for us who own a boat and dont have the cost of renting, going out for a day trolling has become pretty expensive!

[splainey]

thanks once again ill give you an update when ive had a day out !!!
this site sure rocks, thanks for the advise