FAQs

What Are HBR PNY's

Unlike kayaks HBR PNY’s are modern sit on top vessels which utilise impulse drive propulsion for recreational use. The HBR PNY is 11.6ft (3.5m) in length and holds up to 200kg. The HBR PNY moves at 5km per hour and is able to withstand adverse head winds.

How do I Pick Up hire vessels?

To access a HBR PNY we have several share kiosk locations around the harbour near your favourite harbour destinations allowing for quick and easy access to and from the waters edge. Each location has been chosen for good launching accessibility and convenient parking.

Do I need experience? 

Other than having the ability to swim 100m you need no prior experience to use a HBR PNY. We will send all the relevant information and video tutorials and get you informed on safety procedures prior to getting on the harbour. If however you still are uncomfortable with setting out on your own, we offer a personal VIP instructor to help teach and launch the HBR PNY vessel, or repack the vessel which you can book and pay for while booking your HBR PNY.

Can someone instruct and help me on the day? 

Yes. We can arrange for an instructor to help you set up and launch the HBR PNY. The instructor will give a personal induction on how to use the vessel while giving tips and tricks so you don’t get frustrated on your first time out on the water. There is a bit of information from videos provided and having an instructor can help in understanding all of the proper procedures which must be followed.

Do you have life jackets trolley’s and paddles?

Each HBR PNY is equipped with its own life jacket, paddles and fitted trolley which goes with you on the water allowing for easy operation in and out of the water. 

Hire Refunds deposits & policies?

We are happy to refund hire fees within 24 hrs notice, no questions asked. You will be charged the booking admin fee of $6.99 which is on your invoice at the time of booking. This way you can check the weather and book another day at your convenience and not have to deal with credit notes and reschedules. Refunds are done through stripe and can take up to 5 business days to be processed, you will receive a notice of the refund less the booking fee which is non refundable after the cancellation has been processed.

Can I book a large group?

Yes. The only way to book a large group for self hire is to book from multiple kiosk sites at the same time from different nearby pickup locations. You can meet them on the water however vessels must be returned to the same kiosk it came from. The person booking is responsible to make sure each user in the party is informed and educated of all rules and instructions in addition to wearing safety vests and able to swim 100m freestyle prior to launch.

What do I need to bring? 

We recommend taking a light load with only minimum items including appropriate sun protection, small rucksack, waterproof bag, sunglasses, shoes, phone (optional), portable speaker for extra fun, Bike gloves, small picnic, and money for a coffee.

For people who wish to go fishing on the HBR PNY we recommend using only fishing lure rods (catch and release only). Not organic bait and burley as it can create a smell & mess where you will likely lose your deposit due to extra cleaning required.

What do I do if something is missing or broken? 

If an item or part of the vessel is missing or broken, Text the phone number with the issue for fast response. Send photos and a brief description. Do NOT go out on the water if a vessel may be deemed unsafe, a replacement vessel may be allocated or a refund applied. Voice calls will not be picked up. Messages must be sent via text so we acquire a written record of broken and lost equipment. Please wait for a reply prior to continuing with the hire. If it is normal wear and tear you won’t be charged labour, however if you don’t let us know you will be charged with replacement and labour expenses.

How do I use the self service kiosk & Unlock the HBR PNY?

We send through all the relevant information and a video tutorial via email and text. It is the responsibility of the person who has booked the vessels to make sure your party has understood, read and watched all the material prior to launch. You are responsible to ensure that everyone understands the waterway rules of NSW and all of our policies. You are also responsible to check that the vessel is seaworthy and has all equipment and no damage to the vessel prior to launch. Should you need help with the induction and launch you can book an instructor 24 hours prior to booking.

What do I do when we finish?

When you are finished you must empty any water from the hull and repack the vessel correctly for the next customer. You will also have to send back the completion form via email to receive the deposit. Should this step not be completed we will send a manager to inspect the kiosk and equipment at your expense. On arrival please notify your privately chosen arranged contact that you have notified of your return prior to the designated time, so as not to alert emergency authorities for unwarranted searches. This is a standard maritime procedure which must be followed when riding Sydney waterways along with HBR PNY in enclosed waters for safe boating. 

What is considered unsafe weather? 

Thunder and lighting and wind speed over 25km are considered unsafe conditions. If there is a strong breeze / wind we recommend you stay within enclosed bays such as blackwattle bay and leichhardt bay as they are less affected by wind speed depending on the wind direction.

How do I set up, packaway and inspect the vessel? 

We have easy to follow instructions and tutorials to ensure you have all the equipment and information you need to set up, packaway and inspect the vessel. Boating has many moving parts and consequently equipment issues can arise. If an equipment is found to be faulty you must send through a text response and not go out until the office has approved a fix or an alternate solution. In cases where a fix is unavailable the hire may be cancelled for your own safety regardless of your own eagerness to go out to the bay and any payment made.

Do I have to return the HBR PNY to the same place? 

Yes. All HBR PNY’s must be returned to their allocated position.

How do I set up a HBR PNY? 

We send through a video tutorial which demonstrates the simple preparation and adjustment procedure to set up your HBR PNY.

Do you have any Tandems.?

Currently HBR PNY does not have any Tandems but we will have some available in the near future.

Can I try and buy it? 

Yes. If you wish to purchase a HBR PNY you can visit the online shop. We also offer refunds to a single hire fee should you hire and later purchase a vessel within 3 days of the hire. This allows you the opportunity to test them out before making a purchase

How old do you Have to be to ride a HBR PNY?

The minimum age to ride on a HBR PNY is 14 years old with responsible adults or guardians on the water with them. 

Can I hire a single HBR PNY? 

We currently have 2 singles as a minimum as a further safety measure out on the water and to help you set up and pack down the vessels. 

Are there nsw Boating waterways rules I Need to know? 

Yes. We will send you all the boating and waterway rules. Boating safety is your responsibility and all the riders must understand the rules prior to entering the waterways to follow the law.

What happens if it rains?/ Can I cancel the policy? 

Yes. You can cancel anytime up to 24 hrs prior to your booking. This places the responsibility of managing the weather forecast upon you. If the forecast predicts winds over 30kmph you are instructed not to go out onto the water regardless of the booking paid for safety reasons. You are able to request a refund via text should the wind be unexpected and your claims are substantiated.

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