FAQs

What Are HBR PNY's?
HBR PNYs are modern sit-on-top vessels designed for recreational use. They are 11.6 ft (3.5 m) long, can hold up to 200 kg, and travel at speeds of 5 km/h. The impulse drive propulsion allows them to handle adverse headwinds with ease.

Do I need experience?
No prior experience is required to use an HBR PNY, but you must be able to swim 100 m. We provide all the necessary information and video tutorials on safety procedures before your outing. If you're unsure about setting out on your own, you can book a personal VIP instructor to help you launch and repack the vessel during your HBR PNY booking.

What is the 5 Star Satisfaction Guarantee?

The 5 Star Satisfaction Guarantee aims to enhance our business and ensure every customer has an excellent experience. If you do not receive a 5-star experience, please text 0488 824 111 with your concerns. We will work to resolve any issues with a partial or full refund, as your feedback is more valuable to us than the service fee.

How do I Pick Up hire vessels?
You can pick up HBR PNYs from our shared kiosk locations around the harbour, conveniently located near popular destinations. Each site is selected for easy launching and accessible parking, ensuring quick access to the water.

How do I use the self-service kiosk & unlock the HBR PNY?
We’ll email you the information and video tutorial. The booker must ensure everyone understands the material before launch. You’re responsible for checking the vessel’s seaworthiness and equipment. For assistance, you can book an instructor 24 hours in advance.

Do you have life jackets, trolleys, and paddles?

Yes! Each HBR PNY comes with a life jacket, paddles, and a fitted trolley for easy operation in and out of the water.

What do I need to bring?
Pack light with essentials like:

• Sun protection
• Small rucksack
• Waterproof bag
• Sunglasses
• Shoes
• Phone (optional)
• Portable speaker
• Bike gloves
• Small picnic
• Money for coffee

For fishing, use only fishing lure rods (catch-and-release). Avoid organic bait and burley to prevent mess and potential deposit loss.

What is considered unsafe weather?
Unsafe weather includes thunder, lightning, and wind speeds over 25 km/h. In strong breezes, we recommend staying within enclosed bays like Blackwattle Bay and Leichhardt Bay, as they are less affected by wind conditions.

Can I book a large group?
Yes, for large groups, you can book self-hire vessels from multiple kiosk sites at different nearby pickup locations. You can meet on the water, but all vessels must be returned to their original kiosks. The person booking is responsible for ensuring all participants understand the rules, wear safety vests, and can swim 100m freestyle before launching.

What are the hire refunds, deposits, and policies?

We offer refunds on hire fees with 24 hours' notice—no questions asked. A non-refundable booking admin fee of $6.99 will be deducted from your refund. This allows you to check the weather and reschedule at your convenience without dealing with credit notes. Refunds are processed through Stripe and may take up to 5 business days. You'll receive a notification of the refund minus the booking fee after the cancellation.

Can someone instruct and help me on the day?
Yes, we can arrange for an instructor to assist you with setting up and launching the HBR PNY. The instructor will provide a personal induction, sharing tips and tricks to ensure you feel comfortable on your first outing. While we provide instructional videos, having an instructor can enhance your understanding of the necessary procedures.

How do I set up, pack away, and inspect the vessel?
We provide clear instructions and tutorials for setting up, packing away, and inspecting the vessel. If you find any faulty equipment, text us immediately and do not launch until we approve a fix or provide an alternative. If a fix is unavailable, your hire may be canceled for safety reasons, regardless of your eagerness to go out.

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

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

What do I do if something is missing or broken?

If you find an item or part of the vessel missing or broken, text our phone number with the issue, including photos and a brief description. Do NOT go out on the water if the vessel is unsafe. We may provide a replacement or issue a refund. Voice calls will not be answered, so please text for a written record. Wait for our reply before continuing your hire. Normal wear and tear won’t incur labor charges, but failure to report issues may result in replacement and labor fees.

What do I do when we finish?

After your session, empty any water from the hull and repack the vessel for the next customer. Email the completion form to receive your deposit. If this is not done, we’ll send a manager to inspect the equipment at your expense. Notify your chosen contact of your return before the designated time to avoid unnecessary alerts to emergency services, as this is standard maritime procedure for safe boating on Sydney waterways.

Are there NSW boating waterway rules I need to know?

Yes. We will provide all boating and waterway rules. It’s your responsibility to ensure all riders understand these rules before entering the waterways to comply with the law.

Can I try and buy it?

Yes, you can try before you buy! If you hire a HBR PNY and later decide to purchase within 3 days, we’ll refund the hire fee. This gives you a chance to test it out before making a commitment.

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

The minimum age to ride a HBR PNY is 14 years, provided there is a responsible adult or guardian with them on the water.

Do you have any tandems?

Currently HBR PNY only offers one tandem at the glebe ferry road location.

Can I hire a single HBR PNY?

No, we require a minimum of 2 singles for safety reasons. This ensures you have a buddy to assist with setup and packing down the vessels.

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.

What happens if it rains? / Can I cancel the policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your booking. It’s your responsibility to monitor the weather forecast. If winds exceed 30 km/h, do not go out for safety reasons, regardless of payment. If unexpected wind occurs, you may request a refund via text, provided your claims are substantiated.