FAQs

The boats seat up to six people.  There is a weight capacity of 1200 pounds.  For safety reasons, we are very strict about the weight capacity, so if you are a group of big football payers, probably best to rent two boats.

No, any adult over the age of 25 can drive the boat.  You must have a Valid Driver’s License.

Yes, everyone on board will need to sign a waiver. Don’t worry. It’s short and easy to fill out.  Even better, our waivers are online, right here on this site.  We strongly encourage you to sign the rental contract and have everyone planning to go with you sign a waiver ahead of time, so we can get you on the water as quick as possible.  Click the sign waiver link above, or visit out “Forms” tab.

Nope! These are green, clean, electric machines.

We have a great location right in South Lake Union, at the northern terminus of the South Lake Union Trolley. Our docks are right in front of the White Swan Pub and eatery at 1001 Fairview Ave N. Come early and enjoy their patio before heading off on your Donut Boat adventure.

Directions / Map

No, we are open from March 15th to November 1st

No, our boats have electric motors steered by tiller. They are very easy to operate. We will generally give you a quick 5-minute tutorial, and then you are out on the lake, and the fun begins!

One member of the party must be at least 21 years old. All drivers of the boat must be 25 years of age or older.

Unfortunately no. The boats can only be docked at our location as they can be easily damaged on other docks. Rafting up with other boats, including other donut boats, is also against the rules for the same reason.

Yes. There are enough life jackets on board for all passengers. State Law requires children under the age of 12 to be wearing a life jacket at all times while on the boat.  We’ve got some cool ones for them, so they will hardly notice. We have jackets for youngsters, but if you have toddlers or tiny babies, we recommend bringing your own life jacket to make sure you have the right fit for your child.

Yes, in fact we highly recommend it.  All you need is a credit card.

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You can cancel your reservation with no charge up to one week before your trip.

If you cancel prior to three days before your trip, you can get a 50 percent refund.

Within 72 hours before your time slot, unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds.

We have to keep the lights on, the docks rented and our awesome employees paid, even if you can’t show up.  You understand right?

Good question.  We are all hardy Northwest folk, so a little overcast, and even a slight drizzle will not entitle you to a rain check. This is Seattle after all. However, we are all about having fun on the lake so, during the summer, if there is a terrible downpour or gusty winds, we will, at our discretion, offer you a rain check.

The off-season is a different story. During October and November, and again during March and April, when weather is unpredictable and temperatures are cooler, we will offer a rain check for any reason and get you on the water at another time. Your dog is sick? Rain check. The Mariners are unexpectedly in the playoffs? Rain check. You’re feeling too lazy to get off the couch… rain check.

As we offer discounted off-season rates, your rain check will only apply to off-season time slots, but we are happy to apply your money to an upgrade if you decide not to come back until summer.

Please note, our rain check policies may not apply to certain promotions.

Sir Richard Gellingham, the Third Earl of Donut, invented them in the mid-17th century.

Really?

…No, not really.