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Features · Security deposit
The security deposit on a boat rental, from pre-authorisation to release
In SunSea Hub, the security deposit on a boat rental is a card pre-authorisation taken contactless at the dock: the amount is authorised, not charged. On return, amounts due can be taken from the pre-authorisation; otherwise it is released automatically, by default 12 hours after the return is closed.
Cheque, pre-authorisation or charge: what changes
| Deposit cheque | Card pre-authorisation | Charge then refund | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The customer’s money | Not cashed | Blocked, not charged | Charged |
| At the dock | Check, keep, return the cheque | Contactless card | Payment, then refund |
| Withholding an amount | Cash all or nothing | Take the exact amount | Refund the difference |
| Duration | No limit | Limited by the payment institution | Not applicable |
SunSea Hub uses the pre-authorisation: the exact amount can be withheld, and nothing is charged when all goes well.
When is the security deposit taken?
At departure, after the contract and the check-in inspection have been signed, before the balance. The departure cannot close without a security deposit that is authorised and not expired: the boat does not leave without a guarantee.
Two durations not to confuse
The validity of the pre-authorisation is set by the payment institution: beyond it, the authorisation lapses on its own. The retention period is chosen by the rental company: how long after the return the security deposit is held before being released, 12 hours by default and up to 7 days. SunSea Hub records the expiry of each pre-authorisation and warns you when the chosen retention period exceeds its validity.
Withholding from the security deposit
On return, whatever the inspection report reveals — missing fuel, missing or broken equipment, abnormal cleaning, late return — becomes an amount due, which the rental company approves line by line. It can be settled in three ways: by a payment link sent to the customer, at the dock, or by a charge on the pre-authorisation. As long as an amount remains due, the security deposit is held and Fleet flags it.
What counts as evidence in a dispute
The check-out inspection report, carried out with the customer and signed by them: dated photos, comparison with departure, inventory, fuel and engine hours. Damage discovered after the return is closed is not recharged: it is a matter for insurance and is declared as a claim.
Frequently asked questions
Is the security deposit charged?
No. The pre-authorisation blocks the amount without charging it. Only an amount withheld on return is taken, for its exact amount.
When is the security deposit returned?
Automatically, after the retention period chosen by the rental company — 12 hours after the return is closed, by default — if no amount is still due.
How long does a card pre-authorisation remain valid?
It depends on the payment institution. SunSea Hub records the expiry of each pre-authorisation and does not let a boat leave with an expired security deposit.
Read next
Check-in inspection
With Check: a photo plan per boat, inventory, fuel and engine hours, the customer’s signature at departure and return, return compared with departure.
Return charges
At the return of a boat rental, the inspection becomes amounts due: fuel, missing items, breakage, cleaning, lateness, taken from the security deposit.
Boat rental security deposit: what the law says
How much, and how do you get it back? No legal cap, but a pre-authorisation for the exact amount, a joint inspection and a mandatory mediator.
Comparison
SunSea Hub, Nauticoncept, Nautic Manager, SeaBook and Boat Rental Manager on 17 criteria: deposit, inspection, GPS, pricing, no minimum term.
Fleet, Check, Fix and Sup — the office, dock, workshop and owner apps — are in French today. What your renters read is in English, French and German: the booking widget, quotes, payment links and messages. The rental contract is in English and French.