Do I need a boat licence?

Yes — operators must present a valid boat licence at check-in; hires cannot be released without it.

How many people can the tinny carry?

Maximum capacity is 4 people; adhere to the limit for safety and insurance reasons.

Is fuel included in the hire price?

No — fuel is not included. Return the vessel refuelled or costs will be deducted from the bond.

What is the deposit and bond policy?

A 20% deposit secures bookings. A $500 bond is taken and refunded after inspection, less delivery or fuel charges.

Where do you deliver?

Delivery to local reserves in Murray Bridge is free; paid delivery is available to nearby ramps such as Mannum, Tailem Bend and Swan Reach — fees vary.

Are children allowed?

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; ensure appropriate PFD sizes are used.

Skimming the Murray: Hire a 3.7M Tinny with 15hp in Murray Bridge | Boat Rental | Water Activities

On the broad pulse of the Murray River at Murray Bridge, a 3.7‑metre tinny with a 15hp outboard turns a day on the water into an elemental escape. Freedom Boat Hire’s 3.7M Tinny — available for one‑day hops or multi‑day hires from Murray Bridge — is light, easy to steer, and loaded with the essential safety kit you need to explore slow river bends, sandbanks, and river red gum corridors.

The boat is built for simple recreational use: a compact hull that slips into narrow channels, a reliable 15hp motor for fuel‑efficient cruising, and space for up to four people. It’s ideal for anglers chasing Murray cod and golden perch in shaded backwaters, for families looking to picnic on a quiet bank, or for first‑time skippers who want a hands‑on but forgiving vessel. Each hire includes life jackets and a safety briefing; a valid boat licence is required to operate.

Launching from Murray Bridge gives you immediate access to classic Murray River features — long flat-water reaches, braided channels, sand islands, and stands of river red gum that line the high banks. Keep an eye out for black swans drifting in narrow backwaters and the quarry-straight wake of a distant paddle steamer, a reminder of the river’s busy trade history. Local Ngarrindjeri people have lived along these stretches for millennia; the river’s channels and native fish are integral to that cultural landscape.

Freedom Boat Hire delivers to local reserves in Murray Bridge free of charge and offers paid delivery to nearby ramps (Mannum, Tailem Bend, Swan Reach and others) — check rates when you book. Hires require a 20% deposit and a $500 bond refunded after vessel inspection; fuel is not included so plan to return with a full tank. For multi-day trips you’ll want basic spares and a plan for mooring at low banks overnight.

Why book this tinny? It’s an efficient entry point to the Murray without the hassle of a larger craft: low launch weight, stable fishing platform, and an engine that’s friendly on fuel. For photographers, the slow speeds make it simple to position for dawn reflections; for anglers the shallow draft gets you into pockets where big fish lie.

Practical notes: pack sun protection, drinking water, a waterproof bag for electronics, and a charged mobile with a means to call for assistance. Respect no‑wake zones, avoid driving through shallow submerged roots, and always follow local fishing regulations. The 3.7M Tinny turns Murray Bridge into a small‑boat playground — immediate, adaptable, and unpretentious.

Book early in summer and on long weekends; weekdays are quieter and let you find secluded banks. If fishing, check bag limits and seasonal closures to protect spawning Murray cod and carry a rod license plus maps.