Is there a minimum number of crew members required to operate a boat?

Yes, riverboat rental companies do not allow you to operate a boat alone. There must be at least two able-bodied adults on board to properly handle delicate maneuvers such as passing through locks and mooring, among other tasks.

Please note, this rule is strict and non-negotiable: a young rugby player who is 6’3” tall but only 17 years and 11 months old will unfortunately not be considered an adult...! On the other hand, two retired women are accepted to operate a houseboat. That’s just how it is—it’s a rule imposed by the rental companies’ insurance (note that for certain particularly large houseboats, such as the Vision, this minimum number of adults increases to three).