You have a great point. But are people still renting them at all ?
Short answer - YES during weekend summer.
A rental is somewhat of an inconsistent experience (at least here in Jersey).
Things that could be better:
Cleanliness...Some are not dry and still filled with water (e.g.. rain or prior renter)
Functionality...Some have motors that work easily on one pull, others don't.
Some boats (RBM) have front and back anchors and others (Oceanic) don't. These details matter to handliners...not necessarily for traps.
Availability...I've gone during weekend summer at opening and found the lot to be full (Red bank and Oceanic)
Rental length...boats have to be returned by a certain time. So if you are trying an afternoon trip - it has to quick.
Location...what i mean here is that you can only rent where the marinas are. I cannot rent a boat from the shrews for example, but if you are an owner there is no such limitation.
Price...already discussed here.
Renter "features":
I am able to return the boat "somewhat" dirty from the water/mud brought aboard. In other words, it doesn't have to be in immaculate condition.
I personally take my trash with me but I believe others don't bother.
I don't need to figure out how to get the boat onto a trailer and home.
I don't need to navigate the NJ turnpike/parkway with a trailer/boat.
I don't have to pay whatever extra fees for the tolls for hauling said boat.
On the navesink rental prices are as follows:
$120 8hp non bimini motor.
$100 8hp non bimini motor.
i'll let you guess which marina has which...

Owners probably do not have such a slow motor.

Anyways thanks for reading my manifest on renting ha ha ha. Thanks for starting the thread falconnj.