Whitsunday Boat Hire

My companions and I are going to the Whitsundays in Queensland Australia. We're leaving in two days and have nothing planned! Does anyone know of any good / cheap places to stay? We are going for 4 nights and want to stay in Airlie Beach for maybe 2 nights. Also, we are students and do not want to spend a ton of money for cheap suggestions for sailing? We thought of hiring / renting a boat for water skiing style and a little cruise around the islands we ... but we can not find any reasonably vessels and / or prices.

In addition, you find most / of the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach?

Any info would be great!

Backpackers Airlie Beach