The "What's What" Of Renting Pontoon Boats
General information on what to expect when renting a pontoon boat in your area.
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Renting a pontoon boat can be a great way to enhance your outdoor lifestyle. Spending the day on the water with friends and family, fishing, water skiing, kneeboarding, tubing, swimming, grilling, & chilling out will help make a lifetime of memories. We have assembled hundreds of locations near your favorite lakes, rivers, bays, and waterways in our pontoon boat locator for your consideration for renting a pontoon boat. This page will help give you an idea on what to expect when you call, basic requirements for boat operation, and any other information that will help you plan your adventure.
General Things To Remember In Boating
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Most Commonly Asked Questions About Pontoon Rentals
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How much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat for a day?Each rental location pricing options are going to vary from location to location. Rental rates will also be higher during holiday or busy weekends. Check with your local pontoon rental location to see if they have any package deals for... Hourly, half day, and full day excursions. Some locations may even offer overnight or long term multi-day or week long rental packages for vacationing customers. As stated above, rates vary from location to location, but expect anywhere from $100-$200 for half day pontoon boat rentals, to $300-$400 full day rentals depending on the model and size of the boat you rent. These prices are average from our experiences.
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Do you need a license to rent a pontoon boat?
At most locations you must be 21 or older to rent a powered vessel, some smaller lakes with less powerful boats may allow 18 year olds to rent boats, but it's always better to check with your local rental business first. The driver of the pontoon boat must have a state registered Boater's Safety Certificate or other state equivalent. Most State Laws requires permanent or temporary Boater Safety Card be physically carried on you with picture ID.
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How far in advance should you call to book a pontoon boat rental?Each rental location is different depending on the popularity of the location, but usually during the week 1-2 days is generally the rule of thumb. Weekends however may be may be drastically different, normally 3-5 days in advance would be the best timeline to apply. Although to reserve the type or model boat you want, it may be better to allow up to a week or more to ensure your reservation. Holiday weekends are the busiest at most all pontoon boat rental locations, to ensure your outing is booked and ready, you may want to call your local rental locations 2-3 weeks prior to your rental date. This will allow you to accurately adjust to that individual businesses require enjoyment. ments for your maximum enjoyment.
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Deposits & Non-Refundable DepositsThese general rules of thumb for deposits are only guidelines for what to expect and are different from location to location. One of the most common reasons for pontoon boat rental locations deposits are booking rentals and not showing up to pay for it. Paying for a deposit to "Hold" your boat for a specific date is commonplace across the entire rental industry. Every location has different policies but, weather is always one of the deciding factors for returned deposits in our experiences. Most locations 48 hrs notice for cancellations you will also see returned deposits, after that you might not get it back, check with your local pontoon rental business for there policy.
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What if a storm comes while we are out on the water?Contact the rental location by cell phone for specific instructions (If they haven't contacted you already). The best place to be in a storm is anchored at the water's edge and possibly taking shelter under the shade top. Pontoon boats are generally not targets for lightning and most spring & summer storms pass very quickly. If you are delayed returning to dock by a storm you will most likely not be charged overtime fees. Safety is everyone's concern, however and undamaged boat returned safely is optimum for you and the rental location so use your best judgement.
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Do rental rates include fuel? And How much fuel can I expect to use?Pretty safe to say ALL rental locations will charge you for the fuel you used during your time renting their pontoon boat. Most locations use premium marine non-ethanol fuel, which is a bit more expensive than the gas in your car. If you don't have a "Heavy Hand" most boats will use between 6-10 gallons depending on how many people. This is between $30 and $40 average.
All locations should provide you with a full tank of gas, and will inspect to see how much gas you used when you get back and charge you by the gallon to cover the service of refueling. |
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Do they provide life jackets? Do I have to wear one?YES ! All rental locations by law should provide you life jackets in all sizes from infant, toddler, and all adult sizes should be available. You don't have to wear your life jackets at all times, but again this is a common sense situation. Infants and toddlers should always wear a life jacket at all times especially when the boat is in motion. People that can't swim or poor swimmers, elderly, or physically handicapped individuals should also consider always wearing one. Again this is a judgement issue and you should use common sense.
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Picking Up Late, Returning Late, and Returning your rental early.Remember rental locations are in business to make money, a pontoon boat sitting idle will not sit for long on busy weekends or holidays. Always call ahead if you're going to be even 5 minutes late, some locations will not wait for you under any circumstances and will rent your boat to someone else with no deposit returned (so be on time). Generally speaking their rule of thumb is "No ifs, no ands, no buts, no nothing". Be on time and there won't be an issue. Returning to the dock or marina late will also include some extra fees, so know what they are in case you lose track of time. Be courteous also... being hours late keeps people from going home after their shift. Returning your boat early may also get you a discount on time? Check before hand to avoid any confrontations.
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How many people can we load on the boat?Hopefully your late winter/early spring diet was a success! Pontoon boats are rated according to number of people or weight or whichever comes first. The estimated weight of the party including any coolers and equipment. If your group consists of multiple LARGER people, plan accordingly!!! Use your best judgement when asking woman how much they weigh ! ( We suggest guessing or adding 20 pounds to their answers... and NO, you can't pay for extra baggage!!!
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What happens if something breaks on the boat?General rule of thumb for most rental locations is "You break it... You bought it". Some states do not allow rental locations to sell boat insurance like they do in the rental car business. Take extra precautions, and diligently inspect everything on the boat you're renting and point out any obvious issues you find with the rental company before you leave the dock. Locations may provide you with a list of associated costs for most common damages to their pontoon boats. Remember accidents happen so always use caution and be prepared for damage costs if they arise.
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Can i still rent a boat if I've never driven one?It's not unheard of, but this will depend on the rental locations rules and regulations. Locations on smaller lakes and waterways may allow you to still rent a pontoon boat after a short safety and basic operations course. Rental locations on larger waterways that have busy boating traffic and open up into larger bays, waterways, rivers, and inlets, may not. Again, check with the location in the area your visiting to find out all the rules and regulations.
We suggest taking the free boating course online before your day of fun in the sun, click below to access boatus.org - State Specific Boating Safety Courses. |
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Can we go fishing from the pontoon boat?The answer is most likely "Yes", but... you need to bring your own valid fishing license for whatever state you plan on going fishing in. Between age of 16 and 65 where applicable are required to have a salt water fishing license to fish off a boat. In some states the law says you must gut fish on land. Getting fish blood, slimy bait resido guts all over your rental pontoon boats will most likely result in extra cleaning fees. So check with your local rental locations on their requirements by law, and the rules of their individual businesses to learn more. Also some location may rent fishing rods nets, live bait traps, and other items to make your fishing trip more enjoyable.
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May I take my dog with me?This will be determined by the individual rental locations. Most of them have guidelines for bring along your "Fur Babies" for a day on the water. As above all boats are weight specific so larger dogs will be counted towards weight. We haven't come across any locations that carry animal life jackets, so take that into consideration and bring your own. Most rental locations will also charge a small fee for extra cleaning costs to clean hair out of carpets if equipped. Check with your location before bringing your dog, or you may be waving goodbye with your dog from the dock to your family and friends as they head off for a day full of fun!
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