Colorado has been famous for its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and a wide range of activities, including boating.
If you have the opportunity to visit Colorado, consider Colorado pontoon boat rental options for the best water experience you’ve ever had.
Don’t know where to start? Windrider of the Rockies will provide you with an in-depth look into renting a pontoon boat in Colorado. We also give some suggestions for selecting the best boat for your vacation.
Let’s read on to discover!
Best Places For Colorado Pontoon Boat Rental
There are beautiful natural lakes and artificial reservoirs where you may hire a pontoon boat. We’ll recommend you some right below.
Lake Estes
You can find the Lakes Estes in Estes Park, the beautiful RMNP gateway village. It’s an excellent spot for both motorized and non-powered boat rentals.
The Olympus Dam forms a lake that the Big Thompson River runs into and out of. The Lakes Estes offers boat rentals from May until October. Rentals are available every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Pontoon boats are the only options that you can book in advance. Their capacity maybe seven to ten, depending on the size.
The other renting options are available in a first-come, first-served manner.
Lake Estes in Colorado
Dillon Reservoir
The Dillon Reservoir, which covers 3,300 acres on the ground, is Summit County’s stunning highlight. The reservoir boasts two different marinas on both sides, in Dillon and Frisco.
Denver Water owns and controls the water, sending it across the continental divide to serve Colorado’s city.
Several beautiful campsites surround the lake. You can take a boat ride around the 27-mile waterfront.
The Dillon Marina can hire guests for a variety of watercraft in two, three, or four-hour durations. Sailing instruction, boat trips, and eating at the tiki bar are also available.
The Frisco Marina offers a variety of powerboats and river cruises, instruction, and meals with casual cuisine.
Unlike the Estes, Dillon Reservoir offers pontoon boats for groups of up to thirteen passengers.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
With a total area of 9,180 acres, this reservoir is Colorado’s biggest lake. It stretches for 20 miles and has about 96 miles when it comes to the shoreline.
The Curecanti Area, approachable from Highway 50, is a large open reservoir that is ideal for sailing. You may not be able to boat the entire length due to its size.
Both the Lake Fork and Elk Creek marinas rent watercraft. Most people choose to spend the day on their pontoon boat, angling, swimming, and touring. Their pontoon boats can serve from eight to twelve at the same time.
Don’t forget to stop by Pappy Restaurant for some lakefront eating and entertainment.
Blue Mesa Reservoir is the biggest lake in Colorado
Navajo Reservoir
This reservoir is huge. It has a 150-mile shoreline and a 15,000-acre surface. The Colorado side lies in Arboles and is entirely a part of Navajo Park.
The marina in Colorado allows you to rent pontoon boats, including a thirty-footer with a grill and toilet.
The marina in Mexico also rents boats, including a large 48-foot houseboat.
The marina has a considerably wider boat variety. You may hire a jet ski for one hour and then change it the following day. You can also have breakfast and lunch there.
You have more choice when renting pontoon boats in Navajo Reservoir. They offer you from 7-people to 16-people watercraft.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Fort Collins often stays among Colorado’s most attractive places to reside. It has the amazing natural beauty of Larimer County.
The Horsetooth Reservoir is a popular tourist destination in northern Colorado. It has an extensive, well-connected system of hiking paths, lakeside campsites, and, of course, fantastic angling and boating.
The marina rents different kinds of watercraft, including pontoons carrying from eight to ten people.
How Much Is It To Rent A Pontoon Boat In Colorado?
Each rental place’s price options will differ from one to another. During holidays or crowded weekends, rental prices will be higher.
You may ask about package packages for full-day, half-day, or hourly trips at the pontoon rental store.
For vacationing clients, specific sites in Colorado may even provide overnight or multi-day rental packages.
Prices vary by region but expect to spend between $100 and $200 if you rent the pontoon boat for half a day. The fee for a full-day rental may be from $300 to $400. It will differ in brand and size.
Pontoon boat rental fee ranges from $100 to $200
How To Choose A Pontoon Boat To Rent?
It’s essential to check the pontoon boat before renting it. The first and foremost things to consider are the type and size.
Types
You’ll also need to think about the type of your pontoon boat. Pontoons serve recreational purposes. Understanding what you will do with the boat ahead of time will assist you in choosing the best boat for you.
We will list some types of pontoon boats according to their purposes.
- Fishing
If fishing is your main purpose and you may fish most of the time, you should consider purchasing a boat specifically designed for fishing.
If you plan to spend about 20% to 70% of your time fishing, you can choose between a fishing variant and a cruising variant.
If your fishing time only lasts for 20% or less, the cruising variant is a better choice.
- Watersports
Watersports is an exciting experience when boating. If you want to enjoy your time in the water, the motor of your pontoon boat should have at least 90 horsepower.
You won’t have enough power to lift these things successfully if you use something less.
- Swimming and sunbathing
You may buy huge sunbeds or splash decks for your boat if you want to use them mostly for swimming or sunbathing. There are even more choices for swimmers, including slides and upgraded ladders.
- Recreation
Pontoon boats should equip the bathroom, changing room, sinks, grills, and seating to work as a bed.
Size
The size of the pontoon boat you need depends on the number of passengers you expect to join with you on your trips.
Consider these factors when deciding the size:
- 18 to 20 feet for 2 to 6 passengers.
- 22 to 24 feet for 6 to 10 passengers.
- 24 feet or larger for more than 10 passengers.
When choosing the size, keep in mind the characteristics of the water you’ll be in. Here are some tips to go for the right size:
- 17 to 19 feet for a calm and small lake.
- 20 to 22 feet for rivers and lakes without big waves.
- 23 to 28 feet for rough bodies of water.
Policies On Colorado Pontoon Boat Rental
Renting a pontoon boat in Colorado necessities some requirements for driving certificate, booking, deposit, fuel, and pets.
Driving certificate
To rent a motorized boat, you must be at least 21 years old. Some smaller reservoirs and lakes with less potent watercraft may permit 18-year-olds to get boats. It would be best to verify with the rental company first.
The pontoon boat’s operator must have a state-issued Boaters Safety Certificate or any other state-issued equivalency.
Booking
Some sites require you to reserve a boat one or two days ahead of time. Weekends, on the other hand, maybe very different. Usually, the ideal time to ask is three to five days ahead of time.
To guarantee your reservation for the type of boat you desire, you should leave for up to one week or even sooner.
Most pontoon boat rental sites are busiest during holiday weekends. Try to contact the rental locations two weeks before the rental date to verify your excursion is ready.
Deposit
Booking a pontoon boat and not showing up is one of the most prevalent causes of rental deposits. It’s standard procedure in the rental business to pay a deposit to reserve your boat for a certain date.
Each rental site has its own set of rules. One of the decisive reasons for refunded deposits must be the weather.
Most sites will return deposits if you give them a 48-hour notification. You may not receive it back beyond that. Remember to check with your rental company to see what their policy is.
Fuel charge
The rental company will charge for the fuel that you use during your trip. Many companies in Colorado use premium marine fuel, which is slightly more costly than traditional gasoline.
Depending on the number of passengers on board, most pontoon boats will require six to ten gallons, costing from $30 to $40 on average.
Before you start, the company offers you a full tank of fuel. They will check how much fuel you have used and charge you per gallon for the refilling process when you come back.
You should learn some policies before renting the pontoon boat
Best Pontoon Boat Brands For Renting
There are several different brands of pontoons to select from. It’s crucial to choose the appropriate brands since they offer you a sense of security and comfort. Here are some of the best brands for pontoons.
Bennington
Bennington is one of the most popular pontoon brands. Advantages when renting from this brand are:
- Bennington boats come in a variety of floor layouts with dozens of configuration options.
- The company focuses on performance and quality.
- This type has a wide lounge area that can accommodate up to 12 passengers. The seating benches are at the bow and rear of the boat. It also has tables stuck to the floor.
- Bennington is the best option for watersports.
Bennington is one of the most popular pontoon brands
Escape
Escape is famous for Colorado pontoon boat rental because:
- Escape places a premium on style and craftsmanship.
- This set includes a love seat and three benches, as well as a teak table. This model’s bench has hand-crafted fabric for ultimate comfort.
- There are four layouts available on this pontoon boat.
- The boat provides a smoother and quicker ride.
- You can save fuel costs.
Manitou
Manitou is the best choice if you want something upgraded and powerful.
Passengers love it because:
- Manitou has a wide range of sizes and floor layouts to choose from.
- The brand takes pride in the flexibility of its boats and strives to give a wide range of customization options.
- The Oasis series has wraparound seatings, as well as huge convertible sitting zones. You can utilize these places as loungers or open spaces out to a swim station and staircase.
- The company has updated the tubes of the Oasis variant. It also comes with a more solid foundation that is able to deliver up to 150 horsepower.
Advantages Of Renting A Pontoon Boat In Colorado?
When you rent a pontoon boat, you get the right to utilize it for a set length of time, but you’ll never actually own it.
Renting a pontoon boat offers a set of benefits
Some people like to rent the boat instead of buying it for these reasons.
Cost-saving
When compared to purchasing a boat, renting one is less costly. However, if you intend to rent regularly, the cost of renting might build up to be more pricey than owning.
More options
Renting a pontoon boat is a fantastic choice if you’re not sure what size and type suits you best. Boat rental will enable you to experiment with a multitude of choices before making a final selection.
No maintenance
When renting a pontoon boat, you don’t own it and aren’t responsible for its care. Probably, you won’t even have to wash it.
You won’t have to keep the boat either. The storage may be pricey, mainly if you live in an area where you have to winterize the boat. Purchasing a slip for winterizing might be incredibly expensive.
No trailering
You can explore new areas and various bodies of water without needing to trailer or transport your boat if you travel on a rental boat.
Related Posts: How Fast Do Pontoon Boats Go
The Bottom Line
We have shared with you some tips about Colorado pontoon boat rental.
Pontoon boats are excellent for your vacation since they offer you a wide range of options, from model, size, equipment to furniture. Renting helps you experience different boats before settling with your favorite.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!
Reference: All Boat Rentals
