Why And How To Rent A Pontoon Boat For A Day Of Family Fun

Summer is here and it is time for some special family fun. Boating is a great way of spending time with family because you can all unplug and be as active or relaxed as you each want to be. I used to love to go boating with my dad when I was little and I still cherish those memories today. I feel very fortunate to get to go boating with my family now. It is such a different activity and so full of fun for all ages. I jumped at the chance to take my mom and kids out boating as a fun way to kick off our summer. Safe Harbor Marinas did provide a pontoon boat rental at Blue Turtle Bay Marina to facilitate my being able to share the experience with my readers.

Pontoon Boat Benefits

Really, it doesn’t have to be a pontoon boat. Pretty much any type of boat is loads of fun! The reason I suggest a pontoon boat though is because it has plenty of room so you can bring family and friends along for even more fun! Here are 5 things I like about pontoon boats.

1. Versatility: Pontoon boats are versatile and can accommodate various activities, making them suitable for family outings, fishing trips, or leisurely cruises.
2. Comfort and Space: Pontoon boats offer ample deck space, comfortable seating, and often come equipped with amenities like shade canopies, coolers, and sound systems, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
3. Group Activities: Pontoon boats are ideal for group outings, allowing friends and family to gather, relax, and have fun on the water together.
4. Scenic Views: Enjoy the scenic beauty of lakes, rivers, or coastal areas from the vantage point of a pontoon boat. It’s a unique and picturesque way to experience the outdoors.
5. Ease of Operation: Pontoon boats are generally easy to operate, making them accessible for individuals with little or no boating experience. Rental companies typically provide basic instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Our pontoon boat also had some really nice family amenities like an upper deck with a water slide, a BBQ grill, and even a little potty room. The upper deck also functions as a fantastic sun shade when you want to escape the sun rays for a bit. The pontoon also offered plenty of room for all the stuff we packed for our boating trip.

A Day of Boating With Family And Friends

My mother had recently been boating with one of her neighbors and had a great time so I wanted to bring her boating with us. She was really excited about the boating trip and getting to spend some quality time with her grand kids. She is a bit fair skinned so I really enjoyed having the sun shade for her. There was also plenty of comfortable seating and we were able to chill on the boat and enjoy some good conversation, waves, water, and sun.

My kids brought friends along and they were able to run wild the whole time! They played water tag, jumped off the boat, slid down the water slide, and generally frolicked in the water non-stop! It was great to see them all be so active.

Boating really is fun for the whole family and all ages. We all enjoyed the feeling of the wind blowing off the water and cooling you and invigorating you. There is something just so freeing about looking ahead and exploring the lake as you speed over the water.

How To Rent A Pontoon Boat

1. Research Rental Companies: Start by researching local boat rental companies. Look for reputable providers with good customer reviews. You can find these companies online or by asking for recommendations from friends or marina staff.
2. Check Availability and Pricing: Contact the rental companies to inquire about the availability of pontoon boats on your desired date. Ask about pricing, rental duration options, and any additional fees such as fuel or cleaning charges.
3. Reserve in Advance: Pontoon boats are popular, especially during peak seasons. It’s advisable to reserve your boat in advance to ensure availability on your preferred date. Many rental companies allow online reservations.
4. Review Rental Terms and Policies: Before finalizing your reservation, carefully review the rental terms and policies. Pay attention to any age restrictions, safety guidelines, and cancellation policies. Ensure that you understand the terms and conditions before agreeing to them.
5. Pickup and Inspection: On the day of your reservation, arrive at the rental location on time. The rental company will provide you with instructions on boat operation and safety. Before leaving the marina, conduct a thorough inspection of the pontoon boat to document any pre-existing damage.
6. Enjoy Your Time on the Water: Once you’ve completed the paperwork and safety briefing, you’re ready to enjoy your time on the water. Pontoon boats are versatile and can be used for activities such as fishing, picnicking, swimming, or simply cruising.
7. Return the Boat On Time: Adhere to the agreed-upon rental duration and return the pontoon boat on time. Ensure that the boat is in the same condition as when you rented it. Follow any specific return procedures provided by the rental company.

Safe Harbor Marinas

Safe Harbor Marinas was a great place to rent a pontoon boat. They made everything easy and they were very helpful. Usually, when we rent a boat, my husband does the driving. Since he was away this time, I had to do the driving myself. It was my first time driving a boat from start to finish so I had lots of questions for them and they answered them all and gave me helpful tips. The man who brought me to my boat rental had a boating safety checklist and he went over that with me to make sure I knew where everything was- like the fire extinguisher, the life jackets, the lifesling, the horn, etc. He gave me a map and suggested some areas to explore.

Safe Harbor Marinas has several locations on the east coast and there are four Safe Harbor Marinas in the Nashville area.

• Old Hickory Lake:
  • Drakes Creek Marina
  • Blue Turtle Bay Marina
• Percy Priest Lake:
  • Elm Hill Marina
• Cumberland River:
  • Clarksville Marina

Blue Turtle Bay Marina

Our pontoon boat rental was at the Blue Turtle Bay Marina. It was a really nice marina, very clean and orderly. There was a public restroom and an award-winning restaurant, Sam’s Sports Grill. My kids found lots of cool wildlife to look at while I checked out the boat. There were water turtles, fish, ducks, and geese and they had so much fun throwing them bits of our picnic food!

In addition to on-site boat sales, including luxury boats, the Safe Harbor Sales & Service department at Blue Turtle Bay Marina employs expert technicians that handle on and off-site boat repairs and scheduled maintenance for customers and non-customers alike. There are 240 covered wet slips at Blue Turtle Bay Marina and fully stocked Ships Stores at all locations.

Find out more or rent a boat at safeharbormarinas.com

So are you ready for a day of boating and family fun? It really is a great way have summer fun outdoors! Have you ever rented a boat before? I’d love to hear about your boating memories- where’d you go and what’d you do?

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