How much to rent a boat in Pittsburgh comes down to three choices: which boat you pick, whether you book a 4 hour or 8 hour block, and which add ons you take. Current rates for every boat in our fleet are listed on Our Boats, so you can see today's numbers before you book.
This guide explains everything that moves the total up or down, what is already included when you rent a pontoon boat in Pittsburgh with us, and how to get the most out of every hour on the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. We leave the exact figures to the booking page because they can change from season to season, and we would rather you see the live rate than an old number in a blog post.
Every rental quote is built from the same handful of parts. Once you understand them, the number on the booking page makes sense and you can shape it to fit your group.
The rest of this post walks through each one.
The boat you choose is the biggest single factor. Our fleet runs from the Sea-Doo Switch, which carries up to 7 guests, to the Bennington S and the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20DLX, which each carry up to 10. The Sun Tracker Party Barge takes up to 9 and the Sweet Water Godfrey up to 8.
Each boat has its own rate, and a larger boat splits that total across more people. A group of ten on a 10 person pontoon often pays less per person than a group of four on a 7 person boat. Our guide to how many people fit on a pontoon boat lists every boat and explains why the capacity plate, not the seat count, sets the limit.
Every pontoon rents in a 4 hour or an 8 hour block, anywhere between 9 AM and 9 PM. The 8 hour block is the bigger commitment, but the second half of the day is where the value is, because you are not paying for a second check in, a second safety briefing or a second trip to the dock.
Four hours suits a cruise from our dock on the Ohio River in McKees Rocks with time to slow down, eat and take in the views. Eight hours gives you room to explore more of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio, stop for lunch, fish for a while and still catch the evening light on the skyline. If your group is debating between the two, think about how much of the day you want to spend on the water, not just the price difference.
Our season runs into early October, weather permitting, and summer weekend dates are the ones most groups want. If you wait, the boat and block you want for a Saturday may be gone.
Weekdays usually give you more choice of boats and start times. Always check the rate shown for your exact date on Our Boats, then book as early as you can. Rentals are paid in full at booking and you can reschedule up to 72 hours before your start time, so there is little downside to locking in a weekday early in the season.
Two optional add ons can change the total, and one question about fuel should be settled before you pay.
Pennsylvania requires a Boating Safety Education Certificate for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 who drives a boat with a motor over 25 horsepower, and every pontoon we rent qualifies. If nobody in your group has one, or you simply want to relax instead of drive, ask about a captain when you book. Our post on how much it costs to get a boating license in PA covers the course and who needs it.
Under our policies the renter is responsible for damage to the boat, including the propeller. The Accidental Damage Waiver is an optional add on. Ask what it covers when you book.
Fuel use depends on the boat, how far you cruise and how much time you spend anchored. Ask how fuel is handled for your boat when you book so there are no surprises at the dock.
A few policy details affect what you actually pay. None of them are hidden, but it helps to know them up front.
The complete list is on our policies page, and the certificate rules are spelled out by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
The rate on Our Boats covers more than the hull. Every pontoon in our fleet comes with a bimini top for shade, and the boat carries a Coast Guard approved life jacket for every guest on board. Most of our boats have a Bluetooth stereo, so bring a playlist.
You are welcome to fish from the pontoon with your own gear, and dogs are welcome aboard. The safety briefing before you leave the dock is part of every rental too, so arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for it.
Stoves and grills are not allowed on board, so pack food that is ready to eat.
Since the rate is set by the boat and the block, not by headcount, a few simple moves stretch every dollar you spend.
Gift cards are sold online as well, which makes a boat day an easy group gift.
The smoothest rentals start with a little planning. Count your group, kids included, and match it to a boat with room to spare. Decide who will drive and make sure that person has a Boating Safety Education Certificate if they were born on or after January 1, 1982, or ask about a captain instead.
Have everyone ready to sign the waiver at the dock, and bring sunscreen, water and a cooler. Our checklist of what you need to rent a boat in PA covers the paperwork, the age rules and what to pack so you can spend your time on the river instead of at the counter.
Not hard at all. Pick a boat and a 4 or 8 hour block on Our Boats, pay in full to hold it, and show up 5 to 10 minutes early for the safety briefing. The driver needs a PA Boating Safety Education Certificate if born on or after January 1, 1982, and everyone signs the waiver at the dock. Pontoons are among the easiest boats to drive.
Fuel is handled differently from one rental company to the next, and how much you use depends on the boat and how far you cruise. Ask us how fuel works for your boat when you book so you know exactly what to expect before you leave the dock.
It depends on the boat. Our pontoons carry up to 7 guests on the Sea-Doo Switch, up to 8 on the Sweet Water Godfrey, up to 9 on the Sun Tracker Party Barge, and up to 10 on the Bennington S and the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20DLX. Everyone counts toward the limit, including the driver and kids.
Pontoon rentals are booked in 4 hour and 8 hour blocks between 9 AM and 9 PM, so a 4 hour block is the shortest pontoon trip. If you want a shorter time on the water, our 10 ft Pelican Quest kayak rents for 2 hours.
We make the weather call on the morning of your rental. If we cancel for weather, you can reschedule to another date or receive a full refund. If you need to change plans yourself, you can reschedule up to 72 hours before your start time.
Ready to see today's rates? Compare our pontoon fleet, pick your block and book your day on Pittsburgh's three rivers.
Join our community and enjoy incredible savings while embarking on unforgettable boat rentals. Whether you're looking to cruise along the iconic Three Rivers, host a special event on the water, or simply unwind with a relaxing day of boating, Subscribe and Save 15% off your next rental is your ticket to more fun and less cost.
