HOW MUCH IS A BOAT RENTAL? | TIDE UP BOAT RENTALS

💰 2025 Pricing Guide

How Much is a Boat Rental? Complete Pricing Breakdown

From pontoons to party barges, here’s exactly what you’ll pay—plus the hidden costs most people forget to budget for.

💡 Quick Answer

Most boat rentals cost $300-800 for a half day (4 hours) depending on the boat type and location. Pontoons run $350-600, ski boats $400-700, and party barges $800-1,500+. Add $50-150 for fuel and factor in security deposits of $500-1,000.

Whether you’re planning a lake day with friends or researching options for a special occasion, understanding how much a boat rental costs helps you budget properly and avoid surprises. Prices vary significantly based on the type of boat, rental duration, location, and time of year.

This guide breaks down boat rental prices for every common type of vessel, explains what affects the cost, and reveals the additional expenses that can catch first-time renters off guard.

Boat Rental Prices by Type

Here’s what you can expect to pay for different types of rental boats:

🚤

Pontoon Boats

8-16 passengers

Half Day (4 hrs)
$350-600

Full Day (8 hrs)
$500-900

Most popular choice. Stable, spacious, great for groups. Price varies by size and features.

🏄

Ski / Wake Boats

6-10 passengers

Half Day (4 hrs)
$400-700

Full Day (8 hrs)
$600-1,100

Built for water sports. Higher horsepower and specialized features increase cost.

⛵

Deck Boats

8-12 passengers

Half Day (4 hrs)
$350-550

Full Day (8 hrs)
$500-850

Versatile middle-ground. More nimble than pontoons, more space than ski boats.

🎉

Party Barges

20-35 passengers

Half Day (4 hrs)
$800-1,500

Full Day (8 hrs)
$1,200-2,500

Double-deckers with slides, premium sound. Often requires captain (extra $200-400).

🛶

Kayaks / Paddleboards

1-2 passengers

1 Hour
$20-40

Half Day
$50-100

Most affordable option. Great for exercise or exploring calm water areas.

⚡

Jet Skis / PWC

1-3 passengers

1 Hour
$75-150

Half Day
$250-400

High-adrenaline option. Fuel consumption is higher, reflected in pricing.

What Affects Boat Rental Prices?

7 Factors That Impact Cost

📅 Time of Year

Peak summer (May-Sept) costs 20-40% more than off-season. Holiday weekends are the most expensive.

📆 Day of Week

Weekday rentals are typically 15-25% cheaper than weekends. Sunday afternoons often discounted.

📍 Location

Popular tourist destinations charge premium prices. Local lakes often 20-30% less.

🚤 Boat Size

Larger capacity = higher price. A 16-person pontoon costs more than an 8-person.

<h4″>⭐ Boat Age/QualityNewer boats with premium features (better sound, shade, seating) command higher rates.

⏰ Rental Duration

Hourly rates are highest per-hour. Full-day rentals offer better value.

👨‍✈️ Captain Included?

Self-drive is cheapest. Captained charters add $150-400+ but you don’t need experience.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

The rental rate isn’t always the total cost. Watch out for these additional expenses:

⛽ Fuel

Most rentals include a full tank but you return it full. Budget $50-150 depending on boat size and distance traveled.

💳 Security Deposit

$500-1,000 hold on your card. Released within 24-48 hours if no damage. Make sure you have available credit.

🛡️ Damage Waiver

Optional insurance ($25-75) that reduces your liability. Worth considering for first-time renters.

🎿 Equipment Add-ons

Tubes, skis, wakeboards, lily pads: $25-100 each. Some packages include them, many don’t.

🐕 Pet Fees

If dogs are allowed, expect $50-100 additional pet deposit. Not all companies permit pets.

🧹 Cleaning Fee

Some companies charge $50-100 if the boat is returned excessively dirty. Ask about policy upfront.

How to Get the Best Deal

💡 Money-Saving Tips

Book weekdays for 15-25% savings over weekend rates

Go off-peak — early summer or fall has great weather, lower prices

Split the cost — a $600 pontoon with 10 people = $60 each

Book direct — rental company websites often beat third-party sites

Ask about specials — many offer discounts for repeat customers or referrals

Check half-day vs full — sometimes a longer rental is barely more expensive

Price Per Person Breakdown

When you split the cost with a group, boat rentals become surprisingly affordable:

Pontoon with 10 people: $500 ÷ 10 = $50/person for a half day
Party barge with 25 people: $1,200 ÷ 25 = $48/person for a half day
Ski boat with 6 people: $500 ÷ 6 = $83/person for a half day

Compare that to other activities: a round of golf ($50-150), concert tickets ($75-200), or a nice dinner out ($50-100). Boat rentals offer excellent value for the experience, especially for groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a boat rental for a day?

Full-day boat rentals (8 hours) typically range from $500-1,200 depending on the boat type. Pontoons average $600-900, ski boats $700-1,100, and party barges $1,200-2,500.

Why are boat rentals so expensive?

Boats cost $30,000-$150,000+ to purchase, plus insurance, maintenance, storage, and staff. Rental companies need to cover these costs plus make a profit. The good news: split among a group, the per-person cost is often quite reasonable.

Is fuel included in boat rental prices?

Usually you start with a full tank and must return it full, or pay a refueling fee. Budget $50-150 for fuel depending on boat size and how far you travel. Always ask about the fuel policy when booking.

Do I need to leave a deposit for a boat rental?

Yes, most companies require a security deposit of $500-1,000 as a hold on your credit card. This is released within 24-48 hours after you return the boat in good condition.

How much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat?

Pontoon boat rentals typically cost $350-600 for a half day (4 hours) and $500-900 for a full day (8 hours). Larger pontoons with more passengers and better features cost more.

Are there any hidden fees with boat rentals?

Potential additional costs include fuel, damage waiver insurance, equipment rentals (tubes, skis), pet fees, and cleaning fees. Always ask what’s included and what costs extra before booking.

Ready to Get on the Water?

Now that you know what to expect, browse our boat rental options and find the perfect fit for your budget.

View Rental Prices

Check Our Prices →