Pontoon Rental Info for Minnesota Lakes – Top Lakes to Set Sail

Where to Rent a Pontoon Boat in Minnesota

There is little better for relaxing on a lake and enjoying some epic scenery than a pontoon boat. These types of boats are almost like floating living rooms with plenty of space to relax with friends and family. Whether you want to swim, fish, or just explore the sights, there is no better way, especially for a beginner boat driver, to take on a vacation boat rental than with a pontoon. 

Naturally, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has plenty of boating opportunities, but what lakes stand out above the rest with their aptitude for pontoon boating? Let’s find out as we explore Minnesota’s best pontoon boat lakes and corresponding rental spots to make your next vacation that much more special.

Crane Lake

Crane Lake, with its massive size and calm demeanor, makes a perfect match for a day on the pontoon. With excellent fishing and swimming, while having tons of interesting areas to explore/wildlife to see, Crane Lake is an ideal pontoon setting. With that, Crane Lake has a ton of boat rental options to get you situated on the lake. Here are some pontoon rental options directly on Crane Lake:

Norway Lodge/Resort and RV

Located right off Gold Coast Road on Crane Lake, Norway Lodge/Resort and RV offers a variety of boat sizes for rentals. From the smaller, motorless lake boat up to the 25 foot pontoon, Norway Lodge has some great options to get you and your party on the water for some great lake time.

Voyageurs Guide Service and Outpost

Open year-round, Voyageurs Guide Service and Outpost has a ton to offer. At the forefront of their rentals are their multiple pontoon options. In fact, their 27-foot Grand Majestic Tri-Toon is equipped with a 225 horsepower motor and can fit up to 19 people at its maximum. 

Cabins on Crane

A great place to enable fishing on Crane Lake, Cabins on Crane offer some great services and some fantastic boats. At the forefront of their pontoon selection is the 25-foot Premier Pontoon that can hold up to 12 people and is equipped with a livewell for fish and plenty of resources for family swimming.

Handberg’s Marina

Specializing in boats, Handberg’s Marina is a great place to get on Crane Lake. With boats of all sizes available, Handberg’s can be extremely versatile for getting you on the water. Pontoon-wise, Handberg’s offers two models of Pontoon, capable of fitting 10 people and 12 people respectively, which are great options for a day on the lake.

Pine Point Lodge, Resort, and Motel

Located at a point in the coastline right on the lake, Pine Point Lodge is a beautiful sight to see in its own right. Equipped with multiple boats, Pine Point can get you situated on the water for a fantastic day of fishing or swimming. Pontoon-wise, they offer sleek, new 25-foot TMC Pontoon boats that excel particularly for fishing, but make for a great way to spend a day regardless of activity.

Birch Lake

Crane Lake isn’t the only lake in Minnesota that can support a great pontoon day; larger lakes like Birch Lake also make for fantastic locations to pontoon in. With excellent fishing and swimming to be had on this pristine lake, along with tons of shoreline to explore, hopping on a pontoon at Birch Lake is a fantastic way to spend a day.

Pelican Lake

Mixed in amongst a sea of lakes in Northern Minnesota, Pelican Lake is another great choice for a day of pontoon-boating. With multiple rental places in the area, there are tons of opportunities to find the perfect boat for your party. Regardless of the activity of the day, a pontoon boat is a great way to fit everyone comfortably for a great day.

Tips for Operating a Pontoon Boat

Especially if you haven’t had much experience with pontoon boats, they can be a slightly different experience than other boating types. Here are some tips to operate a pontoon to maximize your day on the water.

Maneuver Slow

Pontoons are not a fast boat. In fact, they are more known for their stability and bulk on the water. To this end, they are generally easier to drive than most other types of boat. With that in mind, slow accelerations and deliberate turns are the best way to maximize comfortability with performance on a pontoon. Keep in mind that there are no brakes on the boat, especially when approaching the dock.

Be Aware of Water Depth

While pontoons are generally able to tolerate shallower water than other boat types, shallow water should still be accounted for and avoided when possible. Not only are these areas not great for swimming, but more importantly, shallow water can cause damage to an unsuspecting motor, which will bring with it a hefty bill.

Keep Your Distance from Other Boats

Generally, while on the pontoon, other boats have the greatest potential to affect you. While boating, keep distance to avoid any collisions and to minimize the size of waves when they come off a wake towards you. Pontoons are incredibly stable, but huge waves from a nearby boat will cause instability to the best of drivers. 

This northeast Minnesota territory is part of Voyageurs National Park and offers many outdoor activities, such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and backpacking. Visitors from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond travel to Crane Lake to enjoy the vast wilderness and explore the beauty of its many lakes and waterways. There are many local accommodations from cabin rentals to fishing tours with family fun activities for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about Crane Lake and plan your visit!

Rent a Pontoon Boat in the Land of 10,000 Lakes Today!

Pontoons are one of the superior ways to enjoy the beauty of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Excelling at fishing, relaxing, and holding larger groups of people, pontoons can do it all for whatever activity your group wants. Being extra kind for beginners, pontoons are designed to leave the complexities of boat life behind for a simple day out on the water. For a unique vacation unlike anything else, taking a pontoon onto Crane Lake is the epitome of relaxation and quality time. Rent a pontoon today to see what makes Northern Minnesota so special!