Staff Answer
Jun 20, 2026 - 08:18 PM
If it's your first time driving a boat, I'd actually worry less about the company and more about how they handle first time renters. A good orientation and friendly staff make a much bigger difference than the logo on the side of the boat. A few companies that have a great reputation for working with beginners are Luther's Pontoon Rentals and Xtreme H2o. They're all known for taking the time to explain the controls, review the navigation rules, show you where it's safe to go, and answer questions before you leave the dock. The truth is, driving a pontoon is a lot easier than most people expect. If you can drive a car, you can usually get comfortable with a pontoon in about 15 or 20 minutes. The biggest adjustment is learning that boats don't have brakes and they respond a little slower than a car, so you just take your time. If you've never operated a boat before, I'd stick with a pontoon instead of a center console or fishing boat. They're stable, forgiving, easy to dock, and perfect for cruising to Crab Island or exploring the bay. One piece of advice I'd give any first time renter is don't be afraid to tell the staff you've never driven a boat. We hear that all the time, and we'd much rather spend an extra 10 minutes showing you the ropes than have you feeling nervous once you're out on the water. Most people come back saying, "That was way easier than I expected."
