Sport Boat vs. Pontoon Boat – What’s the Difference?

One of the most popular North Idaho pastimes is exploring the nearby lakes and rivers on a boat with friends and family. If you are visiting North Idaho, make sure to add boating to your bucket list.

When you visit Lake Coeur d’Alene, you should visit The Coeur d’Alene Resort and check out one of their convenient, high-quality boat rentals. The Coeur d’Alene Resort offers two types of boats for rent, Harris Pontoon Boats and Cobalt Sport Boats. Both watercrafts are great for exploring the lake and made for an incredible day on the water. 

But if you’re new to boating you may be asking yourself, “Well, what’s the difference?”

Keep reading to learn more about the difference between sport boats and pontoon boats and how you can rent one when you visit Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Size and Space

Sport Boats Size

The aerodynamic Cobalt Sport boats are over 20 ft. long! Resort Boat Rentals offer the Cobalt CS22 and the Cobalt CS23. The CS22 is 22’ 6” and accommodates six to eight people. The CS23 is 23’8” long and comfortably seats up to nine people. In each size, the seating area is spacious with a transom walk-through to make getting on the boat and off easy. There is also enough storage space to bring a couple of coolers, tubes, and other gear. 

Pontoon Boats Space

Pontoon boats have plenty of space to kick back and relax with enough power to cruise around the lake. The spacious pontoon boats at Resort Boat Rentals, come in one size, 22 ft. They can fit up to 12 people comfortably in the boat, making the pontoon boat ideal for a large family or get-together. Because of their open spaces and balanced shape, it’s easy to walk from one side to the other. Pontoon boats feel more like a living area and have high walls, making them feel safe and comfortable. 

Pontoon boats also have extensive storage. Bring your coolers, towels, tubes, and more.

Costs

Rental 

Rentals for the Cobalt Sport Boats start at $109 for two hours. Most people prefer to spend a little longer racing around the lake so four hours costs $375 and eight hours costs $625.

On the other hand, pontoon boats rent for $99 for two hours. This price goes up to $350 for four hours. Eight hours costs $600. 

Purchase

Sometimes people love the boat so much they want to take it home after renting it for the day. Harris Pontoon boats start at $37,495 and go up to $125,042 for purchase. Cobalt Sport boats start at $40,000 and can cost as much as a half-million dollars. If you are interested in purchasing, reach out to our friends at Hagadone Marine Group. 

Boating Activities

Sport Boats

Are you looking for a great day of adventure on the water? Sport boats are ideal for quickly exploring bodies of water. With a streamlined body and high-performance engine, sport boats are fast and maneuver easily through the water. 

However, they do much more than race around the lake. Sport boats have transom tow hooks for pulling tubers and riders and low profile swim platforms so passengers can take a dip. While not allowed for rentals, they’re also great for fishing and water skiing.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are spacious and versatile. While not as streamlined for speed as the sport boats, pontoon boats don’t lack power. The triple pontoon features a 150 horsepower engine to get your group anywhere you need to be. That being said, pontoon boats are easy to handle and can be driven by even the most novice of boaters! 

Since pontoon boats are ideal for families or groups, enjoy a pleasant picnic on the lake or go tubing. If you’ve never been tubing, check out our previous blog post detailing the where, when, and how of tubing.

Resort Boat Rentals does not allow fishing or water skiing from their watercrafts, but pontoon boats are great for those activities as well.

CdA Boat Rentals

Now that you know the difference between a pontoon boat and a sport boat, you are ready for your next adventure on Lake Coeur d’Alene. To rent a boat or learn about the other rentals available call (208) 415-5600.