Rental Boating Tips & Updates
The main difference between a pontoon and a tritoon is the number of flotation tubes beneath the deck: a traditional pontoon has two, while a tritoon has three. That extra center tube can support more weight and higher horsepower, helping improve handling and ride comfort. A two-tube pontoon suits relaxed cruising on calm water; a tritoon generally offers more capability for faster cruising and towing. For renters, though, the label is only part of the decision. Passenger limits, engine power, permitted activities, and the day’s conditions matter more than choosing by tube count alone. Pontoon vs. Tritoon at a Glance Feature Two-tube pontoon Tritoon Construction Two flotation tubes beneath the deck Three flotation tubes, including a center tube Typical use Leisurely cruising on calm water Cruising with added performance and towing capability Handling Comfortable at modest speeds Generally more controlled…
Many family pontoon boats accommodate around 8 to 12 people, while larger models can carry more. At Resort Boat Rentals, our pontoon boat rentals on Lake Coeur d’Alene include options with capacity for up to 14 people. The right number for your trip depends on the specific boat’s passenger rating, weight limits, and rental requirements. Everyone counts toward your group total, including the driver and children. You also need to account for what you bring aboard. Here’s how to choose a pontoon that fits your group safely and leaves enough room to enjoy the day. Check the Specific Boat’s Capacity Before Booking Start with the boat’s manufacturer capacity label and owner’s manual, then confirm the rental company’s passenger limit. Capacity info is often near the helm. Never estimate capacity by cushions or floor space, as they can be misleading. Online…
Even on a calm summer day, conditions can change quickly because of wind, boat wakes, and open areas that can be choppier than sheltered bays. Handling a boat in rough water means staying in control by slowing down, reading waves, adjusting course, and keeping passengers secure. Prevention is key: check weather, understand your boat, and recognize when conditions surpass your experience before leaving the dock. Check the Weather Before Leaving the Dock Good rough-water handling starts before you leave the marina. Check the forecast for the entire period you plan to be on the water, paying particular attention to: Wind speed and direction Thunderstorm potential Significant temperature changes Increasing afternoon winds Weather advisories Visibility Conditions can also vary significantly across a large lake. Water that feels protected near shore may become much rougher once you enter a wide, exposed section…
A summer lake day can take several different shapes in Coeur d’Alene. One group may want to leave the Boardwalk Marina, put on a playlist, and settle into a slow cruise with plenty of room for coolers and conversation. Another may be ready to tow a tube, cover more water, and feel the sharper handling of a sport boat. Both can create a great day on Coeur d’Alene Lake, but they are built around different priorities. At Resort Boat Rentals, we help guests choose between spacious pontoons and performance-focused sport boats based on who is coming, what they want to do, and how comfortable the driver feels behind the wheel. The simplest way to decide is to plan the day before choosing the boat. Think about group size, watersports, shade, seating, speed, swimming, and how much time you want to…
Paddleboarding can look intimidating from shore, especially if you have never stood on a board before. The good news is that paddleboarding is usually beginner-friendly. Most people do not need much experience to get started, especially when they begin on calm water, use the right board, and take their time. Coeur d’Alene Lake is a great place to try paddleboarding because it gives beginners room to learn at their own pace. You can start slow, stay close to shore, and build confidence as you get used to the board. With paddleboard rentals from Resort Boat Rentals, visitors and locals can enjoy a simple lake activity that doesn’t have to feel complicated. Is Paddleboarding Hard for Beginners? For most beginners, paddleboarding is not as hard as it looks. The first few minutes may feel wobbly, but that is normal. Your body…
Driving a rental boat is usually easier than most first-time renters expect. If you can drive a car, follow instructions, stay aware of your surroundings, and make slow, controlled decisions, you can usually handle a rental boat safely after a proper orientation. That does not mean boating is exactly like driving on the road. Boats do not have brakes. They respond differently to wind, waves, current, weight distribution, and throttle changes. Docking also takes more patience than steering across open water. But for most renters, the learning curve is manageable, especially on a calm lake with the right boat, clear instructions, and a little common sense. At Resort Boat Rentals, we help guests get comfortable before they leave the dock. Whether you are renting a pontoon for a relaxed day with family or a sport boat for a more active lake day, the…
Swimming is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Lake Coeur d’Alene, especially on a warm summer day. But it is far from the only reason people come here. The lake has more to offer than a beach towel and a quick dip. With long stretches of shoreline, mountain views, downtown access, quiet coves, open water, and easy marina access, Lake Coeur d’Alene is built for full-day experiences. Whether you are visiting North Idaho for the first time, hosting family from out of town, or looking for something more memorable than sitting on the shore, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the lake without making swimming the main event. Here are some of the top things to do on Lake Coeur d’Alene besides swimming. Rent a Boat and Explore the Lake If you want to experience more of Lake…
Renting a boat should feel simple, but it should never feel casual from a safety standpoint. A good rental experience starts before the engine turns over. The safety briefing is where we help renters understand how the boat works, what rules apply on the water, and what to do if conditions change. That matters even more for renters who do not boat every weekend. At Resort Boat Rentals, we require at least one person in the group to have prior boating experience, provide a basic orientation before departure, and include Coast Guard-approved life jackets and other required safety equipment with our rentals. A proper boat rental safety briefing is not just a formality. It is the foundation for a safer, smoother day on the lake. Here is what a full briefing should cover and what renters should pay attention to before leaving…
Lake Coeur d’Alene isn’t a “same lake, different month” kind of place. Water levels rise and fall, temperatures swing hard, and the entire feel of the shoreline changes as North Idaho moves from snow season to boating season and back again. If you’re planning a day on the water, understanding these seasonal shifts helps you pick the right timing, pack the right gear, and avoid the common mistakes that ruin an otherwise perfect lake day. Below is what typically changes throughout the year, and what it means for boaters. Why Lake Coeur d’Alene Changes So Much Through the Year Two big forces shape the lake’s seasons: Snowpack and spring runoff. In late winter and spring, melting snow and rain push more water into the system, and the lake level can fluctuate widely under “free-flow” conditions when the dam is essentially passing water through. Managed summer levels…
If you live in North Idaho or the Inland Northwest, you already know the truth: a “quick lake day” is rarely quick. You pack more snacks than you planned, stop for ice twice, and somehow end up watching the sun drop behind the pines with a full cooler and a tired smile. The good news is you have options. Coeur d’Alene and Spokane sit in the middle of a lake-rich region, with everything from big-water cruising to quiet coves and small fishing lakes. Below are some of the best picks for a day trip, weekend getaway, or last-minute afternoon on the water, along with practical tips so you can spend more time boating and less time figuring out parking, launches, and local rules. Lake Coeur d’Alene (Idaho): The Classic, For Good Reason Lake Coeur d’Alene is the crown jewel for boaters, and it’s not…