FORT LAUDERDALE BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
24’ Big Bertha: A 10–12‑Person Pontoon Built for Fort Lauderdale’s Open Water
Rent a 24’ single‑engine pontoon from Bahia Mar — this guide covers requirements, durations, and practicalities so experienced boaters can plan a smooth day on the water.
24’ Big Bertha: A 10–12‑Person Pontoon Built for Fort Lauderdale’s Open Water.
The 24’ Big Bertha is a single‑engine pontoon offered by Best Boat Club and Rentals in Fort Lauderdale. Designed as a group platform that sits 10 to 12 people, the rental emphasizes safe, licensed operation: operators must meet experience requirements and, if born after January 1, 1988, hold a Florida boating license. Rentals are offered in blocks of hours, and the company balances a relaxed on‑water experience with clear regulatory and security measures.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Room for a Group—10 to 12 Seats
Big Bertha’s pontoon layout accommodates 10–12 people, making it a straightforward choice for small groups looking to share a single‑engine day on the water.
Experience and Licensing Requirements
Rentals require demonstrated boating experience: at least three years for single‑engine boats (five years for twin engines), and Florida law requires a boating license for anyone born after January 1, 1988.
Security Deposit and Single‑Engine Setup
There’s a $1,000 security deposit collected before leaving the dock; it’s returned on safe, undamaged return to the dock. The vessel is a single‑engine pontoon, so operator experience is an explicit part of the rental terms.
What the day feels like
What the Rental Feels Like
Piloting the 24’ Big Bertha is a social, steady affair: a stable pontoon platform under a single engine that invites groups to spend a block of time on Fort Lauderdale’s water. The operator controls and safety expectations are explicit—this is intended for renters who bring prior boating experience and the legally required credentials, so the day is focused on navigation and enjoyment rather than instruction.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are available in 2‑, 4‑, 6‑, and 8‑hour blocks; select the duration that fits your plan.
Bring any required boating license or proof of experience if applicable; be prepared to provide identification and meet the operator’s experience verification.
A $1,000 security deposit is collected before departing the dock and returned when the boat is back at the dock with no damage.
Meet at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316, where check‑in and boarding occur.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need a boating license to rent the 24’ Big Bertha?
If you were born after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires you to have a boating license to rent.
How many people does the pontoon hold?
The pontoon sits 10 to 12 people.
What are the available rental durations?
Rentals are offered in 2, 4, 6, and 8‑hour blocks.
Is there a security deposit?
Yes. A $1,000 security deposit is collected before leaving the dock and is returned once you return with no damage to the boat.
What experience is required to rent?
To rent single‑engine boats you must have at least three years of boating experience; five years are required for twin engines.
Where do I pick up the boat?
Pick up and check in at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316.