DILLON BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
A 20‑Foot Sylvan Pontoon on Dillon Reservoir — 75HP, Room for Eight
A practical guide to renting a 20' pontoon from Dillon Marina: what the boat is, the on‑water rules, and the logistics you need to know before you cast off.
A 20‑Foot Sylvan Pontoon on Dillon Reservoir — 75HP, Room for Eight.
Dillon Marina’s 20' Sylvan pontoons are a straightforward way to put eight people onto Dillon Reservoir: side‑wheel steering, a partial sun awning, and a 75HP outboard give steady, easy handling on the high‑altitude water. Rentals include fuel; because radios are not guaranteed in this environment, the operator recommends bringing a portable speaker and notes that individual boats cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
20' Sylvan Pontoon — stable, simple, seats eight
These 20' pontoons seat up to eight people and come with side steering and a partial awning for sun protection. Boats are powered by a robust outboard appropriate for cruising the reservoir.
Life jackets, ID and on‑water restrictions
Life jackets are provided and all children 13 and under must wear one at all times; skippers must be at least 18 and rentals require leaving a driver’s license and credit card as security. Certain activities—swimming, jet skiing, water skiing and tubing—are not allowed from rental boats.
Flexible blocks, seasonal hours and fees
Rentals are offered in two‑hour minimum blocks (two, three and four hours are common), with defined peak and off‑peak seasons and specified operating hours; returns after the scheduled time incur a late fee. Fuel is included but rates do not include tax or booking fees.
What the day feels like
What being aboard feels like
Expect a relaxed, social day on the water: arrive early for a brief reservoir orientation and boat check‑out, then take the pontoon out for a measured cruise around Dillon Reservoir. The boats are built for comfort rather than speed; fuel is included in the rental so most of the pre‑departure logistics focus on orientation, paperwork and safety briefings.
THE BOAT
20' Sylvan Pontoon — stable, simple, seats eight
These 20' pontoons seat up to eight people and come with side steering and a partial awning for sun protection. Boats are powered by a robust outboard appropriate for cruising the reservoir.
PRACTICAL RULES
Life jackets, ID and on‑water restrictions
Life jackets are provided and all children 13 and under must wear one at all times; skippers must be at least 18 and rentals require leaving a driver’s license and credit card as security. Certain activities—swimming, jet skiing, water skiing and tubing—are not allowed from rental boats.
BOOKING BASICS
Flexible blocks, seasonal hours and fees
Rentals are offered in two‑hour minimum blocks (two, three and four hours are common), with defined peak and off‑peak seasons and specified operating hours; returns after the scheduled time incur a late fee. Fuel is included but rates do not include tax or booking fees.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Peak season runs June 15–August 30 with rentals available from 8:00am–7:00pm; off‑peak windows have shorter hours. Minimum rental period is two hours; arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start for orientation.
Bring a valid driver’s license, a credit card for security, sun protection and a portable speaker if you want onboard music—radios are not guaranteed. You may bring your own cooler; personal grills are prohibited.
Fuel is included in the rental price, but published rates do not include tax (8.875%) or the non‑refundable FareHarbor booking fee (6%). IDs are required for discounts when applicable.
Life jackets are provided for every passenger and children 13 and under must wear them; Colorado law prohibits operating a boat under the influence.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many people fit on the 20' pontoon?
Maximum capacity is eight people for the 20' Sylvan pontoons; that count includes infants and children and is non‑negotiable.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes. Life jackets for the boat’s maximum capacity are provided; all children 13 and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs of all sizes are allowed aboard rental boats, but owners must ensure the boat is returned clean or a minimum cleaning fee will apply.
Do the boats have working radios?
Not reliably—due to the high‑altitude marine environment radios are not guaranteed on every vessel, so guests are advised to bring a portable speaker if they want music.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 48 hours before the rental are permitted (processing fee applies); 24–48 hours before returns an 80% refund; within 24 hours returns a 50% refund. Weather cancellations at the dock carry no penalty if the boat does not leave the dock.
Is fuel included?
Yes—fuel is included in the rental price.
Can I bring a paddleboard or kayak on the rental boat?
No—stand up paddleboards are allowed on the reservoir but may not be taken aboard rental boats; kayaks and paddleboards are not permitted on rental vessels.