Afternoon Escape Aboard a 24' Dolphin Pontoon — Calm Water, Room for Ten

The 24' Dolphin Pontoon is a roomy, easygoing way to explore Lake Gaston from Henrico, North Carolina. From the rental slip at 2192 River Rd, Henrico, NC 27842, this 60-horsepower pontoon can carry up to ten people for calm, daylight cruises around the lake's long coves and channel cuts. Lake Gaston is a reservoir on the Roanoke River straddling the North Carolina–Virginia line; its shoreline alternates between wooded banks, private docks, and sandy pocket beaches. The lake’s average depth of about 35 feet and a web of fingers and coves make it ideal for slow, social boating rather than high-speed runs.

The Dolphin 24' is designed for day trips and relaxed afternoons: wide deck seating, electric bimini tops for shade, and enough power to reach fishing spots, swim ledges, or sunset viewpoints. Rentals follow a firm schedule—daily boats begin at 10:00 a.m. and must be returned by 4:00 p.m.; multi-day rentals typically start at 9:00 a.m. and end by 4:30 p.m. Operators require a 50% non-refundable deposit and prohibit towing or tubing behind pontoons. For safety, no night operation is allowed and the company closes at 5:00 p.m., so plan your day accordingly.

What makes this rental stand out is its simplicity and access. From this slip you can thread shallow coves where great blue herons hunt, run a fishing stretch for largemouth bass along submerged timber, or pull into a quiet inlet for a swim. The shoreline mixes loblolly pines and hardwoods, with frequent rip-rap and private docks that mark local neighborhoods. The lake was formed by impounding the Roanoke River; its managed water levels and deep channels support both recreational boating and regional hydroelectric needs.

Practical notes: pontoons are stable but not high-performance vessels—keep speeds conservative, stay at least 200 feet off docks and shorelines, and refuel before returning. Bring life jackets for everyone, sunscreen, and a nautical map or depth chart; the company recommends knowing where underwater hazards and docks sit. The rental’s clear policies—no towing, daytime-only, and strict return times—keep crowded summer weekends safer for families.

Boat capacity is up to ten passengers and the rate is $325 per day, a practical choice for families or small groups. Book early—summer weekends fill fast—and note a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. Before launch, check wind and wake advisories, bring a small anchor, drinking water, and a dry bag for electronics. Observe no-wake zones and minimize noise near private docks and pack sunscreen.