CARLOS BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Captain the Calm: Running “THE ERNIE,” an 18' Bentley Pontoon Across Lake Carlos
Complete Minnesota’s mandatory rental course and you can take “THE ERNIE” — an 18' Bentley pontoon with canopy and a 50 HP motor — out for half- or full-day rentals for up to eight people from Lake Carlos Marina.
Captain the Calm: Running “THE ERNIE,” an 18' Bentley Pontoon Across Lake Carlos.
On calm summer mornings Lake Carlos flattens to glass; by midday the pontoon engines and laughter fill the inlet. Lake Carlos Marina offers “THE ERNIE,” an 18-foot Bentley pontoon with a canopy and 50 HP motor, for groups of as many as eight—available for half-day or full-day rentals once renters complete Minnesota’s mandatory watercraft rental course.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A roomy 18' Bentley pontoon built for eight
“THE ERNIE” is an 18-foot Bentley pontoon with a canopy and a 50 HP motor—set up for groups up to eight people and intended for relaxed cruising, swimming and social days on the water.
Mandatory certification to rent
Minnesota requires completion of the watercraft rental course for renters age 21 and older who do not already hold a watercraft operator’s permit; certification is valid for 180 days and can be printed or kept digitally.
Half- and full-day flexibility
Rentals are offered by the half day (5 hours) or full day (11 hours), with pricing that varies seasonally—perfect for short getaways or an extended day on the lake with your own speakers and coolers.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to captain The Ernie
There’s an easy, social rhythm to a pontoon day: a quick certification check, a short orientation, then calm cruising, anchored swims and a string of lakeside conversations. Parties of friends can spread out beneath the canopy, play their own music and picnic aboard for either a five-hour half day or an 11-hour full day rental.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guests are encouraged to bring their own speaker and coolers; bring your watercraft rental certificate (print or digital) after completing the mandatory course.
Rentals are available by the half-day (5 hours) and full day (11 hours); for rentals longer than seven days you must call to book.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to take a course to rent this pontoon?
Yes. Minnesota’s watercraft rental course is mandatory for renters age 21 and older who do not already have a watercraft operator’s permit; certification is valid for 180 days and can be printed or kept digitally.
How long can I rent “THE ERNIE” and what does it cost?
Rentals are offered as a half day (5 hours) or a full day (11 hours). The stated base prices are $265 for a half day and $350 for a full day, with a seasonal price increase of $100 for both half- and full-day rentals from June 27 through July 7; for rentals over seven days call to book.
How many people can be on board?
The pontoon is sized for up to eight people; overloading the boat is illegal and will result in a $200 fine from the operator and immediate termination of the rental with no refund.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed except for registered service animals with proper paperwork; sneaking a pet aboard results in a $200 fine plus a $50 cleaning fee and responsibility for any damages.
What is the alcohol policy?
The operator of the watercraft may not consume alcohol—rules mirror road laws. No kegs are allowed; violations discovered by law enforcement or the marina will end the rental immediately with no refund.
What damages and additional fees should I expect?
You are responsible for damages. Typical fees include damaged prop ($100–$250), canopy damage ($400–$1,000), ladder damage ($200–$400) or lost ladder ($400), missing PFDs ($50 each), a $50 cleaning fee for excessive mess, and an $80 service fee if staff must assist you on the water.