Lake Windermere by Ski Boat: a tight, easy-to-skipline day on the Columbia Valley water

ATHALMER BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE

Lake Windermere by Ski Boat: a tight, easy-to-skipline day on the Columbia Valley water

Rent the Diamante VR5 Bayliner 20' ski boat from Pete's Marina in Athalmer for 2–8 hour outings on Lake Windermere; this guide explains what to expect, what to bring and the practical rules that shape your day on the water.

Lake Windermere by Ski Boat: a tight, easy-to-skipline day on the Columbia Valley water.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Athalmer
Operator
Pete's Marina
Category
Boat Rental
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From the shorelines of Athalmer, Lake Windermere opens into a broad, accessible sweep of water across the Columbia Valley. Pete's Marina runs a fleet of easy-to-operate pontoon boats, power boats and SeaDoos — including the Diamante VR5 Bayliner 20' ski boat — that let groups of up to eight chart a flexible 2- to 8-hour outing, with safety equipment and a boater’s orientation provided before you cast off.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FLEET

Simple, ready-to-run boats

Pete’s Marina maintains a large fleet of easy-to-operate pontoon boats, power boats and SeaDoos — the rental fleet is set up for accessible handling so you can spend more time on the water and less time learning the controls.

THE VIEW

Open-water cruising on Lake Windermere

The core of the experience is cruising Lake Windermere and taking in the Columbia Valley from the water — choose flexible 2- to 8-hour rental options to suit a quick scenic circuit or a longer day afloat.

THE PRACTICALS

Safety and rules that shape the day

All rentals come with required safety equipment including lifejackets (PFDs); personal inflatables are not permitted on the boats (tubes are available to rent, one per boat), and a damage deposit is preauthorized on card at rental time.

What the day feels like

How the day flows

After check-in at Pete’s Marina and an approved Canadian Coast Guard boater orientation, you’ll push off for a self-guided cruise across Lake Windermere. With stereo options and open water ahead, renters run their own itinerary within the operator’s rules — return to the dock when your booking ends, settle fuel charges and any late fees, and clear the preauthorized damage deposit.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who the rental suits and what limits matter.

1
Small groupsRentals accommodate groups up to eight people, making the Diamante VR5 and similar boats a good choice for families or friends who want a shared day on the lake.
2
First-time boatersThe fleet is described as easy to operate and every renter receives a Canadian Coast Guard orientation, so newcomers can run a self-guided trip after the required briefing.
3
Families with childrenLifejackets (PFDs) are provided with all boat rentals, but note operator rules such as no pets and no fishing from the boats that shape family plans.
4
Water-sports usersTowable tubes are available for rent (one per boat) but personal inflatables are not allowed; consider the boat’s capacity and the tube limit when planning water-sport activities.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring an auxiliary audio cord for your music device (stereo compatibility not guaranteed), or a portable Bluetooth speaker; sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses and towels. Note that the bimini/sun shade is no longer available.

On-board comforts

Pack basics for a day on the water: sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses and towels, and an appropriate audio solution since onboard stereo operation is not guaranteed with every device.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long can I rent the boat?

Rental options are offered for 2–8 hour durations.

How many people fit on the Diamante VR5 Bayliner 20' ski boat?

Rentals accommodate up to eight people.

Is a damage deposit required?

Yes — a damage deposit is preauthorized on Visa or MasterCard: $2,000 for one unit and $3,000 per unit for two or more units.

Are lifejackets provided?

All safety equipment including lifejackets (PFDs) are provided with all boat rentals.

Who pays for fuel?

Renters pay for fuel upon returning to the dock.

Can I bring my own towables or inflatables?

Personal inflatables including towables are not allowed on the boats; rentable tubes are available, limited to one per boat.

Are pets or fishing allowed on the boats?

No — fishing from the boats and pets on the boats are not allowed.

Is the sun shade (bimini) available?

No — the bimini/sun shade is no longer available.

What happens if I return equipment late?

Late fees will apply for all equipment not returned on time with no exception.