CARLOS BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Piloting “THE CHAMP” on Lake Carlos: A 22' Crest Pontoon for Up to 10 People from Lake Carlos Marina
A concise field guide to renting the 22' Crest pontoon — including the mandatory operator course, certification details, capacity and what to bring.
Piloting “THE CHAMP” on Lake Carlos: A 22' Crest Pontoon for Up to 10 People from Lake Carlos Marina.
Embark on a water-day from Lake Carlos Marina with the 22' Crest pontoon — a canopy‑equipped boat sized for up to ten people; renters must complete a mandatory watercraft rental course, and certification is valid for 180 days.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mandatory rental certification
Anyone who wants to rent or operate the pontoon must complete the mandatory watercraft rental course; certification is valid for 180 days and can be printed or retained digitally.
A roomy 22' Crest pontoon for groups
The Champ is a 22‑foot Crest pontoon with a canopy and a 25 HP motor, suitable for parties of up to ten people and available in half‑day or full‑day rentals.
Clear policies protect renters and the boat
Lake Carlos Marina enforces rules and fees for damage, overloading, pets, and operator conduct; guests are encouraged to bring their own speaker and coolers but must follow operator and safety rules.
What the day feels like
What the day on the water feels like
After completing the mandatory rental course and securing your Minnesota rental certificate (printable or digital), you launch from Lake Carlos Marina aboard a canopy‑equipped Crest pontoon sized for ten people and powered by a 25 HP motor — a straightforward platform for a relaxed half‑day or full‑day outing with music and coolers brought aboard by the group.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental is best (and not) suited for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guests are encouraged to bring a personal speaker and coolers for food and drinks; plan to present or retain the rental certification on your mobile device.
Complete the mandatory watercraft rental course (see the provided boater exam site) before operating rental pontoons; the certificate can be printed immediately or kept digitally and is valid for 180 days.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Who can take this rental?
Renters and operators must be 21 years or older to take the mandatory watercraft rental course and rent the pontoon.
Is a watercraft certification required?
Yes — the watercraft rental course is mandatory for those who want to rent or operate the pontoon; certification is valid for 180 days and can be printed or saved digitally.
How many people fit on the pontoon?
The rental pontoon is suitable for up to 10 people; overloading the boat is prohibited and will result in a $200 fine, forfeiture of the rental, and no refund.
What are the rental durations and base prices?
Available rental durations range from a half day to seven days; a half day (5 hours) is $260 and a full day (11 hours) is $345, with seasonal price increases between June 27 and July 7. For rentals over seven days, call to book.
What fees apply for damage or extra cleaning?
Damage and service fees are charged as applicable: damaged propeller ($100–$250), damaged canopy ($400–$1,000), ladder damage or loss ($200–$400 or $400), missing PFDs ($50 each), cleaning fee ($50) and an $80 service fee if staff must assist.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed; registered service animals are an exception with proper paperwork. Unauthorized pets will trigger a $200 fine plus a $50 cleaning fee and any damage charges.
Can the operator consume alcohol?
No — the operator of the watercraft is not allowed to consume alcohol; the same rules as road operation apply and violations will end the rental with no refund.