CARLOS BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Pontoon Freedom out of Lake Carlos: Command a 22' Sun Tracker and Own the Day
A practical guide to renting “THE TONKA” 22' Sun Tracker pontoon from Lake Carlos Marina — how to qualify, what to bring, costs and on-water rules so your day on the water runs safe and smooth.
Pontoon Freedom out of Lake Carlos: Command a 22' Sun Tracker and Own the Day.
From the dock at Lake Carlos Marina you can take the helm of “THE TONKA,” a 22-foot Sun Tracker pontoon offered for half-day to multi-day rental; it’s built for group outings and lake cruising while governed by a mandatory Minnesota rental course and a strict set of safety and damage rules.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mandatory Minnesota watercraft rental course
Minnesota now requires a watercraft rental course for renters and operators aged 21 and older who do not already hold a watercraft operator permit; certification earned through the course is valid for 180 days and can be immediately printed or kept digitally.
Room for a group, time for a day or a week
The Tonka pontoon is offered for rentals from a half day up to seven days (with options for longer bookings by phone) and is advertised as suitable for group outings — pricing varies by duration and increases during the June 29–July 7 holiday window.
Clear rules and fees to protect the boat
The operator enforces a detailed fee schedule for damage, overloading, lost equipment and cleaning; operators must not consume alcohol while driving and pets are not allowed except registered service animals with paperwork.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to rent The Tonka
Pick up at Lake Carlos Marina, complete or show proof of the required rental certification if you’re 21 or older, then push off for open-water cruising: the pontoon is set up for relaxed social days — music, coolers and anchored swims — with clear expectations from the operator about safety, capacity and damage responsibility.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals run from a half day (5 hours) to a full day (11 hours); half-day is listed at $280 and full-day at $370, with a $100 surcharge on half- and full-day prices between June 29 and July 7. For rentals longer than seven days, call to arrange booking.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own speaker and coolers. Bring required personal items (sunscreen, towels) and be prepared to show or produce the watercraft rental certificate if you are 21+ and do not already hold a permit.
Damages are the renter’s responsibility. The marina posts specific fees for damaged propellers, canopies, ladders, missing PFDs, and extra cleaning; expect service charges if staff must assist you on the water.
Operator must not consume alcohol while operating the vessel; pets are prohibited except for registered service animals with documentation; overloading the boat will result in immediate termination of the rental and fines.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need a special certification to rent this pontoon?
Yes — Minnesota requires a watercraft rental course for renters/operators aged 21 and older who do not already have a watercraft operator permit; course completion yields a certificate valid for 180 days.
How long is the rental period and what does it cost?
Rentals are offered from a half day (5 hours) to a full day (11 hours); listed pricing is $280 for a half day and $370 for a full day, with a $100 surcharge on those prices between June 29 and July 7. For rentals over seven days, call to book.
How many people can ride on the pontoon?
The listing states the boat is perfect for up to 12 people; guests must never exceed the legal maximum capacity as overloading will result in fines and forfeiture of the rental.
Can I bring my dog?
No—pets are not allowed. Registered service animals are the exception but you must present proper paperwork; sneaking a pet aboard will result in fines and cleaning charges.
What happens if something on the boat is damaged or lost?
You are financially responsible for damages. The operator publishes a schedule of fees for damaged props, canopies, ladders, missing PFDs, cleaning and service calls, and will charge accordingly.
Can the operator drink while driving the boat?
No. The operator of the watercraft is not allowed to consume alcohol while operating the boat; violations will result in immediate termination of the rental without refund.