SPRINGFIELD BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Eight Aboard: A Medium Pontoon Day with Schafer’s River Rentals in Springfield
A Medium Pontoon (8 Person) rental from Schafer’s River Rentals in Springfield; this guide distills the rules, timing, and packing musts so your group can get on the water without surprises.
Eight Aboard: A Medium Pontoon Day with Schafer’s River Rentals in Springfield.
Schafer’s River Rentals operates a Medium Pontoon (8 Person) rental in Springfield. Advanced reservations are recommended, and the operator emphasizes safety and straightforward rules to keep outings predictable and enjoyable.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
All-day or Half-day Options with Clear Pricing
Rates are tiered by day: on weekends and holidays the all-day rental is $350 and a half-day is $275; on weekdays the all-day rate is $300 and a half-day is $225. Morning and afternoon half-day windows are defined to keep departures and returns organized.
Safety-first, Low-hassle Policies
Renters must read and sign the rental agreement on the day of rental; no glass is allowed on the water per Federal Regulations, grills may be brought but any grilling must happen on land, and guns or fireworks are prohibited.
Confined Cruising: Stay in Pool 7
Boats are required to remain within Pool 7 — locking through any lock and dam is not allowed — a policy intended to keep renters reachable and avoid lock-related delays; the operator may also cancel reservations for inclement weather.
What the day feels like
What the Rental Feels Like
The experience is straightforward: you arrive for your reserved slot, complete the required rental agreement and any briefing, and take an 8-person pontoon out for a controlled, private cruise inside Pool 7. The operator’s priorities are safety and clarity — rules about containers, grilling, and prohibited items are enforced so the outing stays smooth.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who needs to plan around restrictions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Half-day and all-day rentals are offered. Morning half-day reservations can leave as early as 8:00 A.M. and must return by 1:00 P.M.; afternoon half-day reservations can leave as early as 2:00 P.M. and must return by 6:00 P.M. Weekday and weekend pricing differ.
You may bring food and non-glass drinks; no glass containers are allowed per Federal Regulations. Grills are permitted on the boat but any grilling must take place on land.
Advanced reservations are recommended. Online reservations are accepted for half-day or whole-day rentals. All cancellations by renters must be made at least 96 hours prior; the operator may cancel reservations for inclement weather. There is a $50 per hour late fee for returns after your scheduled time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How much does the Medium Pontoon rental cost?
Weekends & holidays: All Day $350, Half Day $275. Weekdays (excluding holidays): All Day $300, Half Day $225.
Can I bring food and drinks onboard?
Yes — you may bring food and drinks, but no glass containers are allowed on the water per Federal Regulations. Grills are allowed on the boat only if any grilling is done on land.
What are the half-day start and return times?
Morning half-day rentals can leave as early as 8:00 A.M. and must be back by 1:00 P.M.; afternoon half-day rentals can leave as early as 2:00 P.M. and must be back by 6:00 P.M. Day-of rentals can accommodate different start times.
What is the cancellation policy?
All renter cancellations must be made at least 96 hours (four days) prior to the rental. In the event of inclement weather, reservations may be cancelled at Schafer’s River Rentals’ discretion.
Are pets allowed on the pontoon?
No pets are allowed without prior approval; any damages caused by pets are the responsibility of the renter.
Where can I take the boat?
Boats are required to stay within Pool 7. Locking through any lock and dam is not allowed.