Three Rivers by Pontoon: Piloting a 21-ft Bennington S from McKees Rocks

MCKEES ROCKS BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Three Rivers by Pontoon: Piloting a 21-ft Bennington S from McKees Rocks

A practical guide to renting the Bennington S pontoon in McKees Rocks — the 21‑ft, 10‑seat boat with a 50‑hp engine, shade and safety gear for half‑ or full‑day outings on Pittsburgh’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

Three Rivers by Pontoon: Piloting a 21-ft Bennington S from McKees Rocks.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
McKees Rocks
Operator
Pittsburgh Boat Rental
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Experience the thrill of exploring Pittsburgh’s scenic rivers aboard the spacious Bennington S pontoon. The 21‑foot boat seats up to 10 people, is powered by a 50‑horsepower engine and comes equipped with basic amenities to make half‑day or full‑day outings comfortable and safe.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BOAT

Room for ten and a 50‑hp punch

The Bennington S is a 21‑foot pontoon rated to seat up to 10 passengers and powered by a 50‑horsepower engine; its design lets the boat glide smoothly as you work through river currents or keep a relaxed cruise pace.

THE AMENITIES

Shade, safety and after‑dark navigation

Rentals include a bimini top for sun protection, life jackets for every passenger, and navigation lights so you can navigate stretches of river after dusk when conditions permit.

THE ROUTE

Three Rivers, lakes and reservoirs

The pontoon is set up for exploring Pittsburgh’s rivers as well as nearby lakes and reservoirs, making it equally suited to a relaxed scenic cruise or a day of hopping shoreline stops.

What the day feels like

What the day on the water feels like

A day aboard the Bennington S is a straightforward blend of relaxed cruising and easy handling: launch, settle into comfortable seating under a bimini top, and point the 50‑hp engine toward the rivers, reservoirs or shoreline you want to explore — whether you choose a shorter half‑day outing or a full eight‑hour run.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental suits — and who should prepare differently.

1
Groups & gatheringsWith seating for up to 10 people, the Bennington S is well suited to small groups, celebratory outings, or families traveling together.
2
FamiliesFamilies can fit comfortably aboard given the 10‑person capacity; adults who will operate the boat should confirm whether they meet Pennsylvania’s boating certification requirement.
3
Renter/operatorsAnyone intending to pilot the pontoon must have the required boating safety education certificate prior to the rental if they were born on or after January 1, 1982 — the certificate can be completed online and must be presented at rental time.
4
Younger rentersRenters born on or after Jan 1, 1982 must secure the Pennsylvania boating safety education certificate in advance; without it they cannot legally operate the pontoon.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Rates

Options include an Early Bird Special 4‑hour rental for $400; standard half‑day (four hours) rates are $450 Monday–Thursday and $550 on weekends; full‑day (eight hours) rates are $650 Monday–Thursday and $950 on weekends.

What the boat includes

Pontoons come fitted with a bimini top for shade, life jackets for every passenger, and navigation lights for after‑dark travel when used safely.

Booking & safety requirements

Pennsylvania requires a boating safety education certificate for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 who will operate a pontoon; renters must have this certificate prior to their rental — the operator provides details and a link in the confirmation email.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How many people can the Bennington S seat?

The 21‑foot Bennington S pontoon can seat up to 10 people comfortably.

What engine does the pontoon have?

The pontoon is equipped with a 50‑horsepower engine.

What are the rental durations and rates?

Available options include a 4‑hour Early Bird Special for $400; a standard half‑day (four hours) for $450 Monday–Thursday and $550 on weekends; and a full day (eight hours) for $650 Monday–Thursday and $950 on weekends.

Are life jackets and shade provided?

Yes — life jackets are provided for everyone on board and each pontoon comes with a bimini top for shade.

Do I need a boating safety certificate to operate the pontoon?

Yes — in Pennsylvania anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 must have a boating safety education certificate to operate these pontoons; renters are required to have the certificate prior to their rental and can complete it entirely online; confirmation emails include details and a link.

Can I navigate after dark?

The pontoons are equipped with navigation lights, which make it possible to navigate after dark when conditions and local rules allow.