ONALASKA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Wide Calm: Piloting an 11‑Person Pontoon Through Onalaska’s Pool 7
A practical guide to renting Schafer’s River Rentals’ Large Pontoon in Onalaska — what to expect, rules to know, and how to plan a safe, memorable day on the water.
Wide Calm: Piloting an 11‑Person Pontoon Through Onalaska’s Pool 7.
The Large Pontoon (11 Person) from Schafer’s River Rentals offers low‑stress, group‑friendly access to Onalaska’s waterways — a platform for picnics, sunsets and easy cruising in Pool 7. Advanced reservations are recommended, and operators set clear rules and time windows for half‑day and full‑day bookings to keep each outing safe and predictable.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Half‑day or all‑day options to suit your group
Weekend and holiday rates list full‑day rentals as the most popular, best value option, with separate, lower weekday rates; both half‑day and all‑day reservations are offered and online booking is accepted for those options.
Bring food and drink — just not glass
You may bring food and beverages aboard, but federal regulations prohibit glass containers on the water; grills are allowed but must be used on land, and operators emphasize safety and will work to rectify issues that arise during a rental.
Stay in Pool 7 — no lock transits
All rentals are required to remain inside Pool 7; transiting locks and dams is not permitted for safety and access reasons, and operators may cancel reservations in the event of inclement weather.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
A Large Pontoon rental turns the river into a mobile front yard: groups spread out across roomy seating, coolers and a small canopy, drifting through Pool 7 with the freedom to stop ashore for a grill or picnic. The operator’s rules and set time windows frame the day — from morning half‑day departures as early as 8:00 A.M. to afternoon returns — so the experience is relaxed but structured.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this rental — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You may bring food and drinks but no glass containers; bring any coolers, shade, sun protection and personal flotation devices if desired. Grills are allowed only for use on land.
Online reservations are accepted for half‑day or whole‑day rentals. Morning half‑day rentals can depart as early as 8:00 A.M. and must return by 1:00 P.M.; afternoon half‑day rentals can depart as early as 2:00 P.M. and must return by 6:00 P.M. Rentals made the same day may offer different start times.
No glass on board, no guns or fireworks permitted, and renters must read and sign the rental agreement on the day of the rental.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are pets allowed on the pontoon?
Pets are not allowed without prior approval; any damages caused by pets are the renter’s responsibility.
Can I bring a grill and cook on the boat?
Grills are allowed, but any grilling must be done on land for safety and to prevent damage to the boat.
Is glass permitted on the water?
No — federal regulations prohibit glass containers on the water and you may be fined if checked with glass aboard.
What are the half‑day departure 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.
What is the cancellation and late‑fee policy?
All cancellations must be made at least 96 hours prior to the rental. There is a $100 per hour late fee for returns beyond your booked time.
Can reservations be canceled for bad weather?
Yes — in the event of inclement weather, reservations may be canceled at Schafer’s River Rentals’ discretion.
Are there any navigation limits I should know about?
Yes — boats are required to stay within Pool 7; locking through any lock and dam is not allowed.