FAQ | PDX WATER RENTALS

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I pick up my rental?

For Pontoon Rentals, meet us at the Riverplace Marina Public Dock!

For Jet Ski Rentals, we are able to meet you at both Willamette Park Boat Ramp or M. James Gleason Boat Ramp.

Please contact us if you'd like to request a custom pickup point

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to booking & again the day before your rental.

Is there parking nearby?

There are plenty of Public Parking spaces available that are in the area. Pay stations accept both cash & card so come prepared. Rates range from $6-18/hr-day

We recommend showing up 15-20 minutes prior to your rental in order to secure a parking spot.

Do I need a Boat License to rent a boat?

No, a boating license is not required to rent a boat in the state of Oregon. We do require a valid form of ID to have on file before you can untie from the dock. We will also complete a watercraft rental safety checklist prior to departure to keep on board during your rental.

In the event that you book a second rental, we will ask that you obtain your Boaters Education Card. See link for details

What should I bring with me on the boat?

Depending on weather conditions we recommend the following:

Valid form of ID
Water
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
A jacket
Shoes you don't mind getting wet
Your phone or camera to capture those amazing moments
*Optional: a waterproof bag to keep your belongings safe & dry

What is the Deposit for?

A $750 deposit ($1500 if paying in cash) is required for all rentals.

Once your rental is over, your deposit will be refunded minus fuel costs, cleaning fees and any damages if applicable.

How is gas calculated

Gas is prorated from the deposit paid for your rental. Depending on how long your rental is, you could use between 10-25 gallons.

Both vessels are filled with premium due to their manufacturing specifications. Based on current gas prices, you can expect $50-125 to be deducted from your $500 deposit.

When will I get my refund?

Refunds are submitted within 24 hours after your Rental. It may take up to 7-14 business days to go through.
If there are any cleaning fees or damages, there may be a delay in receiving your refund.

Where am I allowed to take the boat?

Our pontoons are only allowed between the St. John's Bridge in North Portland to the Abernethy Bridge in West Linn. Due to an invasion of non-native species, we do not permit our pontoons in the Columbia River.

Click here for a map

Can I take a rental out of the water or go to the coast?

No, all rentals must remain in Freshwater. If you'd like to tow away a rental, please request a quote & be sure to mention 'tow away'

If you're on the boat right now:

Check out our dedicated 'During Your Rental' page for detailed river guides & more.

Click Here

PASSENGER LIMIT EXPLAINED:

We have two boat options: an 8-passenger boat & a 6 passenger boat.

Passenger Limits are based on weight. Our 8-passenger boat can take 1600 pounds total and our 6-passenger boat can take 1400 pounds total. While this is the maximum weight they can take, we try to keep the pontoons slightly under capacity to avoid unnecessary strain on the engine.

When you are getting ready to book, think about the average weight of your Rental Party. Here are a couple of examples:

(Ex. A) 8 Adults + coolers (Food/Beverages) + personal belongings

This party can only fit on our 8-passenger boat and will use more fuel due to having the engine work at full capacity.

(Ex. B) 4 Adults + 6 Children + coolers (Food/Beverages) + personal belongings

Technically, this is 10 passengers. However, this can still fit on our 8-passenger boat due to children weighing less.

(Ex. C) 13 Adults + coolers (Food/Beverages) + personal belongings

While we do not have a single boat that could handle this request, we do offer a Party Platform option. We take both boats out together with the party split between the two. Once a mooring location is found along the river, the two boats are tied together to create a Party Platform.