Questions and answers:
Who can drive the watercraft?
If the driver was born before 1-1-1989, he will automatically have his driver's license. Persons born after 1-1-1989 need a Boater Safety Certificate to operate the watercraft. These people have three options: Temporary License, Permanent License or ”On The Dock Test”.
(1) Temporary Boat License (30 minutes):CLICK HERE
(2) Permanent Sailor License (more than 5 hours):CLICK HERE
(3) “On The Dock Test” (40 minutes): Take a written test upon arrival at the dock and pass with a score of 80% or better.
Can we hire someone to drive us?
YES! All our workers are available to drive the Deck Boat or one of our pontoons. All of our staff are friendly and knowledgable and would love to show you a good time on Wisconsin's largest lake! The cost is $50/hour extra for your personal driver.
Can you bring your own food and drink on board?
YES! You can bring your own food and drink. You may also bring a cooler(s).
Do you offer fishing rods, paddle boards, kayaks, tubes, tow ropes, water skis, etc.?
If you need special equipment, contact Brad at 920-948-4900.
Anyone else rent boats on Lake Winnebago?
No one rents motorboats on Lake Winnebago anymore. That means we are the only place that rents motorboats on Lake Winnebago!
Can you bring pets on Pontoon or WaveRunner?
No dogs or pets unless you get special written permission from Brad of Lake Winnebago Boat Rentals. If approved, the charge is $50/dog for small dogs (under 20 pounds) or $100/dog for large dogs (over 20 pounds).
How will I know how to operate the watercraft?
Our experienced staff will meet you at the dock and show you how to work everything before you leave.
Will there be anyone on the dock when I get back?
We always enjoy being on the dock when you come back. Our workers can help you park and tie down the watercraft. You can contact our team for a question or early/late return:
Brad (920) 948-4900,
And the gas?
Each renter is required to pay for fuel. Each vessel leaves the dock with a full tank of fuel. Upon completion of your rental, you can use Lakeside Park Marina to fuel (pay direct) or you can choose to pay our staff to fuel the vessel upon your return. We charge $50 per quarter for gasoline used on boats.
Where can I get gas on the lake?
You can get fuel fromMarina do Parque Lakeside. It is located less than a mile from where our vessels are moored.
The Harbormaster will help you fuel the vessel and you will pay directly. Here are your hours:
Friday 11am-8pm
Saturday 9am-8pm
Sunday 9am-6pm
Monday 15:00-19:00
Tuesday 3pm-7pm
Wednesday 15:00-19:00
Thursday 3pm-7pm
* If time permits. Call the Harbormaster gas station directly at (920) 906-5096 or after hours at
(920) 948-9465
Is there any paperwork to do?
We are completely paperless! After youBook and pay for your vesselon this website, the final step we require is for the vessel driver to complete ourResignation online. Click here to complete thisResignation online. DO NOT COME TO THE DOCK WITHOUT BOOKING THE EXEMPTION. ALL BOAT RENTALS REQUIRE A COMPLETED ONLINE WAIVER.
I work at Mercury Marine. Do I get the discount?
Mercury Marine employees receive a $200 refund from their employer on any chartered vessel that has a Mercury outboard. Our pontoon rental boats and deck boat have Mercury Marine engines and therefore qualify for these refunds. This is a generous employee benefit and we appreciate Mercury Marine doing this for their employees!
Is renting a boat or WaveRunner expensive?
NO! Renting a boat for the few times a summer you would use it isn't expensive. It's actually a smart move financially if you think about all the money you save. By renting you don't have to buy your own boat, maintain your own boat, store your own boat, buy a trailer for your own boat, insure your own boat, etc.
Our rental company takes all the hassle out of the typical boating experience.
How much does it cost to rent a boat or WaveRunner
Its price depends on how many total hours you use the vessel. The more you rent, the better the deal for you. For example, our 8-hour pontoon rental is $680. That comes down to just $85/hour. On our 14-passenger pontoon boat, it's only $6.07 per person per hour!
What's your schedule?
We only serve by appointment. Simply book and pay for your vessel on this website and our friendly staff will meet you at the dock.
How do I know what's available?
All reservations can be made online. Here are the steps:
- (1) Choose your boat (Pontoon or DeckBoat) and the time you want to stay in the water.
- Select the Date you want to go.
- Select the time you want to leave the dock.
- Enter your basic information and pay for the rent.
- Please arrive at the dock approximately 10 minutes early (45 minutes early if you need to obtain a boat security permit for our staff) for instructions and to place your belongings on the dock.
- Enjoy Lake Winnebago!
What should I take?
It depends, but here are some things we see our renters bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Credit card and cash and driver's license
- cell phone and charger
- Fishing rods and tackle box
- Cooler with food and drink
- Life jacket (however we provide life jackets)
- Blankets (sunset cruise)
How am I going to find my way back to the docks?
Ask your smartphone for directions to Lake Winnebago Boat Rentals. Another way is to ask for directions to Shmitty's Bar & Grill, as our dock is adjacent to the restaurant.
How will I find my way to my lake destination?
Use your smartphone for directions. Then sail across the water to your destination.
When we get to the pier where should we park?
Please park at the dock to drop off guests and place their belongings. So please park on the lawn across the street from the restaurant.
Do dockers accept tips?
Tips are appreciated, but only accepted when there is exceptional service!
What happens if I have problems with the boat on the lake?
Call us right away. If we need to find you in the water, send us a pin of your location. This can be done by saying "Hey Siri.....What's my location?" This will give you a location on the lake that you can text to our team.
Brad (920-948-4900)
Jax (920-579-3754)
Zander (920-375-6921)
Will (920-273-5320)
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Cancellations can only be rescheduled. We do not refund rental reservations. No refunds will be given for early returns.
What is there to do on Lake Winnebago?
There's so much to do! Dock the boat at Lakeside Park to climb the Lighthouse. Head to Rosevelt Park to experience the sandbar. Drive to Columbia Park to climb the Observation Tower. Many excellent bar and restaurant. Lots of live outdoor bands.
Where do we take the vessel?
- The pontoons are anchored at:
N7066 Winnebago Dr.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
- Deck Boat pickup and drop-off is at Lighthouse Harbor next to the "G Dock". "G Dock" is the first dock as you pull into the harbor from Mohawk Drive.
Address:
705 Mohawk Drive
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
The "G Dock" will be the first dock as you enter (about 1/4 before the Fond du Lac Yacht Club).
How can I drive if I'm over 16 but I'm under 32 and I need a sailor's license?
You can take the 30-minute course and pass the online test to obtain a temporary boating safety license. This test and paperwork can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. ClickHEREto obtain this temporary license.
Call or text Brad at (920) 948-4900 OR email Brad AT INFO@LakeRentalsWI.com