Yes, you can rent a pontoon boat at Royal Starr Resort, where we offer boat and pontoon rentals along with a free boat launch service.
If you want to explore the lake with a group or family, renting a pontoon boat is a practical choice at our resort. You’ll need to arrange your booking, and we require a $200 deposit per bedroom for all rentals. Weather, peak demand, or scheduled maintenance can impact availability, so we recommend reserving early and checking conditions before your trip.
- Pontoon Boat Rentals Available: We offer boat and pontoon rentals for guests who want to enjoy time on the water.
- Deposit Requirement: Renting a pontoon boat requires a $200 deposit per bedroom, applied to your reservation.
- Booking Caveat: During peak times or if maintenance is scheduled, rentals may not be available, so plan ahead.
- Free Launch Included: We include a free boat launch service with your rental for added convenience.
- Additional Activities: Besides boat rentals, cabin booking and hiking trails are also available for guests looking to enjoy the outdoors.
If you plan a late return, an additional charge of $30 per hour for late check-out applies, so be sure to coordinate your schedule with us when making your reservation.
Why Pontoon Boat Rentals Are Popular
Taking a group out on the water gives everyone space to relax, move around, and enjoy the lake together. That's why so many visitors turn to pontoons when they want a flexible, social way to explore the shoreline. Unlike smaller boats, a pontoon lets families and friends gather comfortably, no one gets left behind on the dock or crowded into a tight spot.
We offer boat and pontoon rentals to give our guests the freedom to see the lake at their own pace. With 1400 feet of lake frontage, you can easily find a quiet cove, throw in a fishing line, or anchor for a swim. A pontoon is like a floating living room: plenty of seating, stable deck space, and options for sun or shade. This setup is ideal for picnics, sunset cruises, or just drifting along the shore while taking in the scenery.
- Leisurely pace: Pontoons move smoothly, making them suitable for guests who want to sightsee, fish, or relax without the rush.
- Group-friendly: With generous seating and an open design, it's easy to keep everyone together without feeling cramped.
- Easy access: Our boat rentals include a free boat launch service, so you start your trip right from our shoreline.
One thing to keep in mind: group size and availability can affect rental options, especially during peak times. To secure the right pontoon for your group, it's best to check our current reservation requirements before planning your day on the water. That leads directly into the next point, understanding the specific conditions for renting a pontoon boat at our resort.
Conditions for Renting a Pontoon Boat
Securing a pontoon for your day on the lake means following our reservation process, putting down a required deposit, and understanding our cancellation and late check-out charges. We set these guidelines to keep the process straightforward and fair for everyone booking watercraft at our resort.
Reservation Requirements
We offer pontoon rentals on a reservation basis. To guarantee your spot, we recommend booking early, especially if you have a specific date in mind or are visiting during busier months. Our reservation process ensures that your chosen equipment is set aside and ready for you, so you can focus on your time at the lake, not the paperwork. All reservations are tied to our standard deposit and cancellation policies.
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
Every rental requires a $200 deposit per bedroom. This deposit is held to confirm your reservation and is fully refundable if you cancel at least 90 days before your scheduled arrival. We designed this policy to balance flexibility for guests with our need to plan and prepare equipment. If you cancel within the 90-day window, your deposit is not refundable, so we always advise booking when your plans are firm.
Additional Charges
All rentals must be returned on time. If you need more time on the water and return the boat late, an additional charge of $30 per hour applies. This policy helps us keep schedules running smoothly for everyone. If you think your outing may run long, let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Practical rule: To avoid late fees, return your pontoon by the agreed check-out time or request an extension in advance.
While these conditions cover most scenarios, there are times when pontoon rentals simply aren’t possible, availability and weather both factor in, which we cover next.
When Renting a Pontoon Boat Is Not Possible
Demand for pontoons fluctuates, and there are times when we cannot offer a rental because all boats are spoken for or temporarily out of service. Cabin guests planning to secure a pontoon should know that weather and scheduled upkeep can also put a hold on rentals, even when reservations are made in advance.
We manage our boat and pontoon rentals by tracking reservations closely, especially during busy periods. When every boat is booked, we don't take additional reservations until one becomes available. Adverse weather, such as strong winds or storms, leads us to prioritize safety and withhold rentals until conditions improve. Routine maintenance is another factor. We regularly inspect and service our equipment to keep it safe for everyone, which sometimes means pulling a boat from availability on short notice. The best analogy: just like a free boat launch service requires the ramp to be clear, your rental relies on both the equipment and the environment being ready at the same time.
- Peak season demand may fill all available boats, so booking early is the surest way to secure your spot.
- Weather restrictions can prevent us from sending out pontoons, even if you have a reservation.
- Maintenance downtime is scheduled for your safety, but occasionally, repairs arise unexpectedly.
Watch for: If you are set on a particular date, check with us well ahead of time to avoid disappointment due to high demand or weather closures.
If plans change or the lake isn’t an option, we offer cabin booking, hiking trails, and more. For those seeking other ways to enjoy the heart of the Heartland Lakes area, there are plenty of options to consider next.
Other Activities at Royal Starr Resort
We have found that guests often discover just how much there is to enjoy beyond the lake itself once they see our full range of activities. Those seeking guidance may find Perlini Property Maintenance helpful. Whether you prefer the water, the woods, or a mix of both, we maintain options that let everyone find their own rhythm here. If you’re deciding how to spend your day, these are the routes we recommend exploring first.
Water Sports and Equipment
Our approach to lake recreation is hands-on: we offer water toys including canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, stand up paddle boards, a water slide, and swim rafts for guest use. Each option gets you out on the water differently, canoes and kayaks let you glide quietly to explore the shoreline, while paddle boats and boards add a bit of play and challenge. If you want a break from paddling, the water slide and swim rafts are set up for pure fun. We check the condition and safety of each piece of equipment daily, so you can focus on enjoying the water.
Land-based Activities
If you want to stay dry, we recommend trying our pickleball court and 9-hole disc golf course. Pickleball is fast-paced and easy to learn, making it popular for families and groups. Disc golf offers a relaxed way to walk the grounds, with just enough challenge to keep it interesting. Both are available to all resort guests, and we provide the basic equipment needed to start. Matching the activity to your group’s energy level helps everyone get the most out of the day.
Family-friendly Options
Not every activity needs to be competitive or athletic. For guests looking for creative or community-based fun, we organize rock painting and beach bingo sessions. These activities bring people together in a low-pressure setting, and are especially popular with younger children and families. We schedule these during the week and announce times at check-in. If you’re looking for the kind of experience that makes a memory, our family activities deliver it without needing perfect weather or special gear. The next question we hear most often is what guests tend to get wrong about booking boats or activities here, and it’s one worth addressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deposit for renting a pontoon boat?
A $200 deposit per bedroom is required for renting a pontoon boat at Royal Starr Resort This deposit is fully refundable if cancelled 90 days prior to the reservation date.
Are there any cancellation fees?
Deposits are fully refundable if cancelled 90 days prior to the reservation date. This policy allows for flexibility in planning your stay at Royal Starr Resort
Can I rent a pontoon boat during peak season?
Availability may be limited during peak seasons, so it's best to book in advance. Early reservations help ensure access to pontoon boat rentals during busy times.
What other water activities are available?
Royal Starr Resort offers canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and more for water activities. These options enhance the recreational experience on the 1400 feet of lake frontage.
Is there a late check-out fee?
Yes, there is an additional charge of $30/hour for late check-out. This fee applies to guests wishing to extend their stay beyond the standard check-out time.
Royal Starr Resort provides Cabin rentals, Boat rentals and private launch service, Beach and water equipment access in Nevis, Minnesota. Contact us today, we'd love to help.

