Which Boat Rental is Right for You
A trip to Flathead Lake is incomplete without setting out on its famously clean, glacier-fed water! There is a wide variety of Flathead Lake boat rental options to fit any budget, preferences, and experience levels. This guide will help you understand which Flathead Lake boat rental is right for your needs:
Sailboats
For a serene voyage on Flathead Lake choose wind-filled sails over noisy motors! Experienced sailors can rent from our fleet of easy-to-handle Catalina Capri 22s. If you are interested in learning to sail while exploring the lake, we are the only sailing school in Montana that offers ASA-certifying courses. Alternatively, for those who prefer an experienced guide to sail the boat for you while sharing their extensive knowledge of the area, we also offer sailing tours.
Motorized Boats
To get around quickly and with minimal effort, motorized boats may be the right choice for you. Here’s a few other common rental boats on Flathead Lake:
Pontoon Boats – Pontoons are ideal for larger groups looking for a leisurely cruise around the lake. Some are big enough to accommodate up to seventeen passengers with spacious, comfortable seating and shade. Some pontoon boats come with amenities such as Bluetooth speakers and attachments for water sports.
Ski Boats – These powerful, performance-oriented vessels are designed for speed and agility! They usually seat six to eight passengers maximum, with tow hooks for skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding, making it the right option for active and adventurous boaters.
Deck Boats – A deck boat is a fantastic compromise between the comfort of a pontoon, with its spacious deck, and the performance of a ski boat thanks to its V-shaped hull. Choose a deck boat if you want the versatility to do a little bit of everything.
Personal Watercraft (aka Jet Skis) – As the best choice for speed and maneuverability, personal watercraft allow you to zoom around the lake with the wind in your hair. Not only do they deliver adrenaline-packed fun, but you can discover various parts of the lake quickly.
Paddlecraft
Paddlecraft are the optimal Flathead Lake boat rental for an up-close experience with nature with the added benefits of affordability and the chance to get some exercise!
Stand-up Paddleboards (SUPs) – SUPs are for the explorer who seeks a leisurely, scenic journey. Because they are lightweight, they are easy to transport, so you can launch from any stunning location that you choose. You can stand, sit, or kneel on a SUP, and they provide the best full-body workout.
Kayaks – Kayaks offer a peaceful and tangible way to travel around the Flathead Lake area, especially near shorelines and islands. Check out our guided kayak tours to Wild Horse Island. An advantage of kayaks over other paddlecraft is their ability to handle rougher waters, making them popular for thrill-seekers who love to race the white rapids of Swan River’s wild mile.
Canoes – Compared to kayaks or SUPs, canoes provide more comfort for longer trips and are easier to paddle in tandem, making them perfect for couples or small groups looking for a tranquil excursion.