Pontoon vs. Ski Boat — Which Should You Rent on Lake CDA?
It's the most common question we get at Kent's: "Should we go with the pontoon or the ski boat?" Both are great options on Lake Coeur d'Alene — but they deliver very different days on the water. The right choice depends on your group size, what you want to do, and how you want to feel when the day is over.
After 30 years of boating on Lake CDA, Kent has helped thousands of families and groups make this call. Here's his honest breakdown.
THE PONTOON — THE LAID-BACK PICK
Best for: families, large groups, relaxed days, mixed ages
Our 25' pontoon boats are the most popular rental we offer — and for good reason. They're spacious, stable, and comfortable for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. You can cruise the lake, find a quiet cove, swim off the back, and tube all in the same afternoon. The Bimini shade top, Bluetooth stereo, and pop-up changing room make it feel less like a boat rental and more like a floating party. Seats up to 13 or 14 passengers. Handles afternoon chop better than any ski boat.
THE SKI BOAT — THE ADRENALINE PICK
Best for: waterskiing, serious tubing, smaller groups
If your day is built around water sports, the ski boat is your ride. Our Regal ski boat is fast, nimble, and purpose-built for pulling riders. Skis, wakeboard, and a tube are all included free — no upcharges. The large swim step makes getting in and out of the water easy, and the boat is responsive enough to carve clean wakes for beginner and experienced riders alike. Seats up to 9 passengers( 6 Adults). Ideal for those who want to move fast and ride hard.
THE QUICK-PICK GUIDE
Family with young kids or grandparents → Pontoon
Group of 10 or more people → Pontoon
Wakeboarding or waterskiing is the main goal → Ski Boat
Mix of swimming, cruising, and relaxing → Pontoon
Smaller group (4–6) who want speed → Ski Boat
Exploring quiet coves and bays → Either works great
Rough water or afternoon winds → Pontoon
Serious tubing with big air → Ski Boat
A WORD ABOUT OUR PERFORMANCE 175 hp TRITOON
If you love the idea of a pontoon but want more speed, our 25' performance tritoon is the best of both worlds. With a 175hp motor and speeds up to 40 mph, it pulls tubes like a ski boat while still comfortably fitting up to 14 passengers. It's the most popular rental we have — and it books out fast.
BOTTOM LINE
If you're still not sure which way to go, text Kent directly at (208) 762-7570 — he'll ask a couple of quick questions about your group and point you in the right direction. He's been doing this for 30 years and knows exactly which boat fits which day.
Either way, every rental includes all water sports gear at no extra charge, an ice chest, towels, and a private dock right on the water — no launch ramp, no hassle. Just show up and have a great day on Lake CDA.
Ready to book your day on Lake CDA?
Summer weekends fill up fast — especially July and August. Lock in your date now.
👉 Book online: https://book.peek.com/s/6b25899d-6870-48c1-b122-8033e0c43396/Wj9q8
📞 Or text Kent directly: (208) 762-7570
