Boat Rental FAQ — Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Everything you need to know before renting a boat on Lake CDA. Questions? Call or text Kent directly — he's the owner and is always happy to help.
BOOK A BOAT ONLINE Call or Text Kent: 208-762-7570
RENTING REQUIREMENTS
How old do I need to be to rent a boat?
To rent and operate any boat at Kent's, you must be at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license. You do not need an official boater's license, but you must be an experienced boater — this is required for the safety of everyone onboard. It’s okay if you have only driven a boat a handful of times.
First-time boaters or anyone nervous about operating a rental boat are encouraged to call or text Kent.
Call or Text Kent: 208-762-7570
What are the passenger and weight limits?
Each boat has its own Coast Guard-approved weight and passenger capacity. Exceeding these limits may result in cancellation of the rental with no refund. Safety is the top priority and Kent's final judgment applies per the law.
25' Premium Pontoon — up to 13 passengers / 1,770 lbs — Kent highly recommends a max of 10 adults for the best experience.
175hp Performance Tri-Toon — up to 14 passengers / 2050 lbs
Luxury 150hp Triple — up to 13 passengers or 1800 lbs
Regal Ski Boat — up to 9 passengers — Kent highly recommends a max of 6 adults for the best experience
Duckworth Fishing Boat — up to 4 adults — This is Kents personal fishing boat so it is in used condition
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome with approval from Kent — please call or text before booking online. A $45 fee applies and dogs can weigh up to 40 lbs. in our pontoons. Dogs are not allowed in our Ski Boat without prior approval from Kent. (nothing over 10 lbs) We love dogs, but we do recommend leaving them at home if possible for their comfort and safety on the water.
⚠️ Any unauthorized dog found onboard will incur a $250 fee.
Text Kent: 208-762-7570
BOOKING & PAYMENT
How do I make a reservation?
You can book online 24/7 through our booking page or text Kent directly at 208-762-7570. Kent is the owner and operator and will personally answer your questions. You may also text his wife, Debbie, at 208-660-0399
A credit card is required to hold your reservation. If you prefer to pay cash at the dock to avoid the online booking fee and convenience fees please text Kent to make arrangements — a credit card is still required to reserve your date. We can also take payment through square at the dock to avoid the 5% online booking fee, but you will still pay convenience fees. You will need to set that up with Kent before making your reservation.
When is payment due?
Single-day rentals — full payment is charged at the time of booking
Multi-day rentals — a deposit is required at booking, with the remaining balance due 14 days before your rental date, charged automatically to your card on file. Full payment upfront is also accepted.
Cash payments — If you prefer to pay cash at the dock you will need to book your rental through Kent, not online. Kent will require a credit card to hold the reservation and you will save on the 5% booking fee and convenience fees. Text Kent your rental needs and he will set up a time to get your boat rental booked.
What is your cancellation policy?
More than 7 days before your rental — No Charge
7 days to 48 hours before your rental — 10% administration fee
Within 48 hours of your rental — No Refunds
If Kent determines weather conditions are dangerous, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule to another day. Refunds are not available for cooler-than-expected weather, cloudy skies, rain or windy conditions. We would love sunny warm days from April 1 - Oct 31st!!!!
Do I need renters insurance?
No, you do not need renters insurance to rent a boat with Kent’s Boats.
WE OFFER OPTIONAL Damage Waiver on daily pontoon rentals.
Optional Damage Waiver: If the Lessee elects to purchase the Damage Waiver at checkout, Kent's Boats agrees to waive its right to collect for physical damage to the Vessel up to the first $750 of repair costs, with the following exclusions-
STRICT EXCLUSIONS: Notwithstanding the purchase of a Damage Waiver, the Lessee remains 100% financially responsible for the following:
Propeller Damage: Any and all damage to propellers, including strikes, bent blades, or hub damage.
Gross Negligence: Damage resulting from operating under the influence, beaching the vessel, or violating Idaho boating laws.
Upholstery: Any burns, tears, or permanent stains (e.g., from smoking or open flames).
Renter Inspection Responsibility: Lessee acknowledges it is their sole responsibility to inspect the Vessel, including the hull, upholstery, and propeller, prior to departing from the dock. By departing, Lessee agrees the Vessel is in good, seaworthy condition and free of damage.
What is included with my rental?
At Kent's, we keep things simple — no fees for basic gear. Every rental includes:
Life vests for all passengers
All required safety and docking equipment
2 Towels (washed after every rental)
Ice chest (ice is extra-$10 for a 20lb bag)
Tube(pontoons and ski boat) waterskis(ski boat and requests for pontoon)
Pop-up changing room (pontoons)
Bluetooth stereo
Bimini top
You are responsible for gas. Fuel is available right at our dock for a stress-free return.
Can we go tubing or waterskiing?
Yes! You can tube, and waterski behind our Performance Pontoon and Ski Boat. All water sports equipment is included free of charge with every rental — no upcharge, no separate rental fee. We recommend sticking to tubing or kneeboarding for the premium pontoon, though you may request skis at the dock.
Is There A Cleaning Fee?
A $50 cleaning fee only applies if the boat is returned in excessively dirty condition beyond normal use. Simply return the boat in a reasonably clean state and there is no charge.
ON THE WATER
Where can we boat on Lake Coeur d'Alene?
You can travel throughout most of Lake Coeur d'Alene and along the Spokane River. Kent will walk you through all lake hazards and guidelines at pickup.
Please note the following restrictions:
❌ Boats are not permitted on the Coeur d'Alene River or the St. Joe River-these rivers are too shallow.
⚠️ Stay in the middle of the Spokane River — the shoreline is very shallow with many hazards
⚠️ Lake CDA has a logging history — always watch for floating logs ("deadheads"), especially on the Spokane River
💸 Renters are responsible for any prop damage caused by entering shallow water or near-shore areas
💡 Local tip from Kent: We don't recommend going all the way to Harrison — it takes up your whole day! We've tried the ice cream and found better options right here in Coeur d'Alene.
Where do I get gas?
Gas pumps are available right at Lakeside Marina when you return the boat — fast, easy, and stress-free. As a bonus, grab a free Kent's Boats sticker at the end of your day!
If you need fuel during your rental, several marinas around the lake sell gas. If you venture toward Harrison, plan to fill up there before heading back.
LOCATION & DELIVERY
Where do I pick up the boat?
We are located at the mouth of the Spokane River on Lake Coeur d'Alene.
📍 1031 N Academic Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Free on-site parking is available. When you arrive:
If you have gear to unload, park at the unloading area and look for a cart near the blue sandwich boards or large rocks
Walk down the bike path to the second set of docks
Look for the large blue GAS sign — that's us
⚠️ Important: Do not go to the first set of docks.
DO YOU DELIVER TO OTHER LAKES?
Yes! Kent delivers boats to a variety of North Idaho lakes. Delivery must be arranged before booking online — call or text Kent to confirm availability and details.
Lakes we deliver to: Hayden Lake · Spirit Lake · Twin Lakes · Lake Pend Oreille · Liberty Lake · Private docks on Lake CDA · Black Rock · Gozzer Ranch
Some lakes will require multi-day rentals.
Call or Text Kent to Arrange Delivery: 208-762-7570
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Kent has been on these lakes for over 30 years and is always happy to help. Call or text him directly — no automated phone trees, no waiting on hold.
Call or Text: 208-762-7570 BOOK ONLINE NOW VIEW PRICING
📍 · 1031 N Academic Way · Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 🕗 April – October · 9AM to Sunset
USCG Pontoon Safety Checklist
Before You Leave the Dock
Every renter and passenger should review these safety guidelines before operating a pontoon boat. Our goal is to keep your boating experience safe, fun, and stress-free.
Life Jacket Safety
Every passenger must have a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Children must wear appropriately sized life jackets.
Adult-sized life jackets are not safe for children.
Life jackets are strongly recommended at all times while boating.
Safe Boat Operation
Always maintain a safe speed for water and weather conditions.
Pontoon boats do not have brakes. Stopping quickly may be difficult.
Obey all No Wake zones and posted waterway signs.
Keep a lookout whenever passengers or equipment obstruct the captain’s view.
Never operate the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If equipped, always use the engine cut-off safety device.
Right of Way Rules
When approaching another boat head-on, steer to the right (starboard).
When crossing paths with another boat, yield to the boat on your right.
When overtaking another boat, pass carefully and leave plenty of space.
Always yield to sailboats.
Five short horn blasts indicate danger or need for assistance.
Passenger Safety
Never Allow Passengers To:
Sit on the bow, rails, rear platform, or sides while the boat is moving.
Dive or jump from a moving boat.
Enter the water while the engine is running.
Before Anyone Enters the Water:
Turn the engine completely off.
Remove the keys.
Wait at least 10 seconds for the propeller to stop.
Perform a passenger headcount before restarting the engine.
Pontoon Awareness Zone
The awareness zone includes:
Front of the boat (bow)
Rear platform (stern)
Sides of the boat
Swim platform
Area extending approximately 30 feet behind the boat
Important: Pontoon boats can be especially dangerous near the front platform. A person slipping between the pontoons can be pulled toward the propeller.
No passengers should enter the awareness zone unless:
The engine is off
The keys are removed
The propeller has completely stopped spinning.
Anchoring & Night Operation
Anchor only from the front (bow) of the boat.
Anchor only in safe and visible locations.
Navigation and anchor lights must be used during low visibility or nighttime operation.
Carbon Monoxide Warning
Boat engines produce carbon monoxide — a colorless, odorless, deadly gas.
Avoid lingering near:
The rear swim platform
The stern area
Any enclosed or poorly ventilated area around the boat
Do not use outside generators that are not part of the rental package
Capacity & Responsibility
Never exceed the maximum passenger or weight capacity for the boat.
Overloading a boat is unsafe and illegal.
At least one responsible adult should supervise children at all times.
Someone capable of operating the boat must remain onboard whenever the boat is unanchored.
Emergency Preparedness
All renters should understand:
Person overboard procedures
Collision response procedures
Local boating laws and regulations
Local hazards including shallow water, submerged objects, weather, and currents
Ready to Book?
Browse our Pontoon Boat Rentals, Ski Boat Rentals, and Fishing Boat Rentals — all available on Lake Coeur d'Alene and delivered to Hayden Lake, Spirit Lake, Twin Lakes, Liberty Lake, and Lake Pend Oreille. View our Pricing or Contact Kent at 208-762-7570.