Whether you’re a desert local or it’s your first time renting a boat at Lake Pleasant, one thing’s for sure:
There’s a right way to do boat day — and then there’s the hard way.
We’ve helped hundreds of first-time boaters from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Surprise have their best day on the water. Along the way, we’ve seen a few mistakes that can turn your lake day from smooth sailing to… sinking the vibes.
Here are the top 7 boat day mistakes Arizona locals make — and exactly how to avoid them.
❌ Mistake #1: Booking Last-Minute (and Getting Stuck with Leftovers)
The Reality: Lake Pleasant is one of the most popular boating spots in Arizona — and weekends book up fast. Especially for groups and parties.
“We thought we could rent a boat day-of. Everything was gone or double the price. Lesson learned!”
— Jake & Lindsey, Tempe
Avoid It:
Book 1–2 weeks in advance (minimum) for weekends, and 3–4 weeks ahead for big group events like bachelorette parties or birthdays.
❌ Mistake #2: Underestimating Arizona Heat & Sun
The Reality: Even locals forget how intense the sun gets on open water — especially in peak summer. Sunburns, dehydration, and even mild heat exhaustion are common for unprepared boaters.
Avoid It:
Wear UPF clothing or cover-ups
Bring more water than you think you need
Use reef-safe SPF and reapply every 90 minutes
Pick boats with shade canopies (ours all include shade)
🔗 What to Bring on a Boat Day »
❌ Mistake #3: Forgetting the Food & Ice Plan
The Reality: You’re not gonna want to get off the boat for snacks. Trust us.
Avoid It:
Bring:
Pre-packed finger foods or charcuterie boards
Frozen fruit (doubles as ice!)
Plenty of cold drinks (NO glass)
Optional: ask us to stock the cooler ahead of time!
“We pre-ordered snacks and floaties through Seas The Day, and it was so worth it.”
– Amanda R., Scottsdale
❌ Mistake #4: Bringing Too Much… or the Wrong Stuff
The Reality: Overpacking makes loading slow and chaotic. Plus, not all gear is lake-safe.
Avoid It:
Bring essentials only:
Towels, soft coolers, sunscreen, waterproof pouches
Leave behind:Glass, giant hard coolers, massive speakers (we’ve got sound systems!)
❌ Mistake #5: DIY Driving When You Shouldn’t
The Reality: If you’ve never captained a boat before, you don’t want your first time to be in front of a full party.
Avoid It:
All of our boats come with licensed, professional captains so you can:
Drink without worry
Relax while someone else handles safety + navigation
Focus on the party, not the parking
🛥️ Explore Boat Options with Captain Included »
❌ Mistake #6: Skipping the Group Transport Plan
The Reality: If everyone’s driving themselves from Phoenix or Scottsdale, someone’s going to be late (and someone always ends up as the DD).
Avoid It:
Upgrade your experience with our Sprinter van add-on for round-trip transportation. It’s stylish, convenient, and fits the whole crew.
🚐 Add Sprinter Van Transport »
❌ Mistake #7: Not Asking Questions Before Booking
The Reality: Every lake has different rules — and every rental company has different policies. Some don’t include gas. Some charge hidden fees. Some don’t even clean the boats!
Avoid It:
Ask these key questions before booking anywhere:
Is a captain included?
Are gas and cleaning fees separate?
Can I bring alcohol?
What’s the cancel/reschedule policy?
(Or just book with us — we include all the good stuff, upfront.)
✅ Bonus: Want a Stress-Free Boat Day?
We’ll handle the hard part — you just show up.
Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want to escape the city, Seas The Day makes it simple, smooth, and unforgettable.
🎉 Book Your Lake Pleasant Boat Day Now »
📸 Real Guests. Real Fun.
“Our group of 12 girls had the BEST day out on the pink party barge. Seas The Day made everything so easy. Highly recommend!”
– Jessie M., Phoenix
“It was my first time on a boat at Lake Pleasant and they walked us through everything. Clean boats, great service, and the captain even took group pics!”
– Ryan T., Scottsdale
Catch more party pics & videos from our guests on Instagram and Facebook.
💡 FAQs – First-Time Boat Rentals Near Phoenix
How far is Lake Pleasant from Phoenix?
About 45 minutes north of Downtown Phoenix, depending on traffic.
Do I need boating experience to rent?
Nope! All rentals include a licensed captain.
Can we bring alcohol on the boat?
Yes, just no glass. You bring it — we’ll keep it cold.
How many people can we bring?
Our boats hold up to 15 people. Large group? Ask about multi-boat bookings.
Do you allow music on board?
Absolutely. Every boat has a Bluetooth sound system ready for your playlist.
📚 Related Reads:
👉 No Boat? No Problem. How to Rent Like a Local and Cruise Lake Pleasant Like a Pro
👉 Boat, Float, Repeat: The Unofficial Guide to Sandbar Parties at Lake Pleasant
👉 Why Lake Pleasant Is the Hidden Gem for Wakeboarding and Watersports Near Phoenix
Don’t just wing it on the water — plan it right and party better.
Seas The Day is here to make your Arizona boat day smooth, safe, and seriously fun.
📲 Book today or text us at (480) 573-3269 with questions.