You’re planning a boat day at Lake Pleasant.
The sun? 🔥 The crew? 😎 The vibes? On point.
But now comes the real question:
What kind of boat do you rent?
Let’s break it down: pontoons vs. wakeboats vs. party barges—what each one’s good for, what they cost, and which one fits your Arizona adventure best. And if you’re renting from Seas the Day, we’ll help you pick the right vibe, not just the right vessel.
🛥️ Meet the Lineup
🚨 Wait! What’s a Wakeboat?
Before we dive in… a note: we don’t rent wakeboats. That’s by design.
Why? Because unless you’re experienced, they’re:
Expensive
Hard to drive
Kinda stressful
So while we’ll compare them, we’re team captained party barge and pontoon—always.
(Trust us, your designated driver will thank you.)
💡 Quick Breakdown: Which Boat is Best?
| Boat Type | Best For | Vibe | Drive Yourself? | Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontoon | Families, chill float days | Relaxed + fun | Sometimes | 9-15 | |
| Wakeboat | Watersports, adrenaline crew | Intense, sporty | Yes (if allowed) | 6–8 | |
| Party Barge | Bachelorette, birthdays, crews | All-out celebration 🎉 | No – we drive! | up to 25 |
🛶 PONTOONS: The Lake Pleasant Classic
You can’t go wrong with a pontoon boat. These are the minivans of the lake—but like, in a cool way.
🏆 Best For:
Families with kids or pups
Small birthday parties
Chill vibes + floating with drinks
😌 Why Rent a Pontoon?
Stable, safe, and easy to board
Plenty of shade (Arizona sun = no joke)
Great for cruising, swimming, or picnicking
“We had grandma, the toddler, and two dogs onboard. Everyone was safe and smiling. 10/10 experience.”
– Leah M., Phoenix
🎉 Want to upgrade? Check out the Seadoo Switch jet pontoon hybrid for an extra dose of fun.
📸 Explore Our Pontoon Fleet »
🏄 WAKEBOATS: High Octane (and High Stress)
Wakeboats are built for serious action—wakeboarding, wake surfing, or tubing.
🏆 Best For:
Adrenaline junkies
Experienced boaters
DIY captains with experience
⚠️ Watch Out:
Harder to drive and dock
Usually BYO driver
Less shade, fewer creature comforts
“We tried a wakeboat once… couldn’t relax. The wakeboarders had fun, but the rest of us? Fried in the sun.”
– Manny R., Tempe
👉 Want the fun without the pressure? Our captained boats let you enjoy the lake without needing a boating license or a stiff neck from watching the rearview all day.
🎉 PARTY BARGES: The Pink Flamingo of Lake Pleasant
When you want a boat that knows how to party, the Seas the Day Party Barge is it.
Pink. Spacious. Floatie-filled. LED-speaker bumping.
It’s not just a boat—it’s a floating event.
🏆 Best For:
Bachelorette parties 💍
Big birthdays 🎂
Group outings from Scottsdale / Phoenix
🚀 Why It’s the Move:
Full-service captained experience
Huge deck, lounge space, coolers, floaties
You bring the crew—we handle the chaos
📷 See it in action: Instagram Highlights
🥂 Book Your Bachelorette Party Boat »
“Our bachelorette crew will never forget this day. Between the hot pink barge and our fun captain, it was a dream.”
– Bri K., Scottsdale
🚐 Coming from Scottsdale or Phoenix?
Skip the caravan. We offer Sprinter van transportation add-ons so you can ride together and start the party early.
Perfect for groups from Old Town or North Scottsdale. Just check the box during booking.
🚌 Ask About Group Transportation »
🧠 FAQs – Choosing the Best Boat at Lake Pleasant
What’s the best boat to rent for a party at Lake Pleasant?
The Party Barge—hands down. It’s built for bigger groups, sound systems, and dancing-on-deck energy.
What’s safer for kids: pontoon or wakeboat?
Pontoon. Flat decks, stability, shade, and room to stretch make it ideal for families.
Do I have to drive the boat myself?
With Seas the Day, never. All rentals are captained, so you can sit back, sip something cold, and enjoy.
Is a party barge too much for a small group?
Not if you want space and comfort! Some groups of 6–8 still book the barge for the amenities and photo ops.
💥 Final Verdict: What Should You Rent?
It’s all about the vibe you want and the people you’re with.
| You Want… | Rent This |
|---|---|
| Chill cruise + swim time | Pontoon or Seadoo Switch |
| Wild party, Insta-worthy pics | Pink Party Barge |
| Watersports + wakes | (We don’t rent wakeboats – but now you know why 😉) |
🛥️ Browse All Boat Rentals »
🎉 Book a Birthday or Group Package »
📚 Related Posts You’ll Love
👉 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
👉 No Boat? No Problem. How to Rent Like a Local and Cruise Lake Pleasant Like a Pro
Want the fun without the hassle? We’ll handle the hard part.
You just show up.
🧃 Book Now