Tips, Tricks, and Adventures

Tips, Tricks, and Adventures

Explore Pittsburgh's Rivers with Pittsburgh Boat Rentals

Can You Rent a Pontoon Boat in Pittsburgh for a Corporate Outing or Team-Building Event?
Pittsburgh corporate boat rentals made simple: how to plan a private pontoon team outing on the Three Rivers, from group size to captains.
October 19, 2026
Why a Pittsburgh Boat Rental Makes a Great Fall Group Outing
A private pontoon on the three rivers is one of the easiest fall group outings in Pittsburgh. Here is how to plan it, what to bring and which boat fits.
September 16, 2026
Fall Boating in Pittsburgh: What to Pack for Cool Weather
The river feels colder than the forecast in fall. Here is what to wear, what to pack and what to leave in the car for a cool weather pontoon rental.
September 16, 2026
Where Can You See Pittsburgh Fall Foliage From a Boat?
The best river views of early fall color in Pittsburgh, from Mount Washington above the Mon to the Ohio near our dock, and when to book for the first turning trees.
September 16, 2026
Pittsburgh in September: Are Boat Rentals Worth It?
September is one of the most comfortable months on Pittsburgh's rivers. Here is what to expect for weather and daylight, how long to rent and how to plan.
September 16, 2026
What Pittsburgh Boaters Should Know About No Wake Zones
Where Pittsburgh's no wake zones are, when the downtown zone applies, the 100 foot rule, and how to share the three rivers with barges and paddlers.
August 17, 2026
How to Plan a Sunset Boat Ride on Pittsburgh's Rivers
Sunset times by month, which rental block to pick, the route from McKees Rocks to the Point, and what to pack for an evening on Pittsburgh's rivers.
August 17, 2026
Best Time of Day for a Pittsburgh Boat Rental in Late Summer?
Morning calm or evening light? How to pick the best time of day for a late summer pontoon rental on Pittsburgh's three rivers.
August 17, 2026
Can You Rent a Boat in Pittsburgh for a Birthday or Anniversary?
Yes, you can. How a private pontoon works for a Pittsburgh birthday or anniversary, which boat fits your group and the mistakes to avoid.
August 17, 2026
Hosting Guests? Unique Things to Do in Pittsburgh by Boat
Hosting visitors this summer? A private pontoon cruise shows them the skyline, bridges and the Point. Routes, timing and tips for a great guest day.
July 8, 2026
Boating in the Rain: What Happens to Your Pittsburgh Rental?
Rain in the forecast does not cancel your rental. See how our morning weather call works, when you can reschedule, and how to dress for showers.
July 8, 2026
What to Bring on a Boat Rental on Pittsburgh's Rivers
A simple packing list for a pontoon day on Pittsburgh's rivers, plus what to leave at home and extras for kids and dogs.
July 7, 2026
Kayak Safety Gear: What Should a Kayak Rental Include?
The life jacket, paddle and whistle every kayak rental needs, what Pennsylvania law requires, and what to pack for a safe paddle on Pittsburgh's rivers.
June 9, 2026
What Happens If You Damage a Rental Boat? Boat Rental Insurance
Who pays if a rental boat gets damaged, what to do in the moment, and the boat rental insurance questions to ask before your Pittsburgh rental.
June 9, 2026
What Size Boat Do I Need for My Group in Pittsburgh?
Our pontoons carry 7 to 10 people. Here is how to pick the right boat for families, couples, parties, fishing groups and dogs, and when to book two.
May 7, 2026
Should You Book a Boat Rental With a Captain or Drive?
Book a captain if no one has a PA boating certificate or the host wants to relax. Drive yourself if you have a qualified, sober driver. Here is how to choose.
May 6, 2026
Best Time for Boating in Pittsburgh on the Three Rivers
Summer weekday mornings bring the calmest water and evenings bring the best skyline views. Here is how to time your rental on Pittsburgh's three rivers.
April 6, 2026
What Is the Easiest Boat to Drive for Beginners?
A pontoon is the easiest boat to drive for beginners. Learn why, how the controls work, and what to know before your first trip on Pittsburgh's rivers.
March 10, 2026
What Not to Do on a Pontoon Boat: 8 Mistakes to Avoid
The 8 most common pontoon mistakes, what to do if someone falls overboard, and the boat safety tips every Pittsburgh renter should know before leaving the dock.
March 10, 2026
Do Pontoon Boats Flip or Sink? What You Need to Know
Pontoons rarely flip or sink. See what keeps them stable, what causes trouble, and the simple habits that keep your Pittsburgh river trip steady.
March 10, 2026
How Much Is Boat Fuel for 4 Hours?
Wondering how much is boat fuel for 4 hours? Costs range from $60 to $400+ depending on boat size and speed. Get estimates here.
February 17, 2026
Pittsburgh Boating Rules: What You Can and Can't Do on the Rivers
Cruise, fish, bring the dog and see the skyline. Here are the Pittsburgh boating rules every renter should know, from the Point no wake zone to anchoring downtown.
January 21, 2026
What Is the 3 R Rule in Boating?
The 3 R rule is red right returning: heading upstream, keep red channel markers on your right. Here is how it works on Pittsburgh's three rivers.
December 17, 2025
Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat in PA?
Pennsylvania drivers born on or after 1982 need a boating safety certificate for motors over 25 hp. Here is what you need to rent a pontoon or kayak in Pittsburgh.
November 17, 2025
How Much Does a PA Boating License Cost?
A PA boating license is a one time course plus a state certificate fee. Here is who needs one, how to get it and how to plan it around your rental.
November 10, 2025
How Many People Can Fit on a Pontoon Boat?
Most rental pontoons carry 7 to 10 people. See the limit for each boat in our Pittsburgh fleet and how to pick the right size for your group.
October 1, 2025
How Much Do You Tip a Boat Captain?
Tip a boat captain much like a good server: based on the trip and the service. Here is how the custom works and how to hand it over.
October 1, 2025
How to Rent a Boat in Pittsburgh: What to Know First
Everything first timers should know before renting a boat in Pittsburgh, from the PA certificate rule to check in, weather calls and returning on time.
September 14, 2025
Should You Rent or Own a Boat? A Pittsburgh Renter's Guide
For most people who boat a few days a season, renting is the simpler choice. See what to weigh before you decide, and how to plan around your crew.
September 14, 2025
Is There a Turo for Boats? What Pittsburgh Renters Should Know
Peer to peer apps work like Turo for boats. Here is how they work, what to check before booking, and how a local Pittsburgh pontoon rental compares.
September 14, 2025
Romantic Boat Ride in Pittsburgh: Sunset and Date Night Ideas
Plan a private sunset cruise for two on Pittsburgh's rivers: when to book, which pontoon to pick, what to bring and the most romantic routes.
July 8, 2025
Pittsburgh Boat Ride: 5 Sightseeing Routes on the Three Rivers
Five self guided sightseeing routes from our McKees Rocks dock: the Point, the Allegheny bridges, Washington's Landing, the Mon and the quiet Ohio.
July 8, 2025
Pittsburgh Islands You Can See by Boat on the Three Rivers
Brunot, Neville, Washington's Landing and the wild upper Allegheny islands: what is on each one and how to see them on a pontoon from McKees Rocks.
July 8, 2025
Dog Friendly Boat Rentals in Pittsburgh: Bring Your Pup Aboard
Dogs are welcome on our Pittsburgh pontoons. Here is what to pack, how to keep your pup safe and cool, and where to cruise together.
June 11, 2025
How to Host a Boat Birthday Party on a Pittsburgh Pontoon
Rent a private pontoon, bring the cake and a playlist, and cruise to the Point. Here is how to plan a boat birthday party on Pittsburgh's rivers.
May 2, 2025
5 Best Spots for Kayaking in Pittsburgh's Three Rivers
The best kayaking in Pittsburgh is on the three rivers. See five spots worth paddling, PA safety rules and how to plan a two hour kayak rental.
April 15, 2025
How to Plan the Perfect Pontoon Party on Pittsburgh's Three Rivers
Pick a boat, book a 4 or 8 hour block, line up a driver and map a route past the Point. Here is how to plan a pontoon party on Pittsburgh's rivers.
April 15, 2025
Pontoon vs Kayak: Which Pittsburgh Boat Rental Is Right for You?
Group, music and a cooler? Rent a pontoon. Quiet workout close to the water? Rent a kayak. A side by side guide to choosing on Pittsburgh's rivers.
March 25, 2025
Family Boat Rental: Top 5 Family Activities on the Rivers
Cruise past the Point, picnic on deck, fish, spot wildlife and paddle a kayak. Five family activities on Pittsburgh's rivers, plus safety tips for boating with kids.
July 21, 2024
Top 10 Scenic Spots on the Three Rivers of Pittsburgh
The Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio meet at the Point. Here are 10 scenic spots you can see from a pontoon, grouped by river so you can plan your route.
July 20, 2024
4th of July Boat Rental in Pittsburgh: Holiday Guide
How to plan a 4th of July pontoon day on Pittsburgh's rivers: crowds, fireworks timing, river restrictions near the Point, booking and packing.
July 3, 2023
Acrisure Stadium Concerts: Start the Day on the River
Turn a stadium show into a full day: cruise past Acrisure Stadium and the Point on a pontoon in the afternoon, then head to the concert.
May 16, 2023
Best Fishing Spots in Pittsburgh's Three Rivers
What bites in the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio, the shore spots locals use, and how to fish Pittsburgh's rivers from a rental pontoon.
February 21, 2019

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