FAQ
Before your reach out, take a look at our frequently asked questions and see if it's already been answered for you.
Where can we board our pontoon?
We have two access points that you can choose from when you book your pontoon tour. You can choose a pick-up point at South Side Works (near Hofbräuhaus) or at the access point near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The precise coordinates will be emailed upon your booking, along with recommendations for parking. You find see roughly where our pickup locations are on the map on our
Contact Us page.
Jetski pickup and combo deals are at the South Side Works only!
What if I can't drive a boat?
If you would like a driver we will connect you with a driver for your trip.
What is your pricing? What is your availability?
Our pricing and availability depend on a few variables that change through the year. Your best bet is to
choose a pontoon boat and begin the booking process. If the date is free - grab it while you can! Once you select your trip duration, it will give you a price.
4th of July Cruises must be booked for a minimum of 5 hours, (6p.m. - 11 p.m.) due to river closures. All 4th of July fireworks cruises must be a minimum of $1,000 including driver.
What kind of amenities do you have available?
Other than the features of the pontoons themselves, you can rent a floating lilypad, or innertube, upon checkout. Please note that if the options are not available upon checkout, they are already reserved for that date or not available for that pontoon.
What is your operating area?
You can not take the pontoon past the lower end of Brunot’s Island or nearer than 1/2 half-mile of the 1st Lock and Dam (Highland Park) on the Allegheny River or 1st Lock and Dam (Braddock) on the Monongahela River without the special permission of Pittsburgh Pontoons.
Can we pull the innertube?
Only with a company representative present on the Tritoons!
Can I really drive the pontoon myself?
Sure! You have two options; both are very easy: If you were born after January 1st, 1982, you can go here for details on the PA Boater Education Course. Alternatively, you may hire one of our Designated Drivers (DD). Our DD will be considered part of your group and compensated in cash as an independent contractor, as per regulations.
Please note there is a 4-hour minimum for all driver rental charges, regardless of the length of rental.
As per regulations, you will need to bring cash for designated drivers or reps from Pittsburgh Pontoons.
The PA Fish and Boat Commission has precise regulations on passengers and drivers or representatives:
If someone in your group has a PA boat license, you can take one of our pontoon boats with up to 12 people total, including the licensed driver.
You are permitted to rent a boat after sunset (8 p.m.) with your own driver. But a licensed company representative must be on board for insurance purposes. They will be reimbursed directly at a rate of $30/hour for a minimum of 4 hours.
What is your food and drink policy?
You can BYOB for pontoons, of course, all those drinking must be 21+, and you must have a designated driver – either someone in your party who has passed the PA Boater Education Course or one we connect you with.
You can bring your own food or even catered food. Please note that the customer must remove all waste from the pontoons at the end of the cruise.
The pontoons do not have cooking facilities (grill, microwave, etc.). Portable grills are not allowed on the pontoons at any time. Certain ‘put out’ areas on the cruise have grill facilities.
What do you include in the rental?
Use of one pontoon boat, including fuel, for your rental period. One personal flotation device (PFD) per passenger (Yes - we have children’s sizes) and all required US Coast Guard Safety equipment and a first aid kit. The boats also have plenty of individual features, check the dropdown pages for more info.
Do I have to pay for gas?
All pontoon rentals include one full tank (20 gallons) of gas. Any usage over this will cost $6 per gallon - we allow for partial gallons. Pittsburgh Pontoons reserves the right to substitute equipment based on availability and company needs.
• NO swimming from the boat! (waived if a company representative is present)
• NO open flames (smoking) - vaping is allowed!
• NO pets except licensed service animals!
Customer cancellations must be made in writing/email. Cancellations made at least 7 days in advance of scheduled event will receive a full refund or can be rescheduled. Cancellations within 24 hours of your rental time will forfeit 100% of your deposit and may be rescheduled with a new deposit from you. All other cancellations will receive a gift card in the full amount paid up until that time for scheduling at a later date.
What happens if we get rained out?
Occasionally there will be a need for the Pittsburgh Pontoons to cancel an event. This could include thunder and lightning storms or flooding in the immediate area. In the event this does happen, the customer will be allowed to reschedule on the first available date at the companies discretion.
How many people can be on a pontoon at one time?
12 persons TOTAL (11 plus driver) are permitted on all of our boats! Everyone counts! This is PA LAW! No exceptions will be made for children, little people, skinny people, etc. Please don't ask!
After I make my booking and pay a deposit what happens?
Drivers will be assigned the week of your trip and your driver should contact you 2-3 days before your rental. The system should remind you 7 and 2 days before your rental, at which time final payments are due.
