Boating should be one of the most fun and enjoyable experiences for thrill-seekers. If you are getting ready to rent a boat from Fractional Toys, you’ll need to work out many details so the day goes smoothly.

One of the most important pieces of information is your schedule for the day and how to make the event fun for everyone, from the kids to the adults.

Here are some of our recommendations for maximizing the enjoyment of your next large-group boat rental.

Choose an Incredible Lake Destination

You want to make the most of your trip when renting a boat from Fractional Toys. For example, Minnesota has approximately 11,842 lakes to choose from. But we don’t expect you to look through all those options to decide.

Here are a few boating location suggestions!

St. Croix River

St. Croix River is located at the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, and there are miles of water to explore. There are several river towns to check out and lots of beaches and bays along the way to stop and have lunch.

Gull Lake

Gull Lake is located about 2 hours north of the Twin Cities, and it has great fishing opportunities and several nearby restaurants if you want a sit-down meal after boating all day.

Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka is the largest lake in the Twin Cities area. It is a great location for fishers and recreational boaters. There are 100 miles of shoreline to explore, and it is a very beautiful place to enjoy a day on the water.

Rent the Right Boat for Your Trip & Do Your Research

There are many things to consider when choosing a boat and location for your boating trip. Things like fish locations, crowds, and local amenities are important to know before you head out.

Plus, depending on the water adventure you want to have, one thing to consider is what type of boat you want to rent. The two most popular rentals are pontoons and fishing boats. Both offer different experiences on the water.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are great for larger groups of family or friends and are a perfect way to spend a relaxing day. They’re easy to climb onto with multiple doors, can provide shade from the sun, and are perfect for jumping in for a quick dip in the water.

You can also fish off a pontoon with the appropriate license.

Fishing Boats

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more robust fishing experience, you might want to consider a fishing boat. Fractional Toys’ fishing boats are equipped with a fish finder, trolling motor, and fold-up seats.

You can get into any location easily to catch the best fish. Fishing boats offer a speedier and more robust adventure to catch all the fish you want.

When you take a fishing boat out for a trip, you want to make sure you’re prepared with all the essentials. Remembering things like snacks, sunscreen, other sun protection, and fishing equipment is important for an enjoyable fishing trip.

Fish Populations

If you plan to fish, you’ll want to check out the local fishing populations at the lakes or rivers that you’re considering. The Minnesota DNR is a good resource for finding out where different fish like to hang out.

For example, big Walleyes hang out in deeper water with a rocky bottom, while Northern Pike enjoys weeds in the water.

Crowds

Several popular lakes are likely to draw in more crowds than others. If you’re looking for fewer people on the lake, try looking for lakes that don’t draw as much of a crowd.

Local Amenities

When you plan a lake or river trip, you should check and see what amenities are around before you make your final destination decision. Restaurants, gas stations, sightseeing opportunities, and hotels are a few places you’ll want to research before heading out, particularly if you’re planning on an overnight stay.

Where to Stay Overnight

Hotels are an option for staying overnight on a boating trip, but don’t forget about staying overnight at a campground! Campgrounds are much cheaper than hotels and offer a way to connect with nature on and off the water.

If you do decide to stay at a campground, there are a few things to check for before booking a stay:

  • Time of year availability

  • Facilities (bathrooms, showers, water, etc.)

  • Fees

  • Curfew

  • Launch ramp

  • Alcohol restrictions

Camping requires more equipment, but there are ways to make the most of your camping trip on a budget, such as using your kitchen equipment, renting gear instead of purchasing, and planning ahead for meals and parking.

Plan & Set a Schedule

The larger your group, the more difficult it will be to get everyone on the same page. Planning and scheduling help solve that problem.

Start by sitting the group down and asking them what activities they’re interested in while on the boat. For instance, some people will want to fish, while others may want to lounge on a lilypad or go out on a paddleboard. Some events will include the entire group.

If you can gain a basic consensus of what the trip will look like, you can begin to plan accordingly.

Make a List, Check It Twice

Part of the planning involved in renting a boat from Fractional Toys involves making a list or two of everything you’ll need to take with you on the trip. If you have any questions about equipment or supplies needed for the boat, you can contact us, and we’ll let you know if there are any items you need to bring.

Start making a list early and add to it as you need. A list will keep you from forgetting important items.

Prepare for Emergencies

You could contain most emergencies that happen on the boat if you are prepared for the emergency.

For example, here are some things to consider:

  • Does anyone boarding the boat have any medical conditions?

  • What happens if you accidentally damage the boat?

  • What happens if someone goes overboard?

  • What are you prepared to do in case someone has an injury?

  • Where are the fire extinguishers located on the boat?

Stay Flexible

After all the planning, scheduling, and communication, there’s still a chance that the day’s plans could change for whatever reason. If you are the party's leader, you may need to show some flexibility if the group decides to change course, head to a different destination, or engage in unplanned activity.

A little flexibility and patience can go a long way in keeping everybody happy and tensions low.

Boat Rental Service From Fractional Toys

Fractional Toys offers a wide range of recreational rentals, including ATVs, boats, RV trailers, and motor home rentals. Our equipment is in excellent condition, as we maintain it daily.

You can depend on us to provide top-of-the-line recreational rentals to enhance your vacation or weekend trip. To schedule a rental, contact us at 651-340-0937 or message us at info@fractionaltoys.com.