Tellico Lake sprawls across 16,000 sparkling acres just south of Knoxville. Therefore, it offers room for every kind of outing, from a lazy cove crawl to an action‑packed tube ride. Likewise, the shoreline winds for 357 peaceful miles, hiding coves and café‑dotted marinas. Because of this, pontoon rentals on Tellico Lake have become the region’s summer obsession. Fortunately, you can hop aboard without owning a boat. Read on, and you’ll discover the easiest, safest, and most affordable ways to explore.
Why a Pontoon Makes Sense
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Plenty of deck space. Modern pontoons seat 8–14 guests. As a result, the entire family can ride together.
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Stable by design. Two or three aluminum tubes keep the deck level. In other words, kids and pets feel secure.
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Shallow draft freedom. The boat floats high. Consequently, you can nose into places that cruisers can’t reach.
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Enough power for play. Many rentals carry 115‑horsepower engines or larger. Thus, tubing and quick canal runs stay on the menu.
In short, pontoons blend comfort with versatility. After choosing one, you only need a cooler and a good playlist.
Top Tellico Lake Boat‑Rental Outfits
Below, you’ll find five suppliers that locals trust. First, follow the links for real‑time rates. Then, reserve a date before the weekend rush.
1. Tellico Lake Boat Rentals
Tellico Lake Boat Rentals delivers the craft to any public ramp or private dock you name. Moreover, every rental includes a short “Pontoon 101” lesson. The fleet now consists entirely of tri‑toons with 115‑hp and 150‑hp motors. As a result, you enjoy extra stability and better fuel usage. Daily and weekly pricing appear online, and child‑to‑adult life jackets ride along with the anchor.
2. Sequoyah Landing Resort & Marina
Meanwhile, Sequoyah Landing Marina owns one of the lake’s largest fleets. Choose between standard, premium, or premium‑plus tri‑toons that seat up to 14 passengers. Half‑day and full‑day blocks start near $250, yet shoulder‑season specials often drop the cost. Because fuel pumps sit on the main dock, top‑offs happen fast. After returning, grab a fresh burger at the on‑site restaurant.
3. Village Pontoon Boat Rentals
Next, visit Village Pontoon Rentals if you prefer a small‑shop touch. The owners operate two immaculate pontoons and prioritize friendly service. Consequently, decks stay spotless and well-stocked with safety gear. Boats are rented by the day or the week, although weekends tend to book up quickly. Therefore, plan to call at least a month ahead if you intend to go on a holiday outing.
4. JBeez Watercraft Rentals
Perhaps you crave raw speed. In that case, pair your pontoon with a personal watercraft from JBeez Watercraft. Their three‑seater Jet Skis arrive at the ramp minutes before you do. As a result, launching feels effortless. Mix one waverunner into your pontoon party, and you have an instant flotilla.
5. Docklyne Boat‑Rental Marketplace
Finally, compare everything at once through Docklyne. The site scrapes inventory across multiple marinas. Thus, you can sort by price, capacity, and horsepower without opening five tabs. Half‑day pontoons start around $275, yet filters help you locate mid‑week bargains.
Smooth‑Sailing Booking Tips
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Reserve early, especially Saturdays. Holiday weekends sell out first. Consequently, July 4th often vanishes by Memorial Day.
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Check horsepower and age rules. Anyone born after January 1, 1989, must carry a Tennessee Boater Education Card to run engines above 8.5 hp. Otherwise, ask the desk about one‑day permits.
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Arrive 30 minutes ahead. Paperwork, safety checks, and a quick lake‑map review take time. Therefore, show up early to maximize water hours.
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Plan your fuel stops. Sequoyah Landing, Tellico Marina, and several floating docks sell ethanol‑free gas. However, pumps close at dusk.
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Pack what renters don’t supply. Bring polarized sunglasses, high‑SPF sunscreen, floating phone cases, and a 12‑volt cooler.
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Leave no trace. Trash bags come standard on most rentals. Hence, be the boater who keeps Tellico crystal clear.
Make Your Tellico Lake Day Unforgettable
By now, you know where to rent. Consequently, the hard part is finished. Simply pick a date, book your boat, and meet the dockhand. Then, let the throttles push you toward Fort Loudoun Canal, Power Line Cove, or an unnamed sandbar. After a few hours, you’ll understand why locals call Tellico the “quiet sister” of busy Fort Loudoun Lake. Moreover, you’ll plan your next visit before the current one ends.
So, cue the summer playlist, fill the cooler, and call dibs on the captain’s chair. Above all, enjoy the Tennessee sunshine one gentle wake at a time. See you on Tellico Lake!