FAQ's & common questions
🏞 Park Access & Permits
Q: Do I need a park permit? Yes. A Nebraska State Park permit (daily or annual) is required for entry. Purchase online at outdoornebraska.gov or at the Martin Bay check-in kiosks.
🚤 Boater Safety Requirements
Q: Do I need a boater safety card if I was born in 1985 or earlier? No. Only individuals born on or after January 1, 1986 must have a boater safety card. Those born before must carry a valid U.S. driver’s license. International licenses are not accepted.
Q: Is an out-of-state boater safety card valid? Yes. Boater safety cards issued by any U.S. state are accepted.
Q: How long is a boater safety card valid? Boater safety certification is valid for life; no renewal is required.
Q: Do I need to show proof of boater safety certification? Yes. Please carry a digital or physical copy. It must be presented if requested by park officials.
Q: Do passengers need a boater safety card? No. Only the driver is required to have one.
📅 Reservations & Cancellations
Q: What is your cancellation policy? Cancellations must be made at least 8 days in advance for a refund. Deposits are non-refundable if canceled within 7 days of the reservation date.
🚚 Equipment & Launching
Q: Do I need to tow or trailer the watercraft? No. Our team launches all equipment at our designated beach location.
👥 Passenger Limits
Q: How is passenger capacity determined? Limits are set by the Coast Guard and manufacturer. Do not exceed the maximum number of passengers or weight limit—whichever comes first. Children cannot be substituted for adults. Pets count toward the passenger limit on pet-friendly boats.
🐾 Pet Policy
Q: Are pets allowed on rentals? Yes. Select pontoons and tritoons are pet-friendly (limit: 2 dogs per boat). Ski boats and jet skis are not pet- or fishing-friendly. Please confirm availability when booking.
🍽 Food, Drinks & Equipment
Q: Can I bring food and drinks? Yes. Please avoid beverages that may stain (e.g., red drinks), clean up spills, and remove trash upon return.
Q: Can I bring a cooler or grill? Coolers are allowed. Grills may be transported on boats but must be used only on the beach. Ensure grills are fully cooled before loading.
Q: Is alcohol allowed? No. Lake McConaughy is a dry lake—alcohol possession or consumption is prohibited within park limits.
🦺 Life Jackets
Q: Can I bring my own life jackets? Yes. Rentals include life jackets at no extra cost. Fees apply for unreturned items.
Q: What sizes are available? We provide life jackets from infant to 4X/6X. Pick up at the beach location with your rental.
🕒 Time Zone & Connectivity
Q: What time zone are you in? Mountain Time (same as Denver, CO). Only Verizon and Viaero have reliable service in the area; other carriers may reflect Central Time due to tower locations.
🌦 Weather Policy
Q: What if the weather is bad? Call us to confirm if watercraft will be sent out. Refunds are issued if conditions are deemed unsafe. Early returns due to weather are refunded case-by-case.
🎿 Water Sports & Equipment
Q: Do you offer wakeboards? No. We offer water skis and tubes for towing behind boats. Jet skis cannot tow.
Q: What’s the difference between a pontoon and a tritoon? Pontoons have two tubes; tritoons have three, offering greater stability and smoother handling.
Q: Can I tube or water ski behind a tritoon? Yes. Our tritoons (115hp or 150hp) are suitable for tubing and water skiing.
Q: Can I bring my own tube or water skis? Yes. You may use your own equipment behind boats. Towing behind jet skis is not permitted.
Q: Do I need a park permit? Yes. A Nebraska State Park permit (daily or annual) is required for entry. Purchase online at outdoornebraska.gov or at the Martin Bay check-in kiosks.
🚤 Boater Safety Requirements
Q: Do I need a boater safety card if I was born in 1985 or earlier? No. Only individuals born on or after January 1, 1986 must have a boater safety card. Those born before must carry a valid U.S. driver’s license. International licenses are not accepted.
Q: Is an out-of-state boater safety card valid? Yes. Boater safety cards issued by any U.S. state are accepted.
Q: How long is a boater safety card valid? Boater safety certification is valid for life; no renewal is required.
Q: Do I need to show proof of boater safety certification? Yes. Please carry a digital or physical copy. It must be presented if requested by park officials.
Q: Do passengers need a boater safety card? No. Only the driver is required to have one.
📅 Reservations & Cancellations
Q: What is your cancellation policy? Cancellations must be made at least 8 days in advance for a refund. Deposits are non-refundable if canceled within 7 days of the reservation date.
🚚 Equipment & Launching
Q: Do I need to tow or trailer the watercraft? No. Our team launches all equipment at our designated beach location.
👥 Passenger Limits
Q: How is passenger capacity determined? Limits are set by the Coast Guard and manufacturer. Do not exceed the maximum number of passengers or weight limit—whichever comes first. Children cannot be substituted for adults. Pets count toward the passenger limit on pet-friendly boats.
🐾 Pet Policy
Q: Are pets allowed on rentals? Yes. Select pontoons and tritoons are pet-friendly (limit: 2 dogs per boat). Ski boats and jet skis are not pet- or fishing-friendly. Please confirm availability when booking.
🍽 Food, Drinks & Equipment
Q: Can I bring food and drinks? Yes. Please avoid beverages that may stain (e.g., red drinks), clean up spills, and remove trash upon return.
Q: Can I bring a cooler or grill? Coolers are allowed. Grills may be transported on boats but must be used only on the beach. Ensure grills are fully cooled before loading.
Q: Is alcohol allowed? No. Lake McConaughy is a dry lake—alcohol possession or consumption is prohibited within park limits.
🦺 Life Jackets
Q: Can I bring my own life jackets? Yes. Rentals include life jackets at no extra cost. Fees apply for unreturned items.
Q: What sizes are available? We provide life jackets from infant to 4X/6X. Pick up at the beach location with your rental.
🕒 Time Zone & Connectivity
Q: What time zone are you in? Mountain Time (same as Denver, CO). Only Verizon and Viaero have reliable service in the area; other carriers may reflect Central Time due to tower locations.
🌦 Weather Policy
Q: What if the weather is bad? Call us to confirm if watercraft will be sent out. Refunds are issued if conditions are deemed unsafe. Early returns due to weather are refunded case-by-case.
🎿 Water Sports & Equipment
Q: Do you offer wakeboards? No. We offer water skis and tubes for towing behind boats. Jet skis cannot tow.
Q: What’s the difference between a pontoon and a tritoon? Pontoons have two tubes; tritoons have three, offering greater stability and smoother handling.
Q: Can I tube or water ski behind a tritoon? Yes. Our tritoons (115hp or 150hp) are suitable for tubing and water skiing.
Q: Can I bring my own tube or water skis? Yes. You may use your own equipment behind boats. Towing behind jet skis is not permitted.
