Multiple people gathered at a lakeside with colorful kayaks and paddleboards, enjoying a sunny day. The scene showcases outdoor water sports, team activities, and scenic nature, emphasizing adventure and recreation.
Back to All JobsLuxury modern boat by Madison Boats on calm water, showcasing sleek design and premium craftsmanship for boating enthusiasts.

Pontoon Captain

Join our team as a Pontoon Captain, where you’ll navigate boats, ensure passenger safety, maintain the vessel in top condition, provide engaging tours, and manage onboard equipment. Leadership roles are available for those ready to oversee crew activities and assist in coordinating special maritime events. *Motorboat experience is required, and a license must be obtained before employment. Upon hiring, additional on-site training will be provided.

Pay: $12-15 per hour starting + tips (~$5-10 per hour)
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Qualifications

  • Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience

  • Reliable and punctual

  • Comfortable interacting with people

  • Enjoy being around water

  • Ability to accept supervision and guidance

  • Ability to supervise and guide a team of peers

  • Willingness to learn how to use the variety of boats and improve your watercraft skills

  • Must have open availability during the summer

Benefits

  • Pay $12-18 per hour starting wage, including tips

  • Opportunity to enjoy working on one of Madison's beautiful lakes

  • Discounts on Lake Monona pontoon rentals

  • Staff events

  • Benefits include unlimited access to paddle crafts and discounts for friends and family.

Captaining

Pontoon Boat Captain: Marshall Boats ONLY. We are looking for individuals who have experience with powered watercraft and have experience relevant to leading groups out onto Lake Mendota. This position will primarily operate out of Marshall Boats and the Edgewater Hotel and will include occasional crew shifts.

About Madison Boats

Madison Boats is one of the largest rental operations in the Midwest, dedicated to bringing people and communities together through exceptional boating experiences. With four locations across three lakes—Lake Wingra, Lake Mendota, and Lake Monona—we offer a diverse fleet of over 400 boats, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing boats, and pontoon boats. Our mission is to make enjoying our lakes easy, enjoyable, and affordable for everyone.

More Team Perks

Unlimited Paddling!

Brightly colored paddleboards on calm water with two women enjoying paddleboarding, wearing life jackets and smiling, surrounded by a scenic shoreline under a clear sky.

Friends & Family Discounts!

Enjoying a fun day on the water with friends on a bright orange Madison Boats kayak, showcasing outdoor adventure, water recreation, and the perfect summer activity for boating enthusiasts.

Tips + Much More!

Aerial view of people kayaking on a river during sunset with cityscape in the background, highlighting Madison Boats’ outdoor adventure and recreational watercraft offerings.

Pricing

SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 275lbs.)

  • First Hour: $16
  • Additional Hours: $12

Kid SUP’s – (Max Capacity: Up to 100lbs.)

  • First Hour: $10
  • Additional Hours: $10

2-4 Person SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 600lbs.)

  • First Hour: $30
  • Additional Hours: $20

4-8 Person SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 1,000lbs.)

  • First Hour: $40
  • Additional Hours: $30

Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 350lbs.)

  • First Hour: $16
  • Additional Hours: $12

Tandem Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $22
  • Additional Hours: $15

On-Top Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 275lbs.)

  • First Hour: $16
  • Additional Hours: $12

On-Top Tandem Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $22
  • Additional Hours: $15

Canoes – (Max Capacity: 2-4 People, 850lbs.)

  • First Hour: $22
  • Additional Hours: $15

Solo Canoes – (Max Capacity: 400lbs.)

  • First Hour: $18
  • Additional Hours: $15

Paddle Boats – (Max Capacity: 4 People, 500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $24
  • Additional Hours: $15

Row Boats – (Max Capacity: 3-4 People, 400lbs.)

  • First Hour: $24
  • Additional Hours: $15

Watermats – (Max Capacity: 10 People, 1,500lbs.)

  • First Hour: $40
  • Additional Hours: $30

Duck, Swan & Dragon Paddle Boats – (Max Capacity: 5 People, 800lbs.)

  • First Hour: $30
  • Additional Hours: $20

8 Passenger Pontoon Boat

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $85 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $95 Per Hr

Fishing/Cruise Pontoon Boat

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $85 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $95 Per Hr

12 Passenger Pontoon Boat

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $105 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $115 Per Hr

Captained Pontoon – (Max Capacity: 10 People)

  • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $135 Per Hr
  • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $155 Per Hr