Do I need a boating license to rent?

Renters must be 18+ to rent and drive; operators will brief drivers on safe handling but a formal license requirement depends on Connecticut state rules—check with the rental company.

Can we tow tubes or wakeboards?

No. These boats do not include towing setups and towing of any kind is not allowed.

What is the fuel policy?

Boats are filled up prior to rental; fuel costs to refill on return will be deducted from the damage deposit.

How much is the damage deposit?

A $500 damage deposit is held on a credit card prior to the rental.

Are children required to wear life jackets?

Yes. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times while on the boat.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations must be made 48 hours or more before the rental to avoid a full day charge against the deposit.

Cruise Hauser Lake Aboard the Sun Tracker: 22' Pontoon for Families

The Sun Tracker - Hauser Location puts a roomy 22' pontoon on Hauser Lake, a compact freshwater reservoir on the edge of New London, Connecticut. Moored near Harbor Ln, New London, CT 06320, USA, this cruiser is built to carry a crowd—up to 11 people—without feeling crowded. The layout includes an unusual 'first mate' high-back swivel armchair, generous bench seating and an extra-powerful outboard that makes getting to the lake's quiet coves and sandbars fast and effortless. A day aboard feels like a private flotilla: slow cruising past tree-lined shorelines, shallow bays that warm into swimming pockets, stony points where great blue herons stand motionless, and the occasional bald eagle riding thermals above. The boat is simple to run for anyone 18 or older with a valid rental; rules are clear—no towing, no smoking, no night use, and children under 12 must wear life jackets—making it a low-stress choice for families. Operational details include a $500 damage deposit held on card, fuel filled at pickup with charges deducted on return, pickup typically between 8 and 9 a.m., and a standard return by 7 p.m. What makes this rental stand out in southeastern Connecticut is the balance of comfort and capability. Pontoon boats allow relaxed afternoons with room for coolers, fishing gear, inflatable lounge floats, and social seating; this model adds a higher-backed swivel chair for a commanding view and a stronger motor when you want to explore farther reaches of Hauser Lake. It’s a practical alternative to cramped rental skiffs or powerboats that demand more skill and produce larger wakes. Plan your day: pack layered sun protection, a bailing bucket for sandy kids, and a cooler with non-glass containers. Respect local shoreline habitats by avoiding skinny-water wakes and packing out trash. For photographers, golden hour skims the shoreline with warm light; anglers will find calm morning pockets along woody coves. Though instructions mention no towing gear, the pontoon still invites laid-back cruising, picnicking, swimming and birding. Booking terms are firm—cancellations require 48 hours’ notice or risk forfeiting the deposit—so confirm plans early. Whether you’re hosting a sun-drenched family reunion, a lazy fishing trip, or an afternoon of shoreline exploration, The Sun Tracker on Hauser Lake is an easy, social way to enjoy Connecticut’s inland waters without the complexity of larger boats or the crowds of ocean harbors. The listing does not specify an on-site office or named operator, so arrive at the Harbor Ln launch early with ID and the credit card for the deposit. Rental staff usually brief groups on safe handling and local rules before departure; if you need cooler racks, toddler life jackets, or accessibility accommodations, request them at booking so staff can prepare and bring sunscreen.