Carlton Landing Marina 101

Carlton Landing Marina Guide: Boat Rentals, What to Expect & Insider Tips

If you’re planning a trip to Carlton Landing and wondering whether renting a boat is worth it—the short answer is yes. But this guide will help you understand exactly what to expect before you book.

In a recent podcast episode, I sat down with Jeremy Mullen, General Manager of the Carlton Landing Marina, to break down everything from boat rentals to guest experience.

Here’s what you need to know.

A Family-Owned Marina with a Bigger Vision

The Carlton Landing Marina is operated by Ugly John’s, a multi-generation, family-owned boating business that’s been around since 1974.

What makes this location unique is that it’s not just a marina—it’s designed to enhance the Carlton Landing experience. Think of it as an extension of the community, not just a place to grab a boat.

Boat Rentals at Carlton Landing: What’s Available

The marina offers high-quality tritoon boat rentals, which are:

• Faster and more stable than traditional pontoons

• Great for tubing, cruising, and family outings

• Easy to operate—even for beginners

Current & upcoming options include:

• Standard tritoons (up to ~12 passengers)

• Larger premium boats (up to ~17 passengers)

• Potential surf boats (with captain) for wake surfing

• Possible jet ski rentals (coming soon)

All boats are newer models (typically under 2 years old), which is not standard in the rental world—and makes a big difference in experience.

Do You Need Experience to Rent a Boat?

No boating license is required in Oklahoma.

Before heading out, every renter gets:

• A walkthrough of the boat

• Basic driving instructions

• Safety guidance

Best advice from Jeremy:

Go slow. The throttle is your enemy, not your friend.

If you’re nervous, just ask for extra help—they’ll take the time to make sure you feel comfortable.

What’s Included in Your Rental

This isn’t just a “grab the keys and go” situation—they’re intentionally building a better guest experience.

Included or available:

• Life jackets for all passengers

• Coolers (with ice provided)

• Tube rentals

• Lily pads for lounging

• Optional add-ons for upgraded experiences

They’re even working toward more concierge-style touches, like helping prep your day on the water.

Half Day vs Full Day: What Should You Book?

You can choose:

• Half day (4 hours)

• Full day (8 hours)

Jeremy’s honest take:

• Half day = better for the business

• Full day = better for you

A full day gives you flexibility to come and go, take breaks, and not feel rushed.

When to Book (Important)

If you’re visiting during peak times—Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day—book as early as possible.

Boat rentals are already filling up, especially for larger groups.

What They Learned (and Improved) After Year One

Last summer was their first season—and they learned a lot.

What’s changing this year:

• More boats added to the fleet

• Expanded merchandise (Carlton Landing gear, apparel, gifts)

• Less focus on convenience-store items, more on curated retail

• Increased visibility in the community

• A stronger, returning team focused on customer experience

Why This Matters for Your Stay

One of the biggest surprises?

Many visitors don’t even realize:

• You can rent boats within Carlton Landing

• You don’t need to bring your own or go elsewhere

• It’s all accessible by golf cart

This makes the marina one of the most underrated amenities in Carlton Landing.

Quick Tips Before You Go

• Book early (especially for summer weekends)

• Opt for a full-day rental if you can

• Add this to your guest guidebook if you host

• Don’t skip the walkthrough—even if you’ve boated before

• Consider the insurance add-on (highly recommended)

Where to Book + Shop

• Boat Rentals: CarltonLandingBoatRentals.com

• Merch & Apparel: BoathouseClothing.com

To listen to the full episode on Spotify, click HERE. To listen on Apple podcast, click HERE.

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