Do You Need a Boat License to Rent a Boat on Lake George? & More FAQs
Help keep yourself and others safe, and the lake clean, by adhering to the rules and regulations. Get the answers to your burning questions about boating below, including do you need a boat license to rent a boat on Lake George?
Do you need a boating license to rent a boat on Lake George?
You don't need a boating license to rent a boat on Lake George, but you do need to be at least 21 years old with a valid drivers license, and a boating certificate.
Do you need a boating license to rent a jet ski?
You don’t need a boating license to rent a jet ski on Lake George, but you do need to be at least 14 years old with a boating safety certificate.
How do you get a boating safety certificate?
Find where to get a boating certificate >>
Where can you rent a boat or jet ski?
See places to rent a boat or jet ski >>
Where can you launch a boat on Lake George?
Find public and private boat launches >>
Do you need to register your boat?
All vessels that are 18 feet or longer, or are mechanically propelled by motors of 10hp or greater must be registered with the Lake George Park Commission and display a registration decal.
See more on registering your boat >>
How old do you need to be to rent and drive a boat?
You need to be 21 years old with a valid drivers license.
Do you need to get your boat inspected?
Yes, every trailered boat must be inspected before entering the water and decontaminated, if necessary. This is to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Where can you buy gas for your boat on Lake George?
Several marinas on Lake George sell gas for your boat, including Yankee Boating Center, F.R. Smith & Sons Marina, Boardwalk Marina, Castaway Marina, Queen Boat Co., and Sandy Bay Marina.
What should you do in case of a boating emergency?
Use marine VHF Channel 16 to call for assistance; this channel is monitored by the US Coast Guard and local marine patrols. You could also call 911. In a non-emergency event wherein you need assistance, call the closest marina.
Are there no wake zones on Lake George?
Boaters must operate at no more than 5mph when within 100 feet of docks, moorings, anchored vessels, or the shoreline.
Are there any boating rules specific to Lake George?
The Lake George Park Commission does have special rules for Lake George, including, but not limited to:
- Maximum 45mph speed limit in all areas from 6am to 9pm, maximum 25mph from 9pm to 6am, and maximum 5mph in no wake zones
- All persons waterskiing, tubing, etc. must wear an approved Type III personal flotation device, and an observer at least 10 years old is required
- US Coast Guard approved lifesaving device (PFD) is required on a boat for each person aboard, and kids under 12 must wear the PFD at all times
- Motorboats must have a B-1 type fire extinguisher, horn or whistle, anchor and line, and distress flag or flares
Read up more on navigation rules from the Lake George Park Commission >>
Brush up on all the boating rules and regulations >>
