I often hear this question from curious water adventure seekers. But the truth is, there’s no definite answer to this. The minimum age requirement for renting a boat varies depending on the rental provider, the type of boat, the state you’re in, and other considerations.
This implies that various regulations and criteria apply across the country. However, rental companies generally require that you be at least 18 years old to rent a boat.
Minimum Age for Renting Boats by State
While I make every effort to verify all the information I present here is correct, it’s always a good idea to consult the right authorities for more inquiries.
| State | Age Requirement/s |
| Alabama | At least 12 years old; Ages 12 to 13 years old, accompanied onboard by a 21-year-old with a boating license |
| Alaska | No minimum age requirements |
| Arizona | At least 12 years old for boats above 8 horsepower;Ages 12 to 13 years, accompanied by a 21-year-old with a boating license |
| Arkansas | At least 14 years for boats above 10 horsepower |
| California | At least 16 years old for boats above 15 horsepower; Ages 12 to 15 years old, accompanied by an 18-year-old |
| Colorado | At least 14 years old with a boating safety course certificate; 16-year-olds are not required to be certified |
| Connecticut | At least 16 years old; 12-year-olds can operate a boat up to 10 horsepower |
| Delaware | At least 14 years old with a boating safety course certification, accompanied by an adult; 16-year-olds won’t need any companion |
| Florida | At least 14 years old |
| Georgia | At least 12 years old |
| Hawaii | At least 15 years old |
| Idaho | No minimum age requirements |
| Illinois | No minimum age requirements |
| Indiana | At least 15 years old with a boater education course certification; 16 years old or older must have a valid drivers license |
| Iowa | At least 12 years old for boats above 10 horsepower |
| Kansas | At least 12 years old |
| Kentucky | At least 12 years old for boats above 10 horsepower |
| Louisiana | At least 16 years old with a boater education course certification |
| Maine | At least 12 years old, accompanied by an adult; 16-year-olds can operate a boat above 10 horsepower; Ages 16 to 18 with a certification may operate a personal watercraft or accompanied by an 18-year-old |
| Maryland | At least 12 years old to operate a boat used for towing; At least 16 years old to operate rental a personal warcraft |
| Massachusetts | No minimum age requirements |
| Michigan | At least 14 years |
| Minnesota | At least 12 years old with a certification to operate a rental boat above 25 horsepower |
| Mississippi | At least 12 years old with a boating safety course certification |
| Missouri | At least 14 years old, accompanied by a 16-year-old |
| Montana | No minimum age requirements; Ages 1 to 12 who operate vessels above 10 horsepower to be accompanied an-18 year-old; Ages 13 to 14 with a boating safety certificate or accompanied by an adult |
| Nebraska | At least 14 years old |
| Nevada | At least 14 years old |
| New Hampshire | At least 16 years old, accompanied by an adult |
| New Jersey | At least 12 years old for boats not longer than 12 feet, with above 10 horsepower, or powered by an electric motor |
| New Mexico | At least 13 years old |
| New York | At least 10 years old with a boating education course |
| North Carolina | At least 14 years old, accompanied by an adult |
| North Dakota | At least 12 years old with a certification to operate a boat above 10 horsepower |
| Ohio | At least 12 years old |
| Oklahoma | At least 12 years old for boats above 10 horsepower |
| Oregon | At least 16 years old; Under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult |
| Pennsylvania | At least 12 years old for boats above 25 horsepower |
| Rhode Island | No minimum age requirements |
| South Carolina | No minimum age requirements |
| South Dakota | At least 12 years old for boats above 6 horsepower; Under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an 18-year-old |
| Tennessee | At least 12 years for boats above 8.5 horsepower |
| Texas | At least 16 years old for boats above 15 horsepower |
| Utah | At least 16 years old; Under the age of 18 must have completed a safety course |
| Vermont | At least 12 years old for boats above 6 horsepower |
| Virginia | At least 14 years old with completed safety course |
| Washington | At least 16 years old; At least 12 years old for boats above 15 horsepower |
| West Virginia | At least 12 years for boats above 10 horsepower, accompanied by an adult |
| Wisconsin | At least 12 years old |
| Wyoming | At least 16 years old, accompanied by an adult |
Each state has its own classification of which vessel or personal watercraft (PWC) minors can drive. They’re categorized according to their maximum speed or horsepower (HP). You can always consult with your state’s local boating authority about whether or not your minor child can operate a specific type of boat.
Can young people get started with boating?
Depending on your location, the regulations may vary. It’s best to consult with your local boating authorities. This way, you’ll discover more about your area’s restrictions and the best places to go boating.
There are many places with large boating communities that provide safety and training classes for young people. Children can get their feet wet in the water by operating various low horsepower and slower PWCs.
For 12-year-olds, operating a low-end personal watercraft isn’t permitted. Unless it’s under the supervision of an adult.
How old do you need to be to rent a boat in Texas?
In Texas, you have to be at least 16 years old to operate a boat above 15 HP. Texas law also requires you to obtain a boating license if you were born after September 1, 1993, in order to rent a boat.
One of the great places to rent a boat is the American Watercraft Rentals. They provide different types of vessels like speed boats, kayaks, skis, and wakeboarding boats.
How old do you need to be to rent a boat in California?
In California, the state law requires you to be 16 years old or older to drive a boat or personal watercraft with a power of 15 HP or higher. You must also be in possession of your California Boater Card.
If you’re in Long Beach, you may want to check out London Boat Rentals. The boat rental company offers fully-enclosed boats that are also pet-friendly. They also provide free snacks on board.
How old do you need to be to rent a boat in Illinois?
Illinois law doesn’t have a minimum age requirement for boat renters. And you don’t have to possess a boating license to rent a boat.
For a wonderful boating experience, the Chicago Electric Boat Company offers a range of fleets from donut boats to retro boats. You may also avail of their boat passes to access different types of boats.
How old do you need to be to rent a boat in Florida?
To rent a boat, Florida law requires you to be at least 14 years old. While you don’t need a boating license, you must complete an accredited boater education course if you were born after January 2, 1988.
One of the best boat rental places is the Blue Coral Boat Rental LLC. They offer a wide range of boats for different water adventures. Their Chaparral 210ssi “Ocean” is one of the most popular and is perfect for fishing.
How old do you need to be to rent a boat in Tennessee?
Tennessee law requires you to be at least 12 years old to operate a boat above 8.5 HP or any personal watercraft. You won’t need a boating license, but if you were born after January 1, 1989, you must take the exam to drive a boat above 8.5 HP.
If you’re looking for a good pontoon boat, you may consider the Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals. They offer a selection of 12 rental pontoons, which are perfect for weekend group boating.
How old do you need to be to rent a boat in New York?
To rent a boat in New York, you need to be at least 10 years old with a boater education certificate. If you’re above 18, there’s no need for a boating license. For 18 below, you need to complete an accredited boater education course.
If you want to experience NYC by water, you may look at Boat Rentals NYC’s boats. They cater to various events, making them extra special and memorable.
Final Thoughts
Boat rentals are an excellent way to get started in boating without acquiring a vessel. But you must first ensure that you comply with your state’s laws and regulations on renting a boat. Don’t forget to follow your watercraft rental safety checklist for a more enjoyable boating experience. Have fun!
