Happy Days Boating

In Ohio, age 12 is the point at which someone may operate a motorboat other than a personal watercraft without supervision, but the rental operator decides its booking minimum. Under 12, operation requires direct visual and audible supervision by someone 18 or older; for powercraft over 10 horsepower, that supervisor must be aboard. Personal watercraft operators must be 16 to operate alone; ages 12 through 15 need a supervisor 18 or older aboard, and under 12 may not operate. Under Ohio Revised Code sections 1547.052 and 1547.06, operators and supervisors of rented powercraft over 10 horsepower born on or after January 1, 1982, must document approved education or pass the rental business’s abbreviated exam. Confirm the rental company’s minimum when booking.

Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Watercraft (dam.assets.ohio.gov)

Ohio requires a boater education certificate, not a traditional license, for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, operating powercraft over 10 horsepower, including personal watercraft. Children under 12 may operate non PWC powercraft over 10 horsepower only under direct supervision of an adult 18 or older aboard. PWC operators must be 16, except ages 12 through 15 may operate with an adult 18 or older aboard. Covered rental customers may show prior education or score at least 90 percent on the rental exam and be named on the agreement; approved online rental proof is temporary and valid 14 days. Holders of qualifying Coast Guard merchant mariner credentials are exempt. Ohio’s Division of Parks and Watercraft administers these rules.

Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Watercraft (dam.assets.ohio.gov)

From Port Clinton, point down the Portage River through Port Clinton harbor to Lake Erie, or choose West Harbor, East Harbor or Put-in-Bay. The Portage River State Wildlife Area has access for motorized boats; the harbor’s dredged channel reaches the lake between two piers and has a 4 mph limit. Outside, Lake Erie is broad, exposed water with shoals near the Port Clinton approach. West Harbor is a large small-craft harbor; the state park marina ramp serves it, while a campers-only ramp serves East Harbor. Put-in-Bay is a protected South Bass Island inlet with transient berths.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From Port Clinton, boaters head onto Lake Erie for island day trips to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island, Kelleys Island and Middle Bass Island. Put-in-Bay draws crews with downtown restaurants, shopping, historic sites and entertainment; Kelleys Island offers a beach, nature preserves, trails and the Glacial Grooves; Middle Bass provides a quieter stop at the state park marina, with natural areas and the historic Lonz Winery property nearby.

Source: Shores & Islands Ohio (shoresandislands.com)