Harbor Town Marina

Georgia Code Section 52-7-8.3 sets 16 as the minimum age to rent a vessel of 10 horsepower or more; the PWC rental minimum is 16. Unsupervised operation starts at 12, only on vessels under 16 feet, including PWCs, after passing a DNR-approved boating education course.

Under 12, a person may operate only a vessel under 16 feet that is nonmotorized or powered by 30 horsepower or less, with a competent adult age 18 or older who is not under the influence and carries proper identification; PWC operation is prohibited. Operators 16 or older born after January 1, 1998, must pass an approved course to operate any vessel and carry the card. Rental operators set their own minimum; confirm when booking.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (georgiawildlife.com)

Georgia does not require a boating license, but people born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete Georgia Department of Natural Resources approved boater education and carry the card when operating a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft. Children under 12 cannot operate a PWC or boat 16 feet or longer; those 12 to 15 may operate boats under 16 feet, including PWCs, with approved education or a competent adult.

Rentals of 10 horsepower or more require operators to be at least 16. The rental’s approved course issues a certificate valid statewide for six months. Rental course exemptions include Coast Guard masters, valid DNR approved cardholders, and qualifying nonresidents with NASBLA approved proof; the general rule also exempts private lake or pond operation.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (georgiawildlife.com)

From Acworth, you can choose quiet Lake Acworth or the larger, more open waters of Allatoona Lake. Cauble Park’s Lake Acworth ramp suits a low speed outing because the city allows trolling motor boats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, but not gas motors or personal watercraft. Dallas Landing’s ramp opens onto the Allatoona Creek arm at the meeting of three embayments. Blockhouse Boat Ramp is also on that arm; it is a popular year-round launch for reaching broader reservoir water.

Source: City of Acworth (acworth-ga.gov)

On Lake Allatoona, boaters from Acworth can make day trips to Galt’s Ferry Day Use Park, where a courtesy dock, swimming beach and picnic facilities make an easy shore stop; Victoria Day Use Area, which combines a beach, boat ramp and picnic tables; and Red Top Mountain State Park, whose sand beach sits in a cove and whose boat docks support a longer swim and picnic break.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District (gastateparks.org)