Wayzata Marine

Minnesota sets the rental age in statute: under section 86B.306, a person who rents or leases a motorboat or personal watercraft must be 18 or older. Someone younger may still operate it if they are named as an authorized operator on the rental agreement and hold a valid watercraft operator's permit.

Operating rules are separate. A person of any age may run a motorboat rated 25 horsepower or less that is not a personal watercraft, without a permit. No one under 12 may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower. An accompanying operator must be 21 or older, aboard, within immediate reach of the controls, and permitted or exempt.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (revisor.mn.gov)

Yes. As of July 1, 2026, Minnesota requires operators age 12 or older who were born after June 30, 2000, to possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit when driving a motorboat or personal watercraft, unless supervised or exempt. Children under 12 cannot operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower; they may operate a non-PWC under 75 horsepower with a qualified accompanying operator. Boats with 25 horsepower or less are exempt.

Renters must be at least 18. Adult rental customers can complete a rental course for a 180-day certificate, but resort rentals follow regular permit rules. Qualifying short-term nonresidents and certain licensed maritime operators are exempt. The Minnesota DNR administers the program.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (dnr.state.mn.us)

You can boat from Wayzata Bay into the connected bays and open basins of Lake Minnetonka. Wayzata Bay is the sheltered local start, with the City of Wayzata public launch, parking, toilets and short-term docking. Lower Lake North offers broad open water, while Browns Bay is a more enclosed side trip. Big Island’s Cruiser’s Cove is a quiet-water anchoring area, but keep the marked public safety lanes clear. Grays Bay is another slower choice because it is mapped as weekend-and-holiday quiet water and has its own public access. Follow the marked channels and navigation buoys between bays.

Source: Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (lmcd.org)

From Wayzata, boaters make Lake Minnetonka day trips to Big Island Nature Park, Wawatasso Island, Wild Goose Chase Island and the Port of Excelsior. Big Island offers a public dock and informal hiking trails; Wawatasso is a favorite beaching spot with informal trails; Wild Goose Chase has designated sites available on a first-come basis; and Excelsior provides public pay-to-dock access for a shore visit. Each offers a distinct break from cruising while keeping the outing entirely on Lake Minnetonka.

Source: City of Orono (oronomn.gov)