INSPIRATION WHARF

New York's only statutory rental age is for personal watercraft and specialty prop-craft: Navigation Law §73-a bars a livery from renting one to anyone under sixteen, and in the same clause requires genuine proof of identification and age plus compliance with the boating safety certificate rule in section 49. A personal watercraft renter over eighteen may skip that certificate only where the livery keeps them within five hundred feet of the agent assigned to supervise, on a clearly marked craft.

Operating age is separate. Section 49 sets ten years for a mechanically propelled vessel and fourteen for a personal watercraft, each with a certificate; a personal watercraft operator may instead be accompanied by a certificate holder over eighteen. Rental companies set their own minimum age.

Source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (nysenate.gov)

Yes, but New York calls it a Safe Boating Certificate rather than a boating license. The state generally requires recreational operators of motorized vessels to complete a state-approved course and carry the original certificate, including for personal watercraft. Operators of other motorboats must be at least 10, while PWC operators must be at least 14. Renters age 18 or older may operate a livery motorboat without a certificate after receiving basic instruction and safety information; a rented PWC may be operated without one only within a marked area near the livery. Renters under 18 need a certificate, and no one under 16 may rent a PWC at all. Course graduates receive a temporary certificate valid for 90 days. Valid U.S. Coast Guard operator licensees are exempt. New York State Parks administers the program.

Source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (parks.ny.gov)

From Port Washington, you can cruise sheltered Manhasset Bay, continue into western Long Island Sound, or make Hempstead Harbor a sheltered stop. Manhasset Bay is popular with yachts, but its far end has shallow mudflats, and the bay carries a 5 mph limit.

Around Toms Point, Manorhaven has extensive small-craft facilities. Plum Point marks the run toward the outer bay, but the bight beside it is shoal. The Sound is the open-water option, while Hempstead Harbor offers excellent anchorage and shelter. Trailer boats can use the Manorhaven Beach Park boat ramp.

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

From Port Washington, boaters can make Long Island Sound day trips to City Island, Glen Cove Creek at Garvies Point, and Northport Harbor. City Island combines waterfront restaurants with marinas, yacht clubs and a strong maritime character. Garvies Point offers an esplanade where visitors can watch traffic moving through Glen Cove Creek and the harbor. Northport Harbor has a village dock at the end of Main Street beside Cow Harbor Park and Village Park, placing the village center and waterfront green space together.

Source: New York City Department of Transportation (nyc.gov)