Mini Airboat Association

Under Pennsylvania law, a rented personal watercraft operator must be at least 16; for other motorboats, the operating minimum depends on motor power. Boats with motors of 25 horsepower or less have no age restriction, while anyone 11 or younger may not operate a boat powered by more than 25 horsepower.

All personal watercraft operators normally need a Boating Safety Education Certificate, and operators born on or after January 1, 1982, need one for boats over 25 horsepower. The rental operator may set a higher minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (pa.gov)

Pennsylvania does not issue a general recreational boating license, but certain operators need a Boating Safety Education Certificate. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission requires it of people born on or after January 1, 1982 who operate boats with motors greater than 25 horsepower, and of all personal watercraft operators regardless of birth year.

Operators 11 or younger may not operate a personal watercraft or a boat over 25 horsepower, and a renter of a personal watercraft must be at least 16. Rental businesses must give customers a safety and operation orientation before rental, but that is a duty on the rental business and does not excuse the renter from holding a certificate. A temporary certificate issued after an approved course is valid for 60 days.

Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (pa.gov)

Pennsylvania’s best boating waters include Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay near Erie, Pymatuning Reservoir in western Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna River across the interior, and the Delaware River in the east. Lake Erie offers open Great Lakes boating, while Presque Isle Bay provides a bay setting for motorboats, sailboats, and paddling craft. Pymatuning is a large inland reservoir with launches, marinas, and rentals. The Susquehanna and Delaware provide river boating and paddling with access through several state parks.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (pa.gov)

Some of Pennsylvania’s most popular boating destinations are Lake Erie and Presque Isle in Erie, known for boating, fishing and sandy shoreline; Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers, where motorboats and paddlers can explore the city and moor during the day at Point State Park; Lake Wallenpaupack near Hawley, popular for boating, jet skiing and paddleboarding; Conneaut Lake, favored for fishing, swimming and water skiing; and Raystown Lake near Hesston, a favorite for boating and kayaking, with unspoiled shoreline and houseboat stays.

Source: Pennsylvania Tourism Office (visitpa.com)