The Boat Shop at Lake Lanier – Oconee

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 Eatonton, choose Lake Oconee’s southern main stem, the Richland Creek embayment or Lake Sinclair. Long Shoals Boat Ramp reaches Lake Oconee’s larger main-stem water, while Armour Bridge Boat Ramp starts in the more enclosed Richland Creek embayment. Lawrence Shoals Park offers another Lake Oconee launch near Wallace Dam. Across the dam, Lake Sinclair combines winding coves with broad open-water stretches, with public launching at Rocky Creek Park. Wallace Dam sits between the reservoirs, so choose a launch on the lake you plan to use.

Source: Georgia Power (georgiapower.com)

From Eatonton, good Lake Oconee day trips include the Sandbar, Jumping Rock, Lawrence Shoals Park and Old Salem Park. The Sandbar draws boaters for shallow-water lounging and socializing, while Jumping Rock is a landmark accessible only by boat where visitors gather to swim and play. Lawrence Shoals offers a swimming beach, picnic facilities and nature trails for a longer shore break. Old Salem provides another convenient beach and picnic stop, with restrooms and boat access.

Source: Georgia Power (georgiapower.com)