Marine Center of Indiana

Indiana requires a motorboat operator to hold a valid driver's license, or else to be at least 15 years old, to have passed a Boater Education Course, and to carry an identification card issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Those requirements are set out in IC 14-15-11. The state sets no minimum age for renting, so the rental company's own policy is what decides whether you can book. Confirm it when you reserve.

Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (faqs.in.gov)

Indiana does not issue a separate recreational boating license; operators of motorboats over 10 horsepower, including personal watercraft, generally must carry a valid driver’s license. A person age 15 or older without one may operate only after completing an Indiana Department of Natural Resources approved boater education course and carrying an Indiana BMV identification card. No one under 15 may operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft.

The rule has no birth date cutoff. Rental customers are not listed as exempt. A temporary course certificate may document completion, but it does not replace the required BMV ID. Boats with 10 horsepower or less are excluded from these operator requirements.

Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, in.gov/dnr (faqs.in.gov)

From Indianapolis, choose Eagle Creek Reservoir, Geist Reservoir, Morse Reservoir or the White River. Eagle Creek is the low power option: motors are limited to 10 horsepower, with trailers using the 42nd Street ramp. Geist accommodates motorboats from the Olio Road launch and canoes or kayaks from Geist Waterfront Park.

Morse offers open reservoir boating along residential shorelines, with trailer access at Forest Park DNR Public Boat Ramp. For a river outing, launch a canoe or kayak onto the White River at Hazel Landing, Prather Park or Potter’s Bridge Park. These are separate outings, so drive or tow to your chosen launch rather than planning a connected route.

Source: Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (hamiltoncounty.in.gov)

Boaters from Indianapolis often choose Eagle Creek Reservoir, Geist Waterfront Park on Geist Reservoir, and the White River canoe route through Broad Ripple and Riverside Regional Park. At Eagle Creek Park, the marina area combines reservoir boating and fishing with a swimming beach. Geist Waterfront Park suits a quieter outing, with beach access and a nonmotorized launch for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. The White River route offers access at both Broad Ripple and Riverside, giving paddlers established public starting points for an urban river day.

Source: Indy Parks and Recreation (parks.indy.gov)