Boat Dealers in Portland, ME

Dealers in Portland carry Harris, both new and pre-owned depending on the dealer.

June through September is the best time to boat Portland’s Casco Bay, with July and August offering the warmest water. National Weather Service nearshore normals put Portland water in the mid-50s in June, low 60s in July and August, and upper 50s in September. Portland visitor listings show seasonal sailing continuing from June into October, so May and October are cooler shoulder periods rather than firm opening or closing dates.

Choose the day carefully: NOAA’s Coast Pilot says fog is most frequent from June through September, while thunderstorms occur most often in June, July and August. Check the Casco Bay marine forecast before leaving the dock.

Source: National Weather Service Gray/Portland (weather.gov)

From Portland, point first into Portland Harbor, then continue into Casco Bay or along the Fore River. The Eastern Promenade’s East End launch provides trailer access to Casco Bay, while Bug Light’s all-tide ramps give immediate access to Portland Harbor. The harbor is the more sheltered choice, but it is also a working commercial port. The Fore River forms the inner harbor beyond the Casco Bay Bridge. For island boating, Diamond Island Pass is a buoyed route used mainly by small craft, and Peaks Island has a public float landing. Farther into Casco Bay, expect broader, island-studded water.

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

From Portland, boaters make Casco Bay day trips to Peaks Island, Diamond Cove and Jewell Island. Peaks Island draws visitors for bicycling or walking to the Backshore and Battery Steele. Diamond Cove on Great Diamond Island offers marina slips and seasonal dining near the landing. Farther into the bay, Jewell Island is popular with sailors and powerboaters who anchor in Cocktail Cove, then go hiking or beachcombing on the undeveloped island.

Source: Casco Bay Lines (cascobaylines.com)

Maine has no boating license, but qualifying operators must carry a Boating Safety Education Card. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1999 must be at least 12, complete an approved course, and carry the certificate to operate a recreational motorboat over 25 horsepower. Children under 12 may operate under 10 horsepower alone; from 10 through 25 horsepower they need supervision. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16, with the same birth date cutoff for education.

Authorized motorboat renters may take a rental agent’s temporary course, valid up to 14 days or the rental term, whichever is earlier. Exemptions include qualifying Maine guides, certain Coast Guard credential holders, and supervised dealer test drives. Maine IFW administers the requirement.

Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (maine.gov)

In Maine, carry approved life jackets, stay sober, use properly registered boats, follow personal watercraft limits, and protect inland waters from invasive species. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife requires a Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each person; children 12 or younger must wear one while a recreational watercraft is underway, subject to listed exceptions. BUI includes 0.08% BAC or higher for operators 21 and older and any alcohol for operators under 21. Motorboats generally must be registered, with the registration aboard. No one under 16 may operate a PWC, and PWCs cannot run between sunset and sunrise. Motorized craft on inland waters must display a Lake and River Protection Sticker.

Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, maine.gov/ifw (maine.gov)

Maine law does not set one age for every rental; operation depends on the vessel. Under Title 12, section 13068-A, anyone under 12 may operate a motorboat whose motor is between 10 and 25 horsepower only with supervision. A supervisor born after January 1, 1999 must be 16 or older and have completed a boater safety education course. Operators born on or after that date must be at least 12 and hold the education certificate for recreational motorboats over 25 horsepower.

Maine IFW administers these rules. To operate a personal watercraft, a person born on or after January 1, 1999 must be 16 or older and have completed boater education. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm when booking.

Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (maine.gov)

Alongside the boat dealers on this page, Portland has 4 boat rentals, 2 boat clubs and 6 marinas.