Docks On Wheels

Minnesota sets the rental age in statute: under section 86B.306, a person who rents or leases a motorboat or personal watercraft must be 18 or older. Someone younger may still operate it if they are named as an authorized operator on the rental agreement and hold a valid watercraft operator's permit.

Operating rules are separate. A person of any age may run a motorboat rated 25 horsepower or less that is not a personal watercraft, without a permit. No one under 12 may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower. An accompanying operator must be 21 or older, aboard, within immediate reach of the controls, and permitted or exempt.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (revisor.mn.gov)

Yes. As of July 1, 2026, Minnesota requires operators age 12 or older who were born after June 30, 2000, to possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit when driving a motorboat or personal watercraft, unless supervised or exempt. Children under 12 cannot operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower; they may operate a non-PWC under 75 horsepower with a qualified accompanying operator. Boats with 25 horsepower or less are exempt.

Renters must be at least 18. Adult rental customers can complete a rental course for a 180-day certificate, but resort rentals follow regular permit rules. Qualifying short-term nonresidents and certain licensed maritime operators are exempt. The Minnesota DNR administers the program.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (dnr.state.mn.us)

From Ely, the clearest day boating choices are Shagawa Lake, the White Iron Chain and Fall Lake. Shagawa is the close to town option, with a craggy shoreline, small islands and weed beds. White Iron, Garden, Farm and South Farm form a connected chain bordering the Boundary Waters; put in at the Farm Lake boat landing to reach South Farm, while paddlers can continue toward the North Kawishiwi River. Fall Lake has its own boat landing; part of the lake lies within the Boundary Waters, while the remainder is open to unrestricted boating.

Source: Ely Area Tourism Bureau (ely.org)

Boaters planning an Ely-area day trip can head to Semers Beach Park on Shagawa Lake for sand beaches and picnic tables, Gusty Island on Burntside Lake for a publicly accessible island that will remain undeveloped, or Lake One for paddling among its many bays and islands. Together, they offer a convenient beach stop, an undeveloped island visit and a flexible Boundary Waters day paddle.

Source: Ely Chamber of Commerce (ely.org)