Launch Watersports

Montana sets no rental age in law; the rental company sets its own. What the state sets is who may operate. Children 12 or younger may not operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by someone 18 or older. Youths of 13 and 14 may not operate those vessels without a valid Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate or evidence of completing an approved boating safety course. So 13 is the youngest an unsupervised operator can be, and only with that certificate. Confirm the rental company's own minimum when booking.

Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov)

Montana does not require a boating license or education card for most adult recreational operators. For motorboats and personal watercraft over 10 horsepower, children 12 or younger may operate only when accompanied by someone 18 or older. Operators ages 13 and 14 must have a Montana motorboat operator’s safety certificate or proof of an approved boating safety course, unless accompanied by someone 18 or older.

A person must be at least 18 to rent one of these vessels, so rental customers are not subject to the youth certificate rule or a temporary renter certificate requirement. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks administers boating education.

Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov)

Montana’s best boating choices span northwest mountain lakes, northeastern prairie reservoirs, central Missouri River impoundments and long river corridors. Flathead Lake offers expansive natural water for powerboats and sailboats, while the nearby Thompson Chain of Lakes provides 18 connected-region lakes suited to boating and paddling. Fort Peck Lake is the state’s largest lake by surface area and offers big-reservoir cruising in northeastern Montana. Near Helena, the 25-mile Canyon Ferry Reservoir is a notable sailing destination. For river boating, the Yellowstone River near Billings has slow, wide stretches suited to relaxed canoe trips.

Source: Montana Office of Tourism (visitmt.com)

Top Montana boating destinations include Flathead Lake near Bigfork and Polson, with extensive shoreline, state park access and boat access to Wild Horse Island; Whitefish Lake, popular for boating, water skiing, fishing and mountain views; Canyon Ferry Reservoir near Helena, with 25 miles of water to explore by sailboat; Holter Lake north of Helena, known for leisurely flatwater paddling; and Fort Peck Lake, Montana’s largest lake by surface area and a prime destination for longer boating and fishing trips.

Source: Montana Office of Tourism (visitmt.com)