The Boat Shack

Utah law allows a person age 16 or older to operate a motorboat without adult supervision; this is not necessarily the age a rental operator will accept. Anyone under 16 may operate a motorboat only under the on-board and direct supervision of someone at least 18, with visual contact maintained.

For personal watercraft, the minimum operating age is 12. Operators ages 12 through 15 need that direct supervision, an approved boating safety course, and the certificate in their possession; ages 16 and 17 also need the course and certificate. These rules are in Utah Code 73-18-15.2. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (le.utah.gov)

Utah does not require a general boating license or boater education card for adults in 2026, although all boaters must complete the annual mussel aware course. Operators ages 12 through 17 must complete an approved course and carry the certificate when operating personal watercraft. Children under 12 may not operate a PWC. Ages 12 through 15 also need direct visual supervision by someone at least 18; anyone under 16 operating another motorboat needs onboard, direct adult supervision. A printable certificate is valid immediately. Rental customers follow these rules, and rental businesses must explain Utah boating laws. The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation administers the program.

Source: Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (recreation.utah.gov)

The best places to go boating in Utah include Bear Lake, Jordanelle Reservoir, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the Green River and Lake Powell, which represent several distinct water settings. Bear Lake offers broad blue water in northern Utah, while Jordanelle provides mountain reservoir boating near Heber Valley. In northeastern Utah, Flaming Gorge combines a large reservoir with canyon scenery, and the Green River offers moving water for float and raft trips. Southern Utah’s Lake Powell features red rock channels, bays and coves used by powerboats, houseboats, sailboats and kayaks.

Source: Utah Office of Tourism (visitutah.com)

Utah’s most popular boating destinations include Lake Powell, Bear Lake, Sand Hollow Reservoir, Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Creek Reservoir. Lake Powell is known for houseboating, shoreline camping and trips into sandstone canyons. Bear Lake draws boaters with aqua blue water and sandy beaches. Sand Hollow pairs warm water with a red sandstone setting. Jordanelle offers three recreation areas above the Heber Valley for boating, picnicking and camping. Deer Creek combines boating and windsurfing on cool water with views of Mount Timpanogos.

Source: Utah Office of Tourism (stateparks.utah.gov)