Hansen Boat Co

For a rented motor-driven boat or vessel with 15 horsepower or more, Washington law allows unsupervised operation from age 12 if the operator carries the required Boater Education Card; a personal watercraft cannot be rented to anyone under 16. An operator age 12 or older without a required card must be accompanied and under the direct supervision of a person age 16 or older who possesses a card. The card requirement generally begins at 12 for operators born after January 1, 1955. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 14. These rules are in RCW 79A.60.640 and 79A.60.190. Rental operators may set higher minimums, so confirm when booking.

Source: Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Safety Program (app.leg.wa.gov)

Yes, Washington requires many recreational operators to carry a Boater Education Card rather than a traditional boating license. Operators age 12 or older who were born after January 1, 1955, must carry it when operating a vessel with a motor of 15 horsepower or more. This includes personal watercraft meeting that threshold. The minimum operator age is 12 for these motorboats and 14 for personal watercraft; personal watercraft cannot be rented to anyone under 16.

Rental customers may instead complete and carry the State Parks approved safety checklist. Common exemptions cover people born before January 1, 1955, qualifying short term visitors and recent boat purchasers. A course completion certificate serves as a temporary card for 60 days. Washington State Parks administers the program.

Source: Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Safety Program (parks.wa.gov)

From Everett, you can boat on Port Gardner Bay, visit Jetty Island, continue into Possession Sound or explore the Snohomish River. Saltwater boats can put in at the 10th Street Boat Launch. Port Gardner Bay is a working harbor, while Jetty Island offers sandy shoreline put-ins.

Port Gardner opens into Possession Sound, the deeper, more open option connecting with Puget Sound, Saratoga Passage and Port Susan. The marked channel inside Jetty Island leads into the Snohomish River. River boats can launch at Langus Riverfront Park, where low tides and shoaling require attention.

Source: City of Everett (everettwa.gov)

Boaters from Everett can choose Jetty Island, Langley or Coupeville for a day on the water. Jetty Island is a nearby beach stop with walking trails, picnicking and fishing access. Langley’s South Whidbey Harbor has guest moorage and is a short walk from downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. Coupeville Wharf in Penn Cove offers guest moorage and fuel, with a restaurant and shopping at the wharf.

Source: City of Everett (everettwa.gov)