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Kentucky’s legal minimum to operate a personal watercraft or motorboat over 10 horsepower without supervision is 12, provided an operator ages 12 through 17 possesses a safe boating certificate. Under KRS 235.285(7), a person under 12 may not operate either vessel class on Kentucky public waters. A 12 to 17 year old without the certificate may operate only while accompanied on board by a person age 18 or older or a person possessing a safe boating certificate. Nonresidents in that age range must possess a Kentucky certificate or recognized equivalent. Rental operators set their own booking minimums, so confirm the age requirement when reserving.

Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Kentucky does not require a general boating license for adults, but operators ages 12 through 17 need boating credentials when running a motorboat, including a personal watercraft, over 10 horsepower on public waters. Children under 12 may not operate those vessels. A qualifying youth may carry a Kentucky Safe Boating Certificate or proof of completing a NASBLA approved course, or be accompanied on board as allowed by state law. Equivalent credentials are accepted for nonresident youths. Renting does not create a separate exemption, and current state pages do not list a temporary rental certificate. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources administers boater education.

Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (fw.ky.gov)

The best places to boat in Kentucky are its large inland reservoirs, connected western lakes and major river corridors. In the Western Waterlands region, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley form a canal linked pair around Land Between the Lakes, combining broad water, sheltered bays and routes for motorboats and paddlers. In southern Kentucky, Lake Cumberland offers wooded coves, rocky cliffs and water suited to houseboats, pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks and paddleboards. For river boating, the Ohio River provides cruising water at Louisville and in Northern Kentucky, offering an alternative to the state’s lake destinations.

Source: Kentucky Department of Tourism (kentuckytourism.com)

Kentucky’s most popular boating destinations include Kentucky Lake, the state’s largest lake and a major destination for boating and crappie fishing; Lake Barkley, known for sailing and bass fishing; Lake Cumberland, prized for houseboating and a wide range of water sports; Dale Hollow Lake, valued for clear water and premier bass fishing; and Herrington Lake, a popular choice for water sports.

Source: Kentucky Department of Tourism (kentuckytourism.com)