Boat Rentals in Southport, NC

Late May through June and September into October are generally the best times to boat Southport’s Cape Fear River waterfront and adjacent Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Nearby Oak Island coastal water, which the National Weather Service says is similar at Bald Head Island, warms from the low-to-mid 70s in May to the mid-80s in July and August, then cools from the low 80s in September to around 70 by late October. Winter water averages mainly in the upper 40s to low 50s. On warm-season days, watch the marine forecast because the local sea breeze can change winds and trigger thunderstorms.

Source: City of Southport (cityofsouthport.com)

From Southport, you can choose the Cape Fear River, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, or Lockwoods Folly River for a day on the water. The Cape Fear is the deepwater choice, with a marked federal ship channel, commercial traffic and strong tidal currents. The Intracoastal leaves the river at Southport and follows land cuts toward Lockwoods Folly; its Southport stretch from Marker 1 to Marker 2A is no-wake for recreational boats. Lockwoods Folly River is narrower, with oyster bars along an unmaintained channel outside the waterway. Trailered boats can start at the Oak Island Boating Access Area on Fish Factory Road, which accesses the Intracoastal.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

Good day-trip choices from Southport are Bald Head Island, Zeke’s Island Reserve and Carolina Beach State Park. Bald Head Island offers a harbor stop, beaches and Old Baldy lighthouse. At Zeke’s Island Reserve, private boats provide the main access to the islands and salt-marsh setting around the Basin. Farther along the Cape Fear River, Carolina Beach State Park’s marina sits at Snow’s Cut and has transient dockage, fuel and supplies, plus access to the park’s hiking trails.

Source: North Carolina Coastal Reserve (deq.nc.gov)

North Carolina uses a boater education requirement rather than a conventional boating license: operators born on or after January 1, 1988 must have proof of approved education when operating a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on public waters. This includes personal watercraft. PWC operators generally must be 16; ages 14 or 15 may operate with a compliant adult aboard or with proof of age and approved education, while children under 14 may not operate.

Exceptions include an authorized operator named on a rental or lease agreement, a 90 day state temporary certificate for a new or transferred boat, onboard direct supervision by a qualified adult at least 18, and qualifying nonresidents. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission administers the requirement.

Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (ncwildlife.gov)

North Carolina boaters should follow life jacket, sober operation, registration, personal watercraft and no wake rules enforced by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Anyone younger than 13 must wear an approved life jacket while a recreational vessel is underway, and every PWC rider or person being towed must wear one. Operating any vessel while underway at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher is illegal. All motorized vessels on public waters, including jet skis, must be registered. PWCs cannot operate from sunset to sunrise; operators under 14 are prohibited, while ages 14 and 15 may operate only under stated supervision or education conditions. Use no wake speed within 50 yards of the ramp at state boating access areas.

Source: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (ncwildlife.gov)

North Carolina sets no general minimum age for operating an ordinary motorboat, but personal watercraft operators must be at least 14. Under G.S. 75A-13.3, a 14- or 15-year-old may operate a PWC only with a person at least 18 physically aboard who complies with G.S. 75A-16.2, or while carrying proof of age and approved boating safety certification. For vessels with motors of 10 horsepower or more, operators born on or after January 1, 1988 must meet the boating education requirement. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (ncwildlife.gov)

Alongside the boat rentals on this page, Southport has 3 boat clubs, 5 marinas and 3 boat dealers.