Boat Rentals in New Jersey

Rental fleets in New Jersey include Bowriders, Center consoles, Jet skis, Pontoon boats, Sailboats and Waverunners. What is available on the day depends on the company and the season, so it is worth checking a few listings.

Yes. New Jersey requires operators 16 or older of power vessels, including personal watercraft, to hold a boating safety certificate. The requirement goes by age, not by birth year. Ages 13 to 15 may operate only an electric powered vessel, or one at least 12 feet long with under 10 horsepower, and still need a certificate; children under 13 may not operate power vessels at all.

Operating on non-tidal waters also requires a New Jersey boat license, an endorsement the Motor Vehicle Commission adds to a driver's license or ID card. It is an additional required document, not a replacement for the safety certificate. Out of state proof is accepted for visits under 90 days, as are Coast Guard operator licenses. The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau administers certification.

Source: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau (nj.gov)

New Jersey boaters should know five core rules enforced by the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau. Children 12 or younger must wear a properly fitted Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway; from November 1 through May 1, everyone aboard a recreational vessel under 26 feet must wear one while underway, except inside a cabin. Operating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more is prohibited. All power vessels and all titled boats must be registered. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16 and have a boating safety certificate, may not operate between sunset and sunrise, and must obey no wake restrictions.

Source: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau (nj.gov)

June through September is generally the best time to go boating in New Jersey. June through August is the peak period, with busy lakes and state recreation areas; arriving early helps avoid summer crowds. Spring and fall also support boating and paddling, making May and October useful shoulder months when services and weather permit.

September is especially appealing along the Jersey Shore because the water remains warm while crowds ease. Boaters should still watch forecasts closely: Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with most tropical activity occurring from mid-August to mid-October. Conditions can change quickly on coastal waters.

Source: New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (visitnj.org)

The best places to go boating in New Jersey span the Atlantic coast and Delaware Bay, the Delaware River, major inland reservoirs, and North Jersey’s lake country. Coastal boaters can choose open ocean water or bay cruising, while the Delaware offers a major river route along the state’s western side.

Inland, Round Valley Reservoir accommodates motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. In North Jersey, Lake Hopatcong, the state’s largest lake, and nearby Lake Musconetcong provide neighboring freshwater options with boat ramps and opportunities for varied boating.

Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (nj.gov)

Popular New Jersey boating destinations include Lake Hopatcong, Point Pleasant Beach, Ocean City, Island Beach State Park and the Delaware River. Lake Hopatcong is the state’s largest freshwater lake, with boat launch access and strong fishing; Point Pleasant Beach is a saltwater angling hub for boaters; Ocean City offers ocean and bay boating, fishing, jet skiing and kayaking; Island Beach State Park provides paddling through the wildlife rich Sedge Islands and access to Barnegat Bay; and the Delaware River has numerous launch points and fishing opportunities along its route through New Jersey.

Source: New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (visitnj.org)

New Jersey does not use an adult supervision exception: the minimum age is 13 for limited power vessels and 16 for any power vessel, including personal watercraft. Operators ages 13 through 15 need a boating safety certificate and may operate only an electric powered vessel or a vessel at least 12 feet long with less than 10 horsepower. Anyone under 13 cannot operate a power vessel, and the State Police manual says there are no exemptions to the age requirements.

The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau (nj.gov)

Alongside the boat rentals on this page, New Jersey has 65 boat clubs, 226 marinas and 107 boat dealers.