Boat Rentals in Pittsburgh, PA

Early June through September is generally the best time to boat Pittsburgh’s Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. Visit Pittsburgh describes local river outings from early spring through midfall, while USGS records show surface water typically reaches its annual maximum in July and August; historical Allegheny River readings at Kittanning have reached the mid-80s Fahrenheit.

No month guarantees a good day. During the recreational boating season through September 30, National Weather Service advisories for the Pittsburgh Pool warn that high flows, fast currents and debris can make these rivers hazardous, so check current river conditions before launching.

Source: Visit Pittsburgh (visitpittsburgh.com)

From Pittsburgh, you can boat the connected Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. At Point State Park, the Allegheny and Monongahela meet to form the Ohio, creating the central urban cruising area, with daytime mooring cleats on both incoming rivers. Launch on the Monongahela at South Side Riverfront Park, or on the Allegheny from either of Millvale Riverfront Park’s launches.

For a quieter run, use Washington’s Landing’s backchannel, which is frequented by wildlife and rowers. Farther along the Allegheny, Allegheny Islands State Park is a boat-only, undeveloped destination made up of two wooded islands and seven shoals.

Source: Pennsylvania State Parks and Fish and Boat Commission (pa.gov)

From Pittsburgh, practical day-trip stops include Point State Park, Station Square, Washington’s Landing, North Shore Riverfront Park and Duck Hollow. The Point offers skyline, bridge and Mount Washington views at the confluence; Station Square has public docks for shopping and dining; Washington’s Landing has a quiet back channel around Herr’s Island; the North Shore provides a takeout for stadium and riverfront attractions; and Duck Hollow at Nine Mile Run is a secluded, popular fishing stop on the Monongahela River.

Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, pa.gov and pfbc.pa.gov (pa.gov)

Pennsylvania does not issue a general recreational boating license, but certain operators need a Boating Safety Education Certificate. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission requires it of people born on or after January 1, 1982 who operate boats with motors greater than 25 horsepower, and of all personal watercraft operators regardless of birth year.

Operators 11 or younger may not operate a personal watercraft or a boat over 25 horsepower, and a renter of a personal watercraft must be at least 16. Rental businesses must give customers a safety and operation orientation before rental, but that is a duty on the rental business and does not excuse the renter from holding a certificate. A temporary certificate issued after an approved course is valid for 60 days.

Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (pa.gov)

Pennsylvania boaters should know the life jacket, sober operation, registration, personal watercraft and slow no wake rules enforced by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Every person needs an approved wearable life jacket aboard; children 12 and younger must wear one while underway in boats 20 feet or less and all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Operating any watercraft while impaired is illegal, with 0.08% BAC the adult limit. All motorboats, including electric powered boats, need registration. PWC operators need a Boating Safety Education Certificate, may not operate from sunset to sunrise, and must be at least 16 to operate a rented PWC. Keep slow no wake speed within 100 feet of shorelines, docks, ramps, swimmers, and anchored, moored or drifting boats.

Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (pa.gov)

Under Pennsylvania law, a rented personal watercraft operator must be at least 16; for other motorboats, the operating minimum depends on motor power. Boats with motors of 25 horsepower or less have no age restriction, while anyone 11 or younger may not operate a boat powered by more than 25 horsepower.

All personal watercraft operators normally need a Boating Safety Education Certificate, and operators born on or after January 1, 1982, need one for boats over 25 horsepower. The rental operator may set a higher minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (pa.gov)

Alongside the boat rentals on this page, Pittsburgh has 3 boat clubs, 6 marinas and 3 boat dealers.