Boat Rentals in Rhode Island

Rental fleets in Rhode Island include Center consoles, Jet skis and Sailboats. What is available on the day depends on the company and the season, so it is worth checking a few listings.

Yes. Rhode Island requires a boating safety certificate for anyone born January 1, 1986 or later who operates a vessel with more than 10 horsepower, and for every personal watercraft operator regardless of age or residency. DEM sets no age limit for its exam; a child may operate a non-PWC alone if certified, and someone under 16 may operate a PWC if certified. Exemptions include supervised training with a qualified adult age 18 or older, valid commercial operator licenses, temporary nonresidents meeting their home state’s requirements, and new residents for 60 days. Renters of boats over 10 horsepower who otherwise do not qualify must watch a DEM-approved safety video and pass a written exam. DEM administers certification.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (dem.ri.gov)

Rhode Island boaters should follow Department of Environmental Management rules on flotation, sobriety, registration and operator education. Everyone aboard a vessel under 16 feet must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway; on larger recreational vessels, children under 13 must wear one while underway unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Operating with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is boating while intoxicated. All motorized vessels and boats over 12 feet must be registered. Every personal watercraft operator needs a Rhode Island boating safety certificate, regardless of age.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (dem.ri.gov)

The best time to go boating in Rhode Island is late June through September, with July and August offering the main summer season. State beach facilities generally operate from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the busy outdoor recreation period. Coastal waters remain relatively cool in early summer, commonly in the 60s to 70s, then warm later in summer and early fall.

June and September are good shoulder months for lighter crowds, although services decrease after Labor Day. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and peaks around September 10, so boaters should watch marine forecasts especially from mid-August through mid-October.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (dem.ri.gov)

The best places for a varied Rhode Island boating day are Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, the Pawcatuck River, Worden Pond, and Echo Lake, also called Pascoag Reservoir. This mix gives you major saltwater areas, a river in Westerly, a large freshwater pond in South Kingstown, and reservoir boating in northern Rhode Island.

Rhode Island DEM identifies Narragansett Bay and Block Island Sound as recreational saltwaters. Its launch directory lists Bradford Landing on the Pawcatuck River and a state ramp at 1,043-acre Worden Pond. Rhode Island State Parks describes Echo Lake as a 325-acre Burrillville reservoir with an accessible boat ramp.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (dem.ri.gov)

Popular Rhode Island boating destinations include Newport Harbor, for sailing and close views of lighthouses, harbor estates, and yachts; Block Island’s Great Salt Pond and New Harbor, where boaters can anchor or moor and use a dinghy dock to reach Crescent and Scotch beaches; Charlestown Breachway, for its boat launch, saltwater fishing, ocean swimming, and Block Island Sound views; and Watchaug Pond in Charlestown, a freshwater choice with boating and fishing access beside a beach and picnic area. Together, they offer harbor cruising, an island stop, coastal fishing, and a quieter inland outing.

Source: Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (visitrhodeisland.com)

Rhode Island sets no general minimum age for operating a motorboat alone. A child may operate a boat other than a personal watercraft alone with a boating safety certificate; without one, the child must be directly supervised onboard by someone age 18 or older who meets the education requirement. A certificate is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 who operates a vessel with more than 10 horsepower, and for every personal watercraft operator regardless of age. DEM says a certified child under 16 may operate a personal watercraft. Rental operators set their own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (dem.ri.gov)

Alongside the boat rentals on this page, Rhode Island has 20 boat clubs, 74 marinas and 51 boat dealers.