Airstream Houseboat-Yacht Rental In Scenic Lake Travis Cove

For a motorboat over 15 horsepower or a personal watercraft on Texas public waters, the minimum age to operate without supervision is 13, but the rental operator decides the minimum age for renting. Under Parks and Wildlife Code Sections 31.106 and 31.107, an operator under 13 must be supervised by someone at least 18 who can lawfully operate the craft and is on board while it is under way. Boater education is based on birth date: to operate alone, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 must meet the requirement for a motorboat over 15 horsepower, a windblown vessel over 14 feet, or any personal watercraft, and carry photo ID and the certification card. Confirm the operator’s age policy when booking.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)

Yes, some recreational operators in Texas need boater education certification, though the state does not call it a boating license. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires certification for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates a PWC, motorboat over 15 horsepower, or sailboat over 14 feet. Covered operators must carry photo ID and proof of certification.

A person must be at least 13 to operate alone; younger operators need an eligible operator age 18 or older onboard. Renters are not exempt. Alternatives include onboard supervision, a valid U.S. Coast Guard operator license, or a one-time 15-day deferral, which is available only to those 18 or over. Approved online courses provide a 60-day temporary certificate.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov)

From Austin, boaters usually choose Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake or Lake Travis, with a different style of outing on each. Lake Austin is the city’s regular powerboat option, with concrete ramps at Walsh Boat Landing and beneath Loop 360. Lady Bird Lake is the downtown paddling choice, with access at Festival Beach and Red Bud Isle; gas-powered motors are not allowed.

Lake Travis has steep banks and relatively few shallow coves; established launch points include Mansfield Dam Park and Pace Bend Park. Lake Travis discharges into Lake Austin, while Lady Bird Lake begins near Tom Miller Dam, but plan to stay on the lake where you launch.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (austintexas.gov)

Boaters from Austin can make Lake Travis day trips to Collier Cove and Tatum Cove at Pace Bend Park, Arkansas Bend Park, and Sandy Creek Park. At Pace Bend, both coves provide concrete ramps, picnic areas and camping; Arkansas Bend adds a courtesy dock, shaded picnic tables and a rocky waterfront; Sandy Creek offers a quieter cove with fishing and less heavy boat traffic than busier sections of the lake.

Source: Travis County Parks (tpwd.texas.gov)