Champlain Classic Charters

Rentals from Champlain Classic Charters include life jackets, safety equipment, fuel, cooler storage, fishing gear and comfortable seating. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

In Vermont, a person must be at least 12 to operate a motorboat powered by more than six horsepower on public waters, and at least 16 to operate a personal watercraft. Under 23 V.S.A. § 3305b, anyone born after January 1, 1974 must hold a certificate of boating education to operate a motorboat on public waters; that requirement is tied to date of birth, not to age. These rules appear in 23 V.S.A. §§ 3305a and 3305b. A rental operator sets its own minimum age for renting, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Vermont State Police, vsp.vermont.gov, and Vermont General Assembly (legislature.vermont.gov)

Yes. Vermont requires motorboat operators age 12 or older who were born after January 1, 1974, to complete approved boating safety education and carry the card; this includes personal watercraft. Anyone under 12 may not operate a motorboat over six horsepower, and no one under 16 may operate a personal watercraft. Rental customers are not listed as a blanket exemption, and official guidance does not describe a rental-only temporary certificate. Exemptions include U.S. Coast Guard licensed commercial operators and operation on private-property waters; substantially equivalent NASBLA-approved out-of-state cards are accepted. The Vermont Department of Public Safety administers the program through Vermont State Police.

Source: Vermont State Police Marine Unit (vsp.vermont.gov)

From Burlington, you can boat from Burlington Harbor onto Lake Champlain, then choose the open main lake, Shelburne Bay or the La Platte River. The city operates the Community Boathouse and Perkins Pier marinas in the harbor, and Perkins Pier has a free kayak and canoe launch. Beyond the harbor, Lake Champlain offers wide open water where wind and waves can build quickly. Shelburne Bay is a large bay with a Vermont Fish & Wildlife access area; that same access also serves the La Platte River, giving small craft a river route instead of exposed lake cruising.

Source: City of Burlington (vtstateparks.com)

From Burlington, boaters make Lake Champlain day trips to Shelburne Bay, Valcour Island and Plattsburgh’s Dock Street waterfront. Shelburne Bay suits a scenic cruise along its interpretive water trail, including the Bay Park shoreline and LaPlatte River Marsh. Valcour Island offers beaches, picnic areas, a dock at Seton House, small boat access in several bays and trails near Bluff Point Lighthouse. Plattsburgh’s waterfront provides transient marina slips and moorings within walking distance of downtown restaurants, shops, parks and museums.

Source: Town of Shelburne (shelburnevt.org)