Marinas in Madison, GA

Georgia does not require a boating license, but people born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete Georgia Department of Natural Resources approved boater education and carry the card when operating a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft. Children under 12 cannot operate a PWC or boat 16 feet or longer; those 12 to 15 may operate boats under 16 feet, including PWCs, with approved education or a competent adult.

Rentals of 10 horsepower or more require operators to be at least 16. The rental’s approved course issues a certificate valid statewide for six months. Rental course exemptions include Coast Guard masters, valid DNR approved cardholders, and qualifying nonresidents with NASBLA approved proof; the general rule also exempts private lake or pond operation.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (georgiawildlife.com)

Georgia boaters should follow five core rules enforced by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each person; children under 13 must wear one on a moving vessel unless inside a fully enclosed cabin, and everyone on a personal watercraft must wear one. Do not operate at a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, or 0.02 if under 21. Register mechanically propelled boats and sailboats 12 feet or longer. Personal watercraft cannot operate between sunset and sunrise. Keep to idle speed within 100 feet of docks, swimmers, anchored boats and specified public use shorelines.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, georgiawildlife.com and gadnrle.org (georgiawildlife.com)

The best overall time to go boating in Georgia is April through October, with June through August bringing warmer water and the busiest conditions. Georgia State Parks defines the peak boating season as Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona are among the nation’s busiest Corps of Engineers lakes.

April to May and September to October are good shoulder periods outside the summer peak. Reservoir surfaces warm during spring and early summer, then begin losing heat in fall. Spring and summer thunderstorms are common, while September and October are typically the driest months in north and central Georgia.

Source: Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites (gastateparks.org)

Georgia’s best boating choices are spread across four distinct settings: the tidal coast, north Georgia mountain lakes, large reservoirs and inland rivers. Coastal boaters can explore Crooked River and the Intracoastal Waterway near Cumberland Island, keeping tides and weather in mind. Lake Burton is the largest of Georgia Power’s five north Georgia lakes. For bigger reservoir boating, Lake Allatoona and Lake Oconee offer activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing and cruising. The Flint River provides a contrasting canoe or kayak trip through inland Georgia.

Source: Georgia State Parks (gastateparks.org)

Georgia’s most popular boating destinations include Lake Lanier in the Buford and Gainesville area, known for extensive shoreline, rentals and group outings; Lake Oconee, favored for fishing, boat rentals and lakeside resorts; Lake Chatuge at Hiawassee, where mountain views, hidden coves and more than 100 miles of shoreline draw boaters; Lake Nottely near Blairsville, with marinas, public ramps and a swimming beach; and Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta, prized for fishing and expansive water for boating, skiing and swimming.

Source: Georgia Department of Economic Development (exploregeorgia.org)

Georgia Code Section 52-7-8.3 sets 16 as the minimum age to rent a vessel of 10 horsepower or more; the PWC rental minimum is 16. Unsupervised operation starts at 12, only on vessels under 16 feet, including PWCs, after passing a DNR-approved boating education course.

Under 12, a person may operate only a vessel under 16 feet that is nonmotorized or powered by 30 horsepower or less, with a competent adult age 18 or older who is not under the influence and carries proper identification; PWC operation is prohibited. Operators 16 or older born after January 1, 1998, must pass an approved course to operate any vessel and carry the card. Rental operators set their own minimum; confirm when booking.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (georgiawildlife.com)