Ben Watts Marina, Inc.

Illinois law does not set one rental age for every boat: under the Boat Registration and Safety Act, no one under 10 may operate a motorboat, including personal watercraft, while a livery may not rent personal watercraft or specialty prop craft for operation by anyone under 16.

For a motorboat over 10 horsepower, ages 10 and 11 need direct on-board supervision by a parent, guardian, or parent-designated person at least 18. At 12, an operator may go without supervision by holding a valid boating safety certificate; ages 12 to 17 may instead use that supervision. Certificate rules also depend on birth date, though renters may qualify through approved abbreviated instruction. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (dnr.illinois.gov)

Yes. In Illinois, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid boating safety certificate to operate a recreational motorboat over 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft. No one under 10 may operate a motorboat. Ages 10 and 11 need direct onboard adult supervision; ages 12 through 17 need a certificate or qualifying supervision. A rental business cannot rent a personal watercraft for operation by anyone under 16. Licensed rental operators may give approved abbreviated safety instruction instead, allowing that renter to operate that livery’s rental without the certificate for up to one year. Common exemptions include qualifying nonresidents visiting up to 90 days and recognized out-of-state certificates. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (dnr.illinois.gov)

From Fox Lake, you can cruise Fox Lake, Nippersink Lake, Pistakee Lake, Grass Lake and the Fox River in one day through the connected Chain O’Lakes system. Fox Lake is the broad, open home water; Nippersink is a narrower connecting lake; and Pistakee offers another broad stretch for cruising. Grass Lake is notably shallow, so watch your depth and follow marked channels. The Fox River provides a more confined route between lakes.

Renters can depart from docks in Fox Lake. Trailer boaters can use local marina ramps or the free public launch at Chain O’Lakes State Park.

Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (dnr.illinois.gov)

From Fox Lake, boaters can make local day trips to the Grass Lake sandbar, where weekend anchor ups gather; Chain O’Lakes State Park, which borders Grass, Marie and Nippersink lakes and the Fox River and offers boating, fishing and trails; and Fox River Forest Preserve in Port Barrington, with a marina, public launch, picnic shelters and trails. The connected Chain O’Lakes and Fox River make these varied outings possible within the local waterway, whether the plan is a social gathering, time ashore or a quieter river stop.

Source: Fox Chain O’Lakes (foxchainolakes.com)