Marinas in Benton, KY

The best overall window for boating from Benton is late May through June on Kentucky Lake, with early September a good second choice. Boating activity picks up in spring, is busiest in summer, and remains in its main season from late spring into early fall. Typical water temperatures rise from the low-to-mid 70s in late May to the upper 70s and low 80s in June, reach the mid-80s in July and August, then return to the low 80s in early September.

TVA begins Kentucky Reservoir’s seasonal drawdown after the July Fourth weekend, and summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, so check lake levels and weather before launching.

Source: Tennessee Valley Authority (tva.com)

From Benton, you can boat Kentucky Lake’s Jonathan Creek and Little Jonathan Creek, cross the lake to Pisgah Bay and Smith Bay, or continue through Barkley Canal to Lake Barkley. Launch at Jonathan Creek/US 68 or Little Jonathan Creek/KY 80; both have paved ramps for trailerable boats.

The two creek arms provide more enclosed water before opening onto Kentucky Lake’s broad main body. Pisgah Bay and Smith Bay are cove settings on the Land Between the Lakes shore, with ramps suitable for light trailerable boats. Lake Barkley makes a longer outing and is connected to Kentucky Lake by the canal.

Source: Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (app.fw.ky.gov)

Good Kentucky Lake day trips from Benton include The Sands, Kenlake State Resort Park and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. The Sands is a natural sandy shoreline normally reached by boat, where crews anchor offshore, swim and wade ashore. Kenlake makes a convenient stop for transient dockage, fuel and a meal at the park. Kentucky Dam Village is also accessible by boat and pairs seasonal marina dockage with a public sand beach and park dining, giving crews a place to tie up, eat and spend time ashore before returning.

Source: Kentucky State Parks (parks.ky.gov)

Kentucky does not require a general boating license for adults, but operators ages 12 through 17 need boating credentials when running a motorboat, including a personal watercraft, over 10 horsepower on public waters. Children under 12 may not operate those vessels. A qualifying youth may carry a Kentucky Safe Boating Certificate or proof of completing a NASBLA approved course, or be accompanied on board as allowed by state law. Equivalent credentials are accepted for nonresident youths. Renting does not create a separate exemption, and current state pages do not list a temporary rental certificate. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources administers boater education.

Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (fw.ky.gov)

Kentucky boaters should carry required documents, provide proper life jackets, stay sober, follow operator age limits and obey marked speed zones. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources requires a Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each person; children under 12 must wear one in the open portion of a boat underway.

A mechanically powered vessel used primarily in Kentucky needs registration, with its certificate aboard; rented boats must carry the lease agreement. Operating at a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher is illegal. Personal watercraft may operate only from sunrise to sunset, and everyone aboard must wear a life jacket. Operators ages 12 through 17 of boats with 10 horsepower or more need approved boating certification. “No Wake” means idle speed.

Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (fw.ky.gov)

Kentucky’s legal minimum to operate a personal watercraft or motorboat over 10 horsepower without supervision is 12, provided an operator ages 12 through 17 possesses a safe boating certificate. Under KRS 235.285(7), a person under 12 may not operate either vessel class on Kentucky public waters. A 12 to 17 year old without the certificate may operate only while accompanied on board by a person age 18 or older or a person possessing a safe boating certificate. Nonresidents in that age range must possess a Kentucky certificate or recognized equivalent. Rental operators set their own booking minimums, so confirm the age requirement when reserving.

Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (apps.legislature.ky.gov)

Alongside the marinas on this page, Benton has 2 boat rentals and 2 boat dealers.