Yes. Massachusetts requires a boater safety certificate, rather than a boating license, for motorboat and personal watercraft operators born after January 1, 1989; those born on or before that date must comply by April 1, 2028. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16. Children under 12 may operate a motorboat only under direct onboard supervision by a certified adult age 18 or older.

Rental customers are not generally exempt, and temporary rental certificates are only under consideration for lower power boats. Exemptions include direct supervision, qualifying nonresident certificates, merchant mariner credentials, certain military and commercial fishing operators, and recent boat buyers carrying a temporary certificate. Massachusetts Environmental Police administers the program.

Source: Massachusetts Environmental Police (mass.gov)

Massachusetts boaters should follow Massachusetts Environmental Police rules on life jackets, sober operation, registration, and personal watercraft use. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket; so must PWC riders, waterskiers, and canoeists or kayakers from September 15 through May 15. Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited, and operators with a 0.08 BAC are presumed impaired. Motor powered boats used on public waterways, including boats with electric motors and PWCs, must be registered. PWC operators must be at least 16, may not ride between sunset and sunrise, and must maintain slow, no wake speed within 150 feet of swimmers, shorelines, launches, or moored boats.

Source: Massachusetts Environmental Police (mass.gov)

The best overall time to go boating in Massachusetts is late June through early September. July and August are the peak months, when state waterfronts draw heavy summer use; May to mid-June and mid-September through October are generally better shoulder periods for avoiding peak crowds. Be cautious in spring because warm air can mask dangerously cold water. Inland access also varies by season: Massachusetts reports temporary closures from high river flows and reduced access at some lakes during winter drawdowns. Review current ramp conditions before launching.

Source: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (mass.gov)

Some of Massachusetts’ best boating variety is found in Boston Harbor, the Connecticut River, Otis Reservoir, and the connected Knops Pond and Lost Lake. Around Boston, the harbor combines coastal boating with several islands that are accessible by private boat.

In the Connecticut River corridor, state access points serve motorboats, fishing boats, canoes, and rowing craft. Inland, Otis Reservoir in Otis and Tolland offers a large great pond with trailered and cartop access, while Groton’s Knops Pond and Lost Lake form a connected lake system used for boating, fishing, and water skiing.

Source: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (mass.gov)

Popular Massachusetts boating destinations include the Boston Harbor Islands for skyline views, swimming and historic sites; Falmouth and Woods Hole for harbor scenery and boat access to Martha’s Vineyard; Nantucket Harbor for sailing and preserved seaport character; Gloucester Harbor for fishing heritage and schooner outings; and Plymouth Harbor for waterfront views near Mayflower II, plus whale watching and fishing trips. Together, these destinations offer a mix of island stops, working harbors, maritime history and open coastal water.

Source: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (mass.gov)

Alongside the marinas on this page, Boston has 15 boat rentals and 12 boat clubs.