Maine Yacht Center

Maine law does not set one age for every rental; operation depends on the vessel. Under Title 12, section 13068-A, anyone under 12 may operate a motorboat whose motor is between 10 and 25 horsepower only with supervision. A supervisor born after January 1, 1999 must be 16 or older and have completed a boater safety education course. Operators born on or after that date must be at least 12 and hold the education certificate for recreational motorboats over 25 horsepower.

Maine IFW administers these rules. To operate a personal watercraft, a person born on or after January 1, 1999 must be 16 or older and have completed boater education. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm when booking.

Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (maine.gov)

Maine has no boating license, but qualifying operators must carry a Boating Safety Education Card. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1999 must be at least 12, complete an approved course, and carry the certificate to operate a recreational motorboat over 25 horsepower. Children under 12 may operate under 10 horsepower alone; from 10 through 25 horsepower they need supervision. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16, with the same birth date cutoff for education.

Authorized motorboat renters may take a rental agent’s temporary course, valid up to 14 days or the rental term, whichever is earlier. Exemptions include qualifying Maine guides, certain Coast Guard credential holders, and supervised dealer test drives. Maine IFW administers the requirement.

Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (maine.gov)

From Portland, point first into Portland Harbor, then continue into Casco Bay or along the Fore River. The Eastern Promenade’s East End launch provides trailer access to Casco Bay, while Bug Light’s all-tide ramps give immediate access to Portland Harbor. The harbor is the more sheltered choice, but it is also a working commercial port. The Fore River forms the inner harbor beyond the Casco Bay Bridge. For island boating, Diamond Island Pass is a buoyed route used mainly by small craft, and Peaks Island has a public float landing. Farther into Casco Bay, expect broader, island-studded water.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From Portland, boaters make Casco Bay day trips to Peaks Island, Diamond Cove and Jewell Island. Peaks Island draws visitors for bicycling or walking to the Backshore and Battery Steele. Diamond Cove on Great Diamond Island offers marina slips and seasonal dining near the landing. Farther into the bay, Jewell Island is popular with sailors and powerboaters who anchor in Cocktail Cove, then go hiking or beachcombing on the undeveloped island.

Source: Casco Bay Lines (cascobaylines.com)