Shagwong Marina—Southampton

New York's only statutory rental age is for personal watercraft and specialty prop-craft: Navigation Law §73-a bars a livery from renting one to anyone under sixteen, and in the same clause requires genuine proof of identification and age plus compliance with the boating safety certificate rule in section 49. A personal watercraft renter over eighteen may skip that certificate only where the livery keeps them within five hundred feet of the agent assigned to supervise, on a clearly marked craft.

Operating age is separate. Section 49 sets ten years for a mechanically propelled vessel and fourteen for a personal watercraft, each with a certificate; a personal watercraft operator may instead be accompanied by a certificate holder over eighteen. Rental companies set their own minimum age.

Source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (nysenate.gov)

Yes, but New York calls it a Safe Boating Certificate rather than a boating license. The state generally requires recreational operators of motorized vessels to complete a state-approved course and carry the original certificate, including for personal watercraft. Operators of other motorboats must be at least 10, while PWC operators must be at least 14. Renters age 18 or older may operate a livery motorboat without a certificate after receiving basic instruction and safety information; a rented PWC may be operated without one only within a marked area near the livery. Renters under 18 need a certificate, and no one under 16 may rent a PWC at all. Course graduates receive a temporary certificate valid for 90 days. Valid U.S. Coast Guard operator licensees are exempt. New York State Parks administers the program.

Source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (parks.ny.gov)

From Hampton Bays, you can cruise Shinnecock Bay, Great Peconic Bay, Quantuck and Moriches bays, or reach the Atlantic through Shinnecock Inlet. Shinnecock Bay is the local, shallow inside route; launch at Old Ponquogue Bridge Marine Park or the Peconic Road and Argonne Road ramps, while Corwin Lane reaches Tiana Bay at high tide. Shinnecock Canal connects to generally clear Great Peconic Bay and carries a 5 mph limit. Quogue Canal leads to Quantuck Bay, then Quantuck Canal reaches shallow Moriches Bay; both canals are 5 mph. Use Shinnecock Inlet only with local knowledge because channel depths change and tidal currents can be dangerous.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (southamptontownny.gov)

From Hampton Bays, boaters can make day trips to East Quogue, Riverhead and Sag Harbor. East Quogue is the closest outing, reached through Weesuck Creek to the head of its cove. Riverhead offers an all-day tie-up at the Peconic River waterfront, making it an easy stop ashore. Sag Harbor is a longer cruise through the Peconic waters, with transient docks and moorings; the village’s shops and restaurants are a short walk from its marine facilities.

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