How to Choose the Right Rental Boat in Lake George for Fun on the Water
Exploring Lake George by boat is one of the most memorable ways to enjoy the lake, but renting a boat can feel intimidating. Below, we give a breakout of the different types of rental boats, which boat rental companies offer what, and how you can choose the right rental boat in Lake George for your crew.
Before You Begin
When deciding on a boat rental, start by considering the following:
- Group size and activity level: Will you be cruising, tubing, fishing, or swimming?
- Boating experience: Are you new to driving a boat or do you have experience?
- Desired location: Do you prefer a quiet part of the lake or the convenience of Lake George Village?
- Pets: Some let you bring a dog!
Many local marinas make it easy for beginners to get on the water. You can rent a boat in Lake George without a boating license - most marinas provide a basic training session before you head out. Check out this Beginner’s Guide to Boating on Lake George to get started.
Before you rent, also take a moment to review the Boating Rules & Regulations that apply on the lake.
Types of Boat Rentals Available
Understanding the different kinds of boats will help you make a more confident choice:
Pontoon Boats
Spacious, comfortable, and stable - perfect for families, first-time boaters, and groups looking to relax. Ideal for calm cruising and picnicking on the lake. These are the most common types of rental boats.
Tritoon Boats
Similar to pontoons, but with a third tube for added stability and speed. These are great for larger groups or if you plan to pull a tube.
Bowriders
A versatile option with open seating in the front (bow). Best for small groups and ideal for tubing or quick trips around the lake.
Motorboats
Include both outboard and inboard-outboard styles. These are more powerful, great for covering large areas of the lake or watersports.
Deckboats
A blend of a pontoon and a speedboat - more spacious than a bowrider with a V-hull for better performance.
Lake George Boat Rental Tips
To get the most out of your experience:
- Book in advance, especially during summer weekends
- Ask about age requirements — most places require renters to be 21+, but some set the minimum at 25
- Understand how rental pricing works: some charge by the hour, others by the day
- Clarify what's included: things like gas, life vests, and safety gear may vary
- See if add-ons are available: tubes, waterskis, and floating mats can often be added for a small fee
What Type of Boat Is Best for Beginners on Lake George?
For those new to boating, pontoon boats are the top pick. They’re easy to operate, slow to accelerate, and extremely stable. Tritoon boats offer a similar experience with more power for tubing or longer distances.
What’s the Difference Between a Pontoon Boat & a Speedboat?
Here’s a quick comparison:
Pontoon Boats:
- Slower than speedboats
- Easier, smoother turns
- Spacious with lots of seating
- Moderate fuel usage
- Ideal for relaxing, families, and cruising
Speedboats (e.g. Bowrider):
- Faster than pontoon boats
- Great for tubing or waterskiing
- Sporty, shaper handling
- Less space, but better for thrill seekers
- Higher consumption of fuel
- Ideal for watersports and exploring quickly
The Best Boat Rentals in Lake George: Overview of Rental Companies
Dockside Landing Marina
📍 9130 Lake Shore Drive, Hague, NY 12836
Offers bowriders, deckboats, pontoons
- Must be 25 or older to rent
- Daily rentals available
- Known for friendly service and great pricing
“We had a perfect day on Lake George thanks to Dockside and their wonderful staff. The marina is further out than others, but gave access to a beautiful island and Peggy's Point. Reasonable prices and very accommodating of our large family.”
Pro tip: The northern part of Lake George, where Dockside Landing Marina is located, is a quieter, less crowded part of the lake to explore.
Lake George Boat Rentals
📍 204 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845
Offers pontoons
- Convenient Village location
- Hourly rentals available
- Simple, seamless process
“Good and convenient boat rental service. Priced by the hour with multiple sizes and options of boats. Process is simple and clear.”
Chic’s Marina & Boat Rental
📍 4782 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Offers Boston Whalers, Carolina Skiffs, pontoon, tritoon boats
- To rent in advance, it's for full day, multi-day, or weekly rentals; no same day reservations
- Renting by the hour is first come, first serve - come early!
“They made it super easy, and were so friendly. We rented the 150hp pontoon, and had plenty of power with nine people to pull a tube.”
Little Harbor Boat Company
📍 3950 Lake Shore Drive, Diamond Point, NY 12824
Offers bowriders, deck boat, tritoon, fishing skiff, center console
- Depending on the boat, can rent by the hour with a 2-hour minimum, or by the day, multi-day, or week
- Excellent staff and helpful guidance
- Family owned and operated
“They were more than accommodating and gave us a ton of information on stuff to do while we’re out on the lake (food spots, swimming, tubing, cliff jumping, docking). Could not recommend them enough.”
F.R. Smith & Sons Marina
📍 36 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Offers outboard motorboats, pontoons, Sea Ray and Bryant bowriders
- Rentals available by the day, week, month, or longer
- Friendly, consistent service and clean boats
“The friendly faces we see at FR Smiths keeps us coming back even if it’s across the lake just for some gas.”
Yankee Boating Center
📍 3910 Lake Shore Drive, Diamond Point, NY 12824
Offers tritoons, deckboat, bowriders, center console
- No reservations for hourly or half day rentals - first come, first serve
- Daily or multi-day reservations available - must rent up to four days in advance
- Second generation, family-owned and operated
“We’ve rented, purchased, sold, maintained, stored, bought parts for, and gassed up our boats exclusively with Yankee. They’re the best on the lake.”
Bolton Boat Rentals
📍 5024 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Offers open bow, deckboat, pontoon, tritoons
- Hourly, daily, and weekly rentals available, with a 2-hour minimum
- Personalized service
“Great customer service, great boat, great times. Rented a boat from here to camp on Long Island for two nights and it was a great experience.”
River Ridin’
📍 1 Bay Road, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
Offers pontoons, pedal boats, row boats, etc.
- More known for smaller watercraft rentals, but also have pontoon boats
- Pontoon boats available to rent in 2-hour brackets
- Family-friendly, great for spontaneous outings
“The staff at River Ridin’ are very nice and informative. My family had a blast on their pontoon boat!”
Thunderbird Marina
📍 3908 Lakeshore Drive, Diamond Point, NY 12824 (located at The Villas on Lake George)
Offers pontoons, bowrider
- Daily rentals available
- Boats in great condition
- Staff accommodating with last minute bookings
“The staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and made the whole process easy and enjoyable. The boat was clean, well maintained, and perfect for water recreation.”
Final Things to Know Before You Book
While this guide focuses on boats, most marinas also offer jet ski, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. Many also rent watersports gear like tubes and water skis. Keep in mind:
- Not all boats are available every day – availability can depend on the season or prior bookings
- Some boats require multi-day rentals
- Rental terms vary – gas may not be included, and prices can differ by hour vs day
Always contact the marina directly with questions so you know exactly what to expect before heading out on the lake.
Ready to Rent Your Boat?
Before you call a marina or click “reserve,” make sure you’ve checked off the essentials. Here's a quick rundown to guide your decision:
✔️ You Know What You’re Looking For
- You’ve picked a boat type that fits your group and plans
- You’ve considered your experience level
✔️ You Know How Big Your Crew Is
- You’ve counted your group and picked a boat with enough seating
- You know if anyone wants to swim, fish, tube, or just cruise
✔️ You’ve Decided on Timing
- You want to rent by the hour (great for shorter trips or spontaneous outings)
- Or you prefer full-day or multi-day rentals for more flexibility
- You’re booking in advance for popular weekends or holidays
✔️ You’ve Researched the Marina
- You’ve checked the marina’s location
- You know the minimum age to rent (usually 21+, some require 25+)
- You’ve asked what’s included in the rental (life jackets, safety gear, fuel policy)
- You’ve looked into add-ons like tubes or waterskis if you need them
✔️ You’re Clear on the Rules
- You know you don’t need a boating license - but a quick safety orientation is usually provided
Browse boat and jet ski rental companies >>
