05/17/2024
Rental Rules on Lake Norman – Rent the Right Boat!
-from Captain John Johnson, Lake Norman Marine Commission
Whether it's a boat or a personal watercraft (PWC), rentals are popular on Lake Norman. But how do you
know the rental watercraft is safe or if you are covered by insurance if something goes wrong?
In response to many rental boat accidents, the Lake Norman Marine Commission (LNMC) issued new
regulations for rental boats this year. To help you Love Where You Lake, the regulations require 3 basic
things:
1. The boat has been properly inspected and is safe to use.
2. The renter has liability insurance for renting the boat.
3. The person renting has some knowledge of boat operation.
The Marine Commission has already approved over 250 boats for rental this year, so finding a safe boat to
rent is not difficult. Here’s what to do:
Go to the LNMC website and find an approved company to rent your boat from – note-- most of the
companies listed have a webpage link to help you find your boat: https://lnmc.org/rental-boats/
If you contact a company not on the list, you may get an illegal or unsafe rental.
Most legal rentals will advertise they are approved by the LNMC.
All approved boats or PWCs also have a round numbered sticker (see picture) to show Law Enforcement
the rental is legal. Note the fine for illegal rentals is up to $500 – so be sure you are getting an approved
and safe boat or PWC.
Enjoy your time on beautiful Lake Norman and Love Where You Lake!