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Presenting the best guide for Lake Norman boat rentals NC!
One of the most popular activities on Lake Norman is boating. But, what if you don’t own a boat?
There are several ways to get out on the water even if you don’t own a boat. Renting a boat, a pontoon boat, or jet ski is a popular option.
In this article, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about renting a boat on Lake Norman! Be sure to have this guide handy when you visit Lake Norman!
Here are 11 boat rental companies on Lake Norman NC (not a ranking):
Lake Effects Boat Rentals Lake Norman
Lake Effects Boat Rentals is located just West of Mooresville off of Route 150 in Terrell, North Carolina. They offer a modern fleet to select from including:
- Tritoons and Luxury Performance Tritoons by New Berkshire and New Barletta boat builders.
- Ski Boats and Surf Boats by Mastercraft and Chaparral.
- Jet Ski rentals are available, too! They have a fleet of Yamaha Waverunners.
Boat rentals start at $469 for a daily tritoon rental, and $649 per day for a Chaparral ski boat. A Yamaha Waverunner rental will set you back $199 for a 2-hour rental.
Book online or call!
Lake Effects Boat Rentals
8693 NC Hwy 150
Terrell, NC
704.360.5177
info@lakeeffectsboatrentals.com
Lake Norman Marina
Lake Norman Marina has been serving the Lake Norman NC area for over 40 years. They are located just off of Highway 150 in Sherrills Ford (a few miles West of Mooresville, NC). Their rental fleet includes:
- Luxury Tritoons by Bennington, powered by fuel-efficient 150HP Yamaha outboards.
- Cobalt Boats bowriders, powered by a 280HP V6 Duoprop engine.
Boat rental rates start at $399 for a daily tritoon rental (weekday) and $699 per day for a Cobalt Boat rental. Weekly rentals are also available at special rates!
Call or email to book your reservation!
Lake Norman Marina
6965 NC Highway 150
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
704.717.5390
rentals@lakenormanmarina.com
What’s Up Watersports
What’s Up Watersports launches their rental fleet in the upper Northwest section of Lake Norman at Long Island Marina. This is section of Lake Norman tends to have less traffic, and offers boaters a relaxing experience in the serene coves near Lake Norman State Park. Their powerboat and pontoon boat rental fleet includes:
- Bentley pontoon boats powered by Evinrude E-TEC engines and capable of towing tubers and small skiers. They offer dog-friendly rentals, also.
- Starcraft ski boats powered by a 220HP Mercruiser and capable of towing skiers and wakeboarders.
Boat rental rates start at $399 for a daily pontoon rental and $479 per day for a ski boat rental.
Call or reserve online!
8400 Long Island Road
Catawba, NC 28609
704.931.8787
info@whatsuplakenorman.com
Lake Norman Boat Rentals and Sales
Lake Norman Boat Rentals and Sales is a family-owned company that has been serving the Lake Norman community for over 12 years. They are located just off Highway 150 in Mooresville, just West of McCrary Access Area and Queens Landing. Their pontoon boat rental fleet includes:
- Princecraft pontoon boat that seats up to 8 people and are powered by a 115HP outboard motor.
- Princecraft tritoon boats that seat up to 10 people and are powered by a 150HP outboard motor.
Rental rates start at $350 per day for a pontoon rental and $375 per day for a tritoon rental.
Call to reserve!
Lake Norman Boat Rentals and Sales
121 Pinnacle Lane
Mooresville, NC 28117
704.677.5036
lakenormanpontoons@gmail.com
Saltshaker Marine
Saltshaker Marine was founded in 1983 by Captain Sonny Kay and is located just off Highway 150 in Mooresville. The company is locally owned and operated, and they rent pontoon boats. Their pontoon boat rental fleet includes:
- 24’ pontoon boats with 115HP outboard motors.
- 26’ pontoon boats with 150HP outboard motors.
Weekday rental rates start at $299 and multi-day rates for overnight rentals are available.
Call or visit their website to reserve!
Saltshaker Marine – Lake Norman Boat Rentals
Big Dukes Lane
Mooresville, NC
704.892.5990
saltshakermarine@lakenormanboatrentals.com
Safe Harbor Marina Westport
Safe Harbor Marina Westport is recognized as a leading boat rental company on Lake Norman. The marina is located on the West side of Lake Norman in Denver, NC, and they offer amenities such as a premium gas dock and a well-stocked ship’s store. Their rental fleet includes:
- Premium pontoon boats by Sylvan.
- Carolina Skiff fishing boat.
- Boca Bay center console boat.
Daily rental rates start at $199 for the Carolina Skiff and $275 for a Sylvan pontoon.
Book online or call!
7879 Water Oaks Drive
Denver, NC 28037
704.483.5172
Cannon Water Adventures
Cannon Water Adventures is located at the North end of Lake Norman in Sherrills Ford. They offer one of the most extensive watersport rental fleets on Lake Norman, including kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and boats. The powerboat rental fleet includes:
- Harris pontoon boats
- Bennington tritoon boats
- Sea Ray and Bayliner ski boats
- Yamaha Waverunner jet skis
Daily rental rates start at $350 for the pontoon boats. There is no other rental pricing information available at the time of this writing.
Call for more information!
7515 Stonewall Street
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
980.222.4470
Crown Pontoon Rentals
Crown Pontoon Rentals is located in Cornelius at Crown Harbor Marina. They rent comfortable pontoon boats and small bowrider ski boats. The pontoon boat rental fleet includes:
- Harris pontoon boat with a 90HP outboard motor.
- Chaparral bowrider ski boat with a 115HP motor.
Rental rates start at $325 per day plus gas. They offer a discounted half-day rate and special rates after Labor Day.
Call or email to reserve your boat!
21660 Crown Lake Drive
Cornelius, NC 28031
704.936.7173
crownboatrentals@gmail.com
77 Watersports
77 Watersports is located at Stutts Marina in Mooresville. They received the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor for outstanding quality of service. 77 Watersports offers boat rentals, vacation rentals, and boat tours. Their pontoon boat rental fleet includes:
- Luxurious Manitou tritoon boats with 150HP Honda outboard motors
Daily boat rental rates start at $425. Captained boat tours of Lake Norman are also available.
Call or go online to reserve your boat or boat tour!
Stutts Marina
571 Stutts Road
Mooresville, NC 28117
704.743.8975
Jet Ski and Waverunner Rentals on Lake Norman NC
There are few things in life as fun as blasting across a lake on a speedy Jet Ski. Our favorite personal watercraft are Yamaha Waverunners, and the best place to rent a Waverunner is at Lake Norman Jet Ski Rentals.
The team at Lake Norman Jet Ski Rentals pride itself on providing a superior customer service experience for their guests and also has the best Jet Ski rental fleet on Lake Norman! A 2-hour rental starts at $189.
Consider renting a jet ski when you visit Lake Norman!
Queens Landing
1459 River Highway
Mooresville, NC 28117
877.312.7195
info@lakenormanjetskirentals.com
Things To Do While Boating on Lake Norman
While cruising around the lake is fun all by itself, there are so many ways to enjoy a boat on Lake Norman. Here are a few recommendations that I think will inspire you:
- Sightseeing on Lake Norman NC
Lake Norman has 520 miles of shoreline. While much of it is pristine and makes for some great nature photography, there are also hundreds of gorgeous homes and mansions on the water that can be viewed from your boat. Several of these homes are owned by celebrities.
- Waterfront Dining and Restaurants on Lake Norman NC
Let’s face it, pulling up to a restaurant in your boat is one of the coolest things we can think of to do. Lake Norman has several great waterfront restaurants that are accessible by boat.
- Fishing on Lake Norman NC
Fishing on Lake Norman is a very popular activity. A few professional bass fishing tournaments are held each year, and the fishing is hot on the Lake year-round. You’ll find species such as Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch stalking the waters for bait.
- Skiing, Wakeboarding, Surfing, and Tubing on Lake Norman NC
Skiing and Wakeboarding are tremendously popular on Lake Norman. Wake surfing is also gaining in popularity, but you’ll need a special type of boat that draws the proper wake for this activity. Tubing can be done from basically any powerboat as it doesn’t require a lot of horsepower. Tubing also doesn’t require any skill, so anyone can have fun with it.
- Relaxing on Lake Norman NC
My favorite activity while boating on Lake Norman. Enjoy a leisurely cruise or pull up to a Lake Norman sandbar with a picnic lunch. Soak up some sun, and enjoy the serenity of being on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions – Lake Norman Boat Rentals
Here are the most frequently asked questions when renting a boat on Lake Norman:
How old do you have to be to rent a boat on Lake Norman NC?
Boat rental company policies vary, but at minimum, you must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and boaters license. There are usually accommodations for older renters that do not possess a boaters license.
Can I bring drinks and snacks onboard when renting a boat on Lake Norman NC?
Yes, renters are encouraged to bring drinks and snacks for their comfort onboard their rental boat.
Are security deposits required when renting a boat on Lake Norman NC?
Yes. The rental company will require a security deposit for the rental reservation, as well as a damage security deposit.
Can we ski or wakeboard with our rental boat on Lake Norman NC?
Most rental companies allow skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing behind their boats that are properly equipped and capable of these activities. You’ll want to confirm this before making the reservation.
Other Boating Options To Consider On Lake Norman
If being your own Captain for a day doesn’t appeal to you, here are a few other ways to get out and enjoy boating on Lake Norman:
Captained Charters on Lake Norman NC
First, consider renting a boat from one of the companies that can also provide a Captain for the day. A captained boat rental is a great way to see the lake from the water and relax while a knowledgeable Captain is at the helm. Some choices here are Carolina Cruising Charters and 77 Watersports.
Party Pontoon on Lake Norman NC
How about a dedicated party experience? For a day of celebrations and libations with your bachelor or bachelorette party, birthday party, or divorce celebration, look no further than Party Pontoon! Be sure to visit the Lake Norman sandbar, too.
Dinner Cruise on Lake Norman NC
For the ultimate in luxury and opulence, reserve a dinner cruise on The Lady of the Lake – a 93-foot luxury yacht where you’ll enjoy a three-course chef-crafted meal. “The Lady” has two enclosed decks, each with well-appointed bars and an upper deck open balcony that affords gorgeous views of the lake.
Charter Fishing on Lake Norman NC
If hooking up with one of the many fish species in Lake Norman is your ambition, we suggest connecting with one of the professional guides that operate on Lake Norman. One such well-known local charter fishing guide is Captain Gus.
Lake Norman Boat Clubs
One more thing: if you plan to rent often, you may want to consider joining a boat club. Boat clubs offer a fleet of boats to their members for a flat monthly fee. Learn more about one of the most popular boat clubs on Lake Norman, Freedom Boat Club of Lake Norman, in episode 57 of the podcast!
Enjoy boating on Lake Norman NC
Ok Captains, grab your crew and head out on Lake Norman for a great day of boating. This guide should provide plenty of information to get you started. If there’s anything we missed, send us a message and let us know!
Cheers, Lake Norman!