Explore The Water
Our Rental Locations
Goodhue Boat Company offers rental locations at some of the most scenic lakes in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Explore Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Sunapee, and Ossipee Lake in New Hampshire; Sebago Lake and Long Lake/Brandy Pond in Maine; and Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Each location provides easy access to the water and unforgettable views for your perfect day on the lake.
Marina & Boating Policies
At Goodhue Boat Company, we follow all applicable regulations and safety guidelines to ensure every boating experience is both safe and enjoyable. Renters and operators must be at least 21 years old. While all of our rental boats are equipped with GPS, radios, and maintained to high service standards, mechanical issues can occasionally occur and are not guaranteed to be avoidable. For safety reasons, cooking equipment, grills, and open flames are strictly prohibited on any rental boat.
In accordance with state laws, a NASBLA-approved boating license is required to operate any rental boat over 25 horsepower in New Hampshire, Maine, and Virginia. Depending on the location, customers may have the option to take an on-site boating test to obtain a 14-day temporary license. This test must be completed on or before the day of the reservation, and a fee is charged for each attempt. If the test is not passed, it can be retaken after 24 hours. We strongly recommend reviewing the Boater’s Guide for the state in which you’ll be boating to prepare.
State Regulations
Boating laws and licensing requirements vary by state and may affect your ability to rent or operate a boat. To ensure compliance with local regulations, we recommend contacting your nearest Goodhue Boat Company location for detailed information specific to New Hampshire, Maine, or Virginia. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you in understanding the necessary requirements for a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
FAQs
How does the rental process work?
We offer daily, multi-day, and weekly rentals on all boats. Reservations are strongly encouraged to ensure your preferred boat is available. Full payment is required at the time of booking to hold your reservation, making check-in quick and easy. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to complete our express online checkout—this step includes important forms that help get you on the water faster on the day of your rental.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel up to 14 days before your reservation for a refund, minus a $50 processing fee. Cancellations within 14 days of your reservation—including for weather—are non-refundable. However, if we’re able to rebook your boat, we’ll refund you for those days. For an additional fee, you can add Trip Protection to your reservation when booking. Trip Protection will allow you to make changes or cancel your reservation up to 24 hours prior to departure, and receive a refund minus the cost of trip protection.
What’s the minimum age to rent or operate a boat?
All renters and operators must be at least 21 years old.
Are there discounts for multi-day rentals?
Yes! Book 3–6 days and save up to $25 per day. Book 7 days or more and save up to $50 per day—our way of saying thanks for making us part of your extended lake time.
Does Goodhue offer insurance for rentals?
We do not provide insurance for rental boats. We recommend checking with your auto insurance or credit card provider to see if coverage is available. Before departure, our team provides a full operations and safety overview, including a detailed chart briefing to help you navigate the lake safely.
Can I rent gear for tubing, waterskiing, or wakeboarding?
Absolutely! We offer all three. Packages include one towable (tube, skis, or wakeboard), a tow rope, and required life jackets.
Is fuel included in the rental price?
No, fuel is not included. Boats go out with a full tank, and we’ll refill upon return and charge your card on file. Fuel charges may take up to 48 hours to process.
Can I take my rental boat to a different lake?
No. All rentals must stay on the body of water from which they’re rented. Boats are launched and retrieved from our docks, allowing for a smooth experience and safe, hassle-free operations.
Do you offer half-day rentals?
We do not offer half-day rentals at this time.
How can I check availability for a specific boat?
Visit our Online Rental Booking page to view current availability, compare boats, check pricing, and book directly.
How do I get a temporary 14-day boating certificate?
Some locations offer the boating certificate test on-site. It’s a timed, 25-question test that costs $20 per attempt, whether you pass or fail. You must answer 20 questions correctly within 25 minutes. You can only take it once every 24 hours, so we recommend studying in advance at www.boat-ed.com and, if needed, taking the test the day before your rental.
What if I have a special request or need help booking?
We’re happy to assist! Call, text, or send your local Goodhue Boat Company location a message, and a member of our Rentals team will be glad to help you.
Do I need a boating safety certificate?
Boating safety certificate requirements vary by state. Please check with your local marina to ensure you license is valid.
