Captained vs Self-Drive
Boat Rentals

Because Lake Tahoe is a federally governed lake, the rules may be different than the lake you are coming from, even if you live in California. Per the US Coast Guard definition:

Charter (bareboat) Operation: A valid (bareboat) charter is an agreement where the charterer has use of the vessel for a period of time and is considered the owner. A charterer takes on the legal obligations and is responsible for the crew, passengers carried, and others.

Elements of a valid bareboat charter may include:

1. The charterer must have the option of selecting and paying crew, although the owner may require general levels of proficiency for the crew retained based on federal statutes.
2. The master/crew are paid by the charterer.
3. All food, fuel, and stores are provided by the charterer.
4. Insurance is obtained by the charterer.
5. The charterer is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel.
6. A platform for events that does not involve consideration, even when moored at the pier.
7. The vessel is surveyed upon return to the owner.

We have our own list of captains you may choose from, or if you would like to bring your own captain for your bareboat charter, they must provide:

• A valid MMC
• Proof of 2 years employment on Lake Tahoe (pay stub or W-2)
• A current CPR/First Aid certification

USCG Bareboat Charter Information

No, it is not required. We do recommend getting your California Boater Safety Card for an optimal time out on the water. Get your California Boater Card here . We will give you a safety and operation briefing before every rental. We want to make sure you are comfortable before leaving the dock.

We do not allow renters within 200 yards of shore or to anchor the boat without a captain. This includes docking and beaching the boat. Anchoring in Tahoe is EXTREMELY difficult with our depths and weather. You may float with the boat in the off or accessory position. If you would like to pull up to the on-the-water restaurants, you can hire one of our captains.

You will be fined $500 if excessive sand is in the boat. The only way that can happen is if you beached the boat or brought it to a dock.

Our pricing does not include gratuity for North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental captains or dockhands. If they provided you with above-and-beyond service, it’s a great way to show your appreciation. Typical gratuity for a half-day (3.5-hour) rental is $100, and for a full-day (7-hour) rental is $200.

• 2023 & 2025 Bronze Medal for Best of Sierra Boat Rental
• 6 MMC / Merchant Mariner Credential ( Merchant Mariners ) on staff
• 4 NSBC / National Safe Boating Council Instructors ( National Safe Boating Council Instructors ) on staff
• Mercury, Yamaha, and Volvo Penta Certified Technicians
• 1400+ 5-star Reviews on Google