Lake Allatoona is a man-made reservoir located in northwestern Georgia, United States. It is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state. The lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s with the construction of the Allatoona Dam on the Etowah River. It serves as a water supply source, flood control, and a popular recreation area. Lake Allatoona is known for a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. It is a popular spot for water sports such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing.
Every GetMyBoat operator must follow local rules and regulations, which include getting the right permits, adhering to vessel and captain requirements, using designated areas for commercial activities, and obeying all local laws and facility rules.
Boat Registration
To legally operate a vessel on public waters in Georgia, you must possess a Georgia Certificate of Boat Registration with validation decals. The following are the only exceptions:
- Sailboats under 12 feet in length
- Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and rubber rafts without mechanical propulsion (i.e., manually powered)
- Vessels exclusively used on private ponds or lakes
- Vessels registered in other states and using Georgia waters for 60 days or less
State of Georgia Registration Website
Insurance:
To keep your passengers safe, protect your business, and follow the rules while renting out a boat, make sure you have the right insurance. We suggest contacting our partner Boat Charter Insurance (BCI) to understand what insurance you need.
Captain License
To be a captain, you need a U.S. Coast Guard license and must be able to show a copy of your license to the Commission for verification.
- If you have more than 6 passengers, you need a Master Captain's license.
- If you have 6 or fewer passengers, you need a 6-pack/ OUPV license.
The captain is responsible for the safety of everyone on the boat.
To learn more about how to get a captain's license, visit the Mariners Learning System website.
Boaters Education
Renters operating a vessel without a captain are required to have completed a boaters education course if they meet the following requirements:
If you were born after January 1, 1998, you must complete this course before operating any watercraft. For more information on Boating Education, please click here
Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 327
In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 327, any engagement in or solicitation of business on project land or waters is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the District Commander. Within U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed campgrounds or day-use areas, including beaches or boat ramps, the rental of boats is not permitted.
Generally, commercial activities are sanctioned in areas that have been leased from the Corps of Engineers for the explicit purpose of conducting such activities. This is exemplified by the presence of several marinas on Allatoona Lake. If an individual or business seeks to rent boats from a marina, explicit permission must be obtained from the marina, and a sublease agreement must be issued by the Corps of Engineers.
It is important to note that marinas typically establish subleases with businesses that manage multiple boats, as opposed to those looking to rent out just one boat. This ensures a streamlined and efficient process for all parties involved.
Passenger Pick Up/ Drop Off:
Numerous places allow for boat drop-offs and pickups for rentals, and here are a few with specified passenger zones. Before finalizing your plans, be sure to verify the pickup and drop-off policies with each location.
- Knox Bridge Boat Ramp: Located at 6100 Knox Bridge Hwy, Canton, GA 30114
- Kellogg Creek Boat Ramp: Located at 2271-2373 Kellogg Creek Rd, Acworth, GA 30102,
Additional Resources
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