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Boat rentals in NYC vary in price. A boat tour of the highlights of the city starts as low as $75/person, and private charters on luxury yachts in NYC can cost upward of $4,000 per hour. A power boat that fits 10-12 people costs (on average) $300/hour in NYC.
To operate a personal watercraft in NY, you must be at least 14 years old.
According to boaterexam.com if you were born on or after May 1, 1996, you are required to pass a state-approved course and obtain a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat. Everyone in NY must complete a Boating Safety Education Course in order to operate a PWC on NYS waters. The boating safety certificate must also be kept with you when you’re operating a boat.
You need to complete an accredited boating safety education course to rent and operate a boat in New York.
You must wear a lifejacket or PFD when riding a jet ski in New York. You also much complete a boating safety course and receive a certificate of successful completion and have that with you at all times when operating watercraft in New York.
All people on a kayak must wear a lifejacket at all times from November 1st-May 1st, and all kayaks must have at least 1 PFD per person onboard at all times, regardless of the time of year. Kids 12 and under must always have a lifejacket on while on a kayak.
New York City is great to explore on the water. From cruising around Brooklyn to seeing the skyline of Manhattan on a private boat tour, to cruising the Hamptons, Long Island, or even Stamford, Connecticut, you can make the most of your time in NYC by booking a boat rental.