Summer Vacation in Burlington Boat Rentals (Shelburne, Winooski: school, safe, licenses)

[TD*]

Hello, I am coming up to Burlington at the end of August for a week. I wanted to see what my options are for boat rentals in and around Burlington.

I realize lake champlain is there, but I wanted to ask locals if there is a better body of water to explore with a motor boat? I have never rented a pontoon boat before but thought it would be fun for a half day.

I see some rivers nearby as well.


The other option is renting a canoe or kayak and exploring.

I would like suggestions on cheapest/best places to rent boats from (Motor or Pontoon) in and around Burlington.

I would also like suggestions on maybe a great place to rent a canoe or kayak on, and a good place to paddle. I have been kayaking many times, and think its more fun to Kayak in a river or creek, rather than a giant lake.

Any opinions on where to go, and what a good trip would be on the water is appreciated.

Thanks.

[vter]

I can't think of any boat rentals in Burlington, except maybe small sailboats from the Burlington Sailing Center. You may want to check with marinas outside of Burlington like Apple Island or Malletts BAy to the north or Point Bay to the south.
For kayaks, check out UMIAK.
https://www.umiak.com/

Vermont State Parks also have kayak/canoe rentals.

[harry chickpea]

I have no idea where you might rent a powerboat, and even if you find a place you may need some certificate to be able to rent and drive one these days. Alabama licenses boaters, and if a state that red does, I can't imagine that Vermont doesn't. FWIW, power boat rentals here in AL are VERY expensive.

Lakes- The open lake can get rough pretty quickly, and if you are a beginning boater take the advice of the resident boaters on whether or not it is safe to go out that day. Once you get south of Shelburne it is quieter, and up in the Islands is OK but very shallow and often weed filled. I think there is a wind surf school down by the old Blodgett Oven plant if you are into that type of thing.

The only other bodies of water of note are Lake Iriquois, which is more of a large pond than a lake, and the Waterbury reservoir, which is a smallish lake with a couple good runs for water skiers. Lake George in NY is gorgeous, but too far away.

Kayaking and canoeing - at the end of August, all the rivers and streams are going to be at their lowest water levels of the year. That means any white water is pretty much out.

There are some long slow runs of the Winooski, some more interesting than others. From the mouth up to the city of Winooski is pretty boring. The run from Bolton Falls to Richmond is nice. From Middlesex down to Bolton Falls is also a possibility, although you may be doing some portaging or riverwalking over some of the rock shelves.

Otter Creek is navigable up to Vergennes, the Lamoille has some nice runs from Johnson and Jeffersonville. Ithial Falls will probably be a portage that time of year.

[capenewfs]

There are many places to rent boats on Lake George which is much nosier and more obnoxious than Lake Champlain. We just visited Ticonderoga up on the Northern part of Lake George. The Museum was amazing and the whole area is beautiful. I think it is a few hours from Burlington.

[TD*]

At most I was thinking a pontoon boat would be the only motor boat I would want to rent. If we can’t do that then maybe one of the rivers mentioned above on a paddle board or kayak.