The Best Boat Rentals Near Center Hill Lake

Expect full‑day pontoons and tritoons to run roughly $350–$600 on weekdays and about $450–$650 on summer weekends and holidays, with prices varying by size, engine, and season. Jet ski rentals are commonly $350–$500 per day, with shorter two‑hour options around the mid‑$200s when offered. Premium wake or ski boats usually price higher, often around $700–$1,200+ per day, and multi‑day houseboats are quoted per trip and can run into the low thousands for a weekend. Most daily rates include standard safety gear and a short pre‑departure orientation; taxes, fuel, and damage waivers are usually extra. Coolers or water mats may be included or available as add‑ons depending on the boat.

The most common options are comfortable pontoons and performance tritoons for cruising and coves, jet skis for zipping around, wake and ski boats for towing and watersports, and larger houseboats for multi‑day stays. A few cabins‑on‑the‑water style cruisers may be available in season. Sailboats are uncommon here due to the lake’s topography and typical offerings at local marinas.

Both are possible. Most rentals on Center Hill Lake are self‑operated after a quick safety and operation briefing at pickup. If you prefer to relax, want a curated itinerary, or are planning a celebration with a larger group, captained cruises are available on select boats. Either way, the booking details will clearly indicate whether a captain is included, optional, or not offered.

Popular pickup points include Hurricane Marina in Silver Point and Edgar Evins Marina inside Edgar Evins State Park, along with Sligo Marina and Pates Ford Marina near Smithville. You’ll also find rentals and fuel at Center Hill Marina & Yacht Club in Lancaster, Hidden Harbor Marina on Holmes Creek, and Cookeville Boat Dock in Baxter. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed by the owner after booking.

Center Hill Lake is known for emerald water, quiet coves, and dramatic limestone bluffs. From the boat you can cruise past the Center Hill Dam area near Edgar Evins State Park, glide under Sligo and Hurricane bridges, and explore waterfall‑filled coves when lake levels cooperate. Local favorites accessible by water include Fancher Falls in the Taylor Creek arm and the base of Burgess Falls via the Cane Hollow side, both memorable photo stops on calm days.

For powered boats, Tennessee requires a boating safety education certificate for operators born on or after January 1, 1989 (Tennessee residents must have the TWRA card; non‑residents may show any NASBLA‑approved card). If you were born before that date, no card is required. Regardless of age, renters receive a brief safety and rules orientation at pickup, and the operator must be capable and sober. If you don’t have the required card, consider booking a captained outing.

Yes—families are welcome. Every rental provides Coast Guard‑approved life jackets sized for typical guests, and Tennessee law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket on the open deck while underway. Many marinas ask guests to bring an appropriately sized infant PFD for babies and toddlers, so confirm sizes with your owner and request extra small vests in advance if needed.

Absolutely. Most guests bring picnic fare, snacks, and drinks in soft coolers, and several marinas have ship stores and lakefront restaurants for easy resupply. Grilling is often prohibited on rental boats, glass is frequently discouraged, and red‑dye beverages can be restricted to prevent upholstery stains. If you plan to enjoy alcohol, keep it to passengers only and designate a sober operator.

Pet policies vary by owner. Some marinas do not allow pets on rental boats, while others may permit small, well‑behaved dogs with advance approval and a cleaning fee. If you’re bringing a pet, mention it when you request to book so the owner can confirm what’s allowed and suggest a suitable boat.

Summer afternoons can bring pop‑up thunderstorms, and water levels on this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake fluctuate seasonally. If unsafe weather is forecast, owners will typically allow a reschedule or weather‑related cancellation per the policy shown at checkout. To avoid wind and traffic, early morning starts are best, and a flexible plan helps you pivot to a calmer cove or a different time window if conditions change.

Yes—Center Hill is popular for celebrations. Pontoons comfortably host groups of about 10–15 depending on the boat’s rated capacity, and you can combine multiple boats for larger parties. Let the owner know your headcount and vibe (relaxing swim cove, waterfall cruise, or a restaurant stop) so they can suggest a route, provide coolers or floats, and recommend quieter or livelier areas as you prefer.

Peak season runs late May through early September, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day being the busiest weekends on the water. July often features marina fireworks visible from the lake, and mid‑July brings WakeFest at Pates Ford Marina, a major on‑water wakeboarding event that draws a crowd and can affect availability and water traffic. For smoother cruising and easier parking, choose weekdays, start early in the morning, or target late afternoon on non‑holiday days. Spring and fall offer cooler temps, vivid foliage, and lower crowds, though water levels are more variable.

For a relaxed waterfall day, many boaters depart from Cookeville Boat Dock or nearby marinas and head to the Taylor Creek arm for Fancher Falls, or launch from the Cane Hollow side to reach the base of Burgess Falls when lake levels allow. Always check current conditions and stay mindful of no‑wake zones, narrow coves, and other boats enjoying the falls.