The Best Boat Rentals in Mooresville

On Lake Norman, most self-operated pontoons and bowriders run about $350–$600 for a half day and $450–$750 for a full day, with weekends and holidays on the higher end. Wake and surf boats are commonly $150–$250 per hour plus fuel, while captained party pontoons and small yachts typically range from about $600–$1,800 depending on duration and group size. Your booking generally includes required safety gear like life jackets, lines, anchors, and a Bimini top for shade. Fuel may or may not be included on self-operated rentals, while many captained charters include fuel, cooler ice, and basic float toys. Always check the individual listing for what’s covered.

You’ll find a wide mix to fit the day you’re planning, including spacious pontoons and tritoons for relaxed cruising, bowriders and deck boats for tubing and swimming stops, wake and surf boats for watersports, double-decker “party” pontoons with slides, and mid-size cruisers or small yachts for celebratory outings. Captained tiki-style or themed boats are also popular for sunset cruises and special events.

If you want a stress-free day or you’re hosting a celebration, a captained charter is the easiest option—your captain handles docking, navigation, and busy holiday traffic. Confident boaters who meet North Carolina’s boater education rules often choose self-operated pontoons or bowriders. For first-timers on Lake Norman, a captain is recommended on summer weekends when coves and channels see heavy use.

Common meeting points include Stutts Marina off Brawley School Road and All Seasons Marina on Langtree Road. Many owners also meet guests at public access areas such as Hager Creek Access Area, Stumpy Creek Access Area, McCrary Creek Access Area along NC-150, and the nearby Pinnacle Access Area just east of the NC-150 bridge. Your confirmation will note the exact pickup dock and any parking details.

Expect long views of Lake Norman’s main channel, quiet coves along the Brawley Peninsula, and the NC-150 bridge area near Mooresville. Cruising north brings forested shoreline and islands toward Lake Norman State Park; to the south you’ll pass sandy coves and park beaches near Ramsey Creek and Jetton Park. Wildlife sightings can include great blue herons and osprey, especially near natural shorelines and rookeries. Sunset runs often showcase the lake’s waterfront neighborhoods glowing along the coves.

North Carolina requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to carry a NASBLA-approved boater education certificate to operate a boat with 10 horsepower or more on public waters. If you book a captained trip, your licensed captain operates the vessel, so you won’t need the certificate. Some owners may have additional age or experience requirements, which will appear in the listing.

Yes—families are welcome. Every rental provides U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets sized for your group, and children under 13 must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. If you need infant or toddler sizes, tell the owner your child’s weight and chest size in advance so they can confirm fit. Captains and owners will review a brief safety orientation before departure.

Most charters and rentals are BYO-friendly. Pack picnic-style food and drinks in a soft cooler, opt for cans and reusable bottles instead of glass, and bring plenty of water for hot afternoons. Alcohol is allowed for passengers who are 21+, but the person operating the boat must stay sober enough to remain under North Carolina’s 0.08% limit. Some captained trips provide ice and a cooler—check your listing for specifics.

Many owners allow well-behaved dogs, sometimes with a small cleaning fee or deposit. Bring a non-slip mat or towel, a canine life jacket if you have one, and plan shore breaks at pet-friendly parks or access areas. Keep pets leashed at marinas and launch ramps.

Summer afternoons can bring quick pop-up thunderstorms, while mornings are typically calmer. If unsafe weather is in the forecast at departure time, most owners will offer a reschedule or refund per their policy. To avoid last-minute stress, consider a morning or early afternoon start and build a little flexibility into your plans during peak summer.

Peak season runs May through September, with the busiest days on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend. Spring and fall offer milder temps and lighter crowds, plus colorful foliage cruises in October. For the smoothest water and easiest docking, book weekdays or morning departures; afternoons tend to be warmer, breezier, and busier.

Absolutely. Captained pontoons, double-decker boats with slides, and small yachts are popular for celebrations. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (chill cruise vs. swim-and-float stops), and any décor or playlist requests with the owner or captain in advance. They’ll suggest an itinerary with calm swim coves, photo spots near landmarks, and optional stops at waterfront docks if your group wants a quick onshore break.

Lake days often include anchoring with other boats at sandbar hangouts like the coves off the Brawley Peninsula or near the NC-150 bridge, plus sunset cruises along the main channel for wide-open views. Around early July, multiple private club fireworks displays are visible from the water on different nights, creating a festive scene across the lake. Event dates vary each year, so ask your captain or owner for the best vantage points and timing during your stay.