The Best Boat Rentals in Acworth

On nearby Lake Allatoona, most pontoon and runabout rentals fall between about $100–$175 per hour, with full-day prices commonly around $350–$600 depending on boat size, date, and season. Rentals typically include required safety gear and basic equipment; fuel and taxes are often extra, and a refundable security deposit (frequently around $500) may be required. Many listings note coolers and life jackets on board, while marinas outline clear weekday vs. weekend rates. Check your specific listing for inclusions, deposit amounts, and any holiday pricing. (getmyboat.com, holidayharbormarina.com, allatoonaboatrental.com)

You’ll find plenty of pontoons and tritoons for relaxed cruising and swim stops, along with sport boats for cruising and watersports, and a few cabin cruisers or small yachts suited to groups and celebrations. Nearby marinas and owners on Lake Allatoona supply the inventory, so you can choose between self-operated pontoons or captained options if you prefer to sit back and enjoy. (getmyboat.com, lakeallatoona.com)

Both options are available. If you want to be the operator, Georgia requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 to complete a state-approved boater education course; non-residents with a NASBLA-approved course are generally recognized. If you’d rather focus on hosting, choose a captained rental where a licensed and insured skipper runs the trip for you. (gadnr.org, dds.georgia.gov)

Most powerboat rentals operate on Lake Allatoona rather than Lake Acworth, and common pickup spots include Kellogg Creek Boat Ramp in Acworth, Knox Bridge Boat Ramp near Canton, Victoria Landing/Day-Use in Woodstock, Park Marina by Red Top Mountain State Park, and the busy Blockhouse Boat Ramp near Cartersville. Always confirm your exact meeting point when you book, since ramp parking can fill early on hot summer weekends and holidays. (getmyboat.zendesk.com, sam.usace.army.mil, gastateparks.org)

Expect forested coves and long, rolling shorelines backed by Red Top Mountain State Park, plus views toward the Allatoona Dam and Cooper’s Furnace near the visitor center. History buffs often cruise by the area around Allatoona Pass Battlefield, where Civil War earthworks remain. In early July, many boaters watch the Allatoona Yacht Club fireworks from the main channel. (gastateparks.org, sam.usace.army.mil, allatoonayachtclub.org)

Georgia law requires a boater education course for operators born on or after January 1, 1998; approved classroom or NASBLA-recognized online courses qualify. Georgia’s DDS can even add a small anchor “boater indicator” to your driver’s license after you complete the process. If you book a captained rental, the captain handles operation, so you don’t need to meet operator requirements yourself. (gadnr.org, dds.georgia.gov)

Yes. Boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, and Georgia requires children under 13 to wear a properly fitted life jacket any time the boat is underway. Owners provide the required safety gear, and many listings note additional equipment like throwables and horns per state rules.

Most hosts allow you to bring snacks, picnics, and drinks, and many provide a cooler or bottled water. Expect commonsense rules like no glass on board and no smoking on certain boats; just check your listing’s house rules so you can pack accordingly.

Pet policies are set by each owner; many welcome well-behaved dogs with prior approval. If you’re meeting at a day-use park or beach, note that some areas prohibit pets on the beach itself—including the Victoria Day-Use area—so plan pickups and potty breaks accordingly.

Summer afternoons can bring pop-up thunderstorms, so morning and early-day departures are often the calmest. Cancellations are set by each owner: some offer full refunds up to a day before, and many allow day-of weather cancellations or reschedules for hazardous conditions. Review your listing and confirm the plan with your host a day or two ahead of your outing. (getmyboat.com, holidayharbormarina.com)

Absolutely. Many boats are set up for celebrations, but always respect the boat’s posted passenger and weight limits and arrive early for parking, especially on summer weekends and holiday periods. Popular ramps like Blockhouse charge a modest use fee and can fill and temporarily close when lots reach capacity, so plan meetups and carpools to streamline your start. (getmyboat.com, sam.usace.army.mil)

Peak boating season runs roughly May through September, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day being the busiest weekends. The Allatoona Yacht Club’s July 3 fireworks are a beloved on-the-water viewing tradition. Weekdays and morning departures are typically less crowded. Also note that Lake Acworth is a small, no–gas-motor lake that’s usually lowered the last weekend in September, so most motorboat rentals and tours operate on adjacent Lake Allatoona throughout the summer. (allatoonayachtclub.org, acworth-ga.gov)