The Best Boat Rentals in Hendersonville

On Old Hickory Lake, most self-operated pontoons and tritoons run about $375–$600 for a weekday full day and $500–$700 on weekends or holiday dates, with half-day options priced lower. Captained pontoons typically range from about $100–$150 per hour, while wake and surf boats with a captain are often $175–$200 per hour, usually with 3–6 hour minimums. Your rental almost always includes Coast Guard–approved life jackets and required safety gear; some listings include fuel while others bill it after the trip, and a refundable security deposit is common. Exact pricing varies by boat size, date, and duration.

The most popular choices on Old Hickory Lake are comfortable pontoons and tritoons for relaxed cruising and swimming coves, wake and surf boats for watersports, versatile deck boats, and small cabin cruisers for upscale outings. You can also find fishing-friendly setups and private captained charters for groups that prefer to sit back while a local pro handles the driving.

If your group wants a hands-off day—especially for celebrations—a captained charter is the easiest option because your captain handles docking, anchoring, routing, and safety. Confident boaters often pick self-operated pontoons for maximum flexibility. Keep in mind that Old Hickory Lake has busy no‑wake zones around marinas and access areas, so first‑timers or larger groups may find a captain more relaxing and time‑efficient.

Common meeting spots include Anchor High Marina off River Road, Drakes Creek Marina along Sanders Ferry Road, and Creekwood Marina near Mallard Point in Hendersonville, TN, United States. Many hosts can also arrange pick-ups at public ramps such as the Sanders Ferry Park Boat Ramp in Hendersonville or the Cages Bend Recreation Area ramp toward Gallatin—confirm the exact launch point when you book.

You’ll cruise past wooded shoreline, coves with sandy shallows, and lakefront homes, with frequent sightings of herons, egrets, ospreys, and sometimes bald eagles. Popular vistas include the shoreline parks near Sanders Ferry, the Drakes Creek area, and views toward the Old Hickory Dam and navigation lock; with more time, you can follow the Cumberland River channel for broader lake views.

Tennessee requires anyone born after January 1, 1989, who operates a motorboat over 8.5 horsepower to hold approved boater education. Residents need a TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate, while non‑residents may use a NASBLA‑approved card from their home state. Captained trips do not require you to be licensed because your captain operates the boat.

Yes—families are welcome. By state law, children 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard–approved life jacket while the boat is underway, and your rental will include properly sized PFDs for the listed capacity. If you have infants or multiple small children, tell the owner your headcount and sizes in advance so they can confirm availability of the right life jackets.

Most rentals are BYO for snacks, meals, and non‑alcoholic drinks, and coolers are welcome. Many hosts ask you to avoid glass and charcoal grills on board to keep the deck safe and clean. If you plan to celebrate, consider pre‑ordering ice and extra water; several marinas sell ice and provisions near the docks for easy pickup before departure.

Passengers may bring and consume alcohol unless a specific listing says otherwise, but the operator of any vessel may not be under the influence. Boating Under the Influence carries similar penalties to DUI in Tennessee. If your group plans to drink, a captained charter is the simplest, safest way to enjoy the day without anyone in your party operating the boat.

Many Hendersonville listings welcome well‑behaved dogs, sometimes with a modest pet fee and limits on size or number. Always check the individual boat’s pet policy before you book, bring a leash for the dock area, and pack a towel or blanket so your pup has a comfy, dry spot on board.

Peak season brings warm, sunny days with occasional pop‑up thunderstorms, especially on summer afternoons. Most hosts monitor the forecast and will reschedule or refund if unsafe weather is expected at departure time. To maximize calm conditions and clearer skies, book morning starts, build a little buffer into your itinerary, and follow your captain or owner’s guidance if weather develops during your trip.

Yes—the lake is ideal for celebrations. Pontoons and tritoons are group‑friendly, easy to board, and have space for coolers, decor, and a playlist, while captained boats keep the day stress‑free so the organizer can enjoy the party. For larger headcounts, consider booking two boats that raft up in a calm cove and set your meetup, food, and payment details in the app to keep the day organized.

Boating is best from May through September, with the busiest days around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Hendersonville’s Freedom Festival fireworks on July 3 can also increase demand. Weekdays and morning departures offer lighter boat traffic and smoother water; late afternoons are lively but can be windier or storm‑prone. For weekends or holiday periods, reserve one to three weeks in advance; for prime Saturdays in midsummer, lock in your date even earlier.

Old Hickory Lake’s shallow “Two Foot Cove” is a beloved warm‑weather hangout where many boats anchor to swim in waist‑deep water; ask your captain or owner for directions and etiquette if you plan to stop there. If you prefer scenery over social vibes, a cruise toward the Old Hickory Dam and the Rockland area delivers classic Cumberland River views and frequent birdlife.