Best Boats For Lake Washington, Wa: A Guide

Washington is home to nearly 4,500 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, so it's no surprise that boating is a popular activity in the state. Lake Washington, in particular, offers a variety of boating options, from luxury yachts and powerboats to traditional sailboats and pontoons. With so many choices available, how do you choose the right boat for your needs? This guide will explore the different types of boats available for rent or purchase in Lake Washington, WA, and offer suggestions for activities such as wakeboarding, camping, and sightseeing.

Boat rental locations near Lake Washington

Lake Washington is a prime location for boating, with its ribbon lake formation fed by the Sammamish River and Cedar River. The lake is a popular spot for water sports, fishing, and swimming, with many boat access points making it easy to launch your vessel. Here are some of the top boat rental locations near Lake Washington:

• Puget Sound, Washington: This inlet of the Pacific Ocean offers a unique international boating experience, connecting the US to Canada. It is home to extraordinary marine life, including orcas, whales, and seals.
• Kirkland, Washington: A popular location for boat rentals, with options for both captained and bareboat charters.
• Bellevue, Washington: Another great choice for boat rentals, with a variety of boat types available, from luxury yachts to fishing boats.
• 14th Ave NW Boat Ramp: A convenient boat ramp located near Lake Washington, providing easy access to the water.
• Fisherman's Terminal Marina: A great spot to dock your boat and explore the nearby Seattle sights, such as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
• Lockhaven Marina: One of the closest marinas to the Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks, a popular Seattle attraction for experienced boaters.
• Seaborn Marina: Another convenient option for accessing the Ballard Locks, with a short distance to the locking system.
• McGinnis Marina: This marina is also located near the Ballard Locks, making it a good choice for those looking to explore this historic site.
• Stimson Marina: Located near the Ballard Locks, providing easy access to one of Seattle's busiest locking systems.
• Shilshole Bay Marina: A great option for boaters looking to explore Puget Sound, with easy access to the northern and southern ends of the sound.
• Elliott Bay Marina: Another convenient marina for accessing Puget Sound, located near downtown Seattle.
• Lake Union: Just north of downtown Seattle, Lake Union is a bustling hub for boating activities. It is home to seaplanes, day boats, and wooden boats. The lake offers stunning views of the Space Needle and is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• Lake Sammamish: Accessible through Lake Sammamish State Park, this lake offers a variety of boating options, from large to small boats. It is also a great spot for fishing and shellfish harvesting.

These locations provide a range of choices for boat rentals near Lake Washington, catering to different preferences and offering various amenities. Remember to follow the local boating laws and regulations, such as age restrictions and life jacket requirements, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Boat rental costs

The cost of renting a boat depends on the boat's size, rental time, location, and features. Rental prices can range from $125 to $1000 per hour or more, depending on the boat and the length of the rental.

For example, a 2014 Yamaha 242 Limited on Lake Washington, including fuel and a captain, costs $125 per hour. A 30ft Godfrey Pontoon Aquapatio, the biggest pontoon on the lake, costs $99 per hour. A 23ft Luxury Heyday WT SURF in Renton, designed for high-performance watersports, costs $125 per hour. A 2021 Bentley Pontoon Boat in Renton costs $200 per hour, with a three-hour minimum. A 2023 Viaggio Tri-Toon costs $200 for 3-8 hours, with no captain.

The cost of renting a yacht depends on the boat's size, location, and the length of the charter. Prices typically range from less than $1000 to $5000 or more if you're chartering the yacht overnight. For example, a 56' Absolute Italian Yacht on Lake Washington costs $99 per hour. A 60-foot Lido yacht costs $125 per hour. A 30' HD8 RS Surf Yacht costs $100-$300 for trips with 2-4 people and a captain.

The cost of renting a pontoon boat depends on the size, location, and rental time. Prices can range from $200 for a half-day rental to just under $1000 for longer rentals.

Boat requirements and safety equipment

Boating on Lake Washington can be a fun and exciting experience, but it's important to ensure that you have the necessary equipment and knowledge to stay safe on the water. Here are the key requirements and safety equipment you should consider:

Boat Requirements:

• Registration: In Washington, you must register your boat with the Washington State Department of Licensing. This applies to all boats with motors, except for those that are canoes, kayaks, or have no propulsion. The registration card must be kept onboard whenever you're out on the water.
• Vessel/Boat Decals and Numbers: Display the registration decals and numbers correctly on both sides of your boat.
• Washington Boater Education Card: If your boat has a motor of 15 horsepower or more, you are required to have a Washington Boater Education Card. Anyone born before January 1, 1955, is exempt from this requirement.
• Operator Age Requirements: Anyone 12 years old and older can operate a motorboat of 15 horsepower or greater if they have a Washington Boater Education Card. Without the card, they must be supervised by someone at least 16 years old who holds the card.
• Personal Watercraft Operation: To operate a personal watercraft, you must be at least 14 years old. It is illegal to lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft to anyone under the age of 16.

Safety Equipment:

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)/Life Jackets: It is mandatory to have USCG-approved PFDs or life jackets of the appropriate size and type for every passenger on board. Children 12 years old and younger must always wear a life jacket when underway in a vessel under 19 feet in length, unless they are in a fully enclosed cabin.
• Sound-Producing Devices: You are required to have a sound-producing device, such as a horn, whistle, or bell, on board. This is essential during periods of reduced visibility, and it must be audible for half a mile.
• Fire Extinguishers: Carry USCG-approved, fully charged, and serviceable fire extinguishers. The number and type of fire extinguishers depend on the length and construction of your boat.
• Visual Distress Signals: Carry visual distress signals suitable for daytime and nighttime use, especially when operating in coastal waters. Flares are required on federal waterways.
• Ventilation Systems: Ensure proper ventilation in compartments with permanently installed gasoline engines. Each vessel with an onboard gasoline engine must have a ventilation system and, in some cases, a mechanical exhaust blower system.
• Backfire Flame Arrestors: Install backfire flame arrestors on all powerboats, except outboards fuelled with gasoline. These devices must meet USCG-approved standards.
• Navigation Lights: Display the required navigational lights during hours of restricted visibility and from sunset to sunrise.
• Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs): Adhere to the USCG MSD regulations when operating in Washington waters.

In addition to the legal requirements, it is highly recommended that you carry additional safety equipment to enhance your chances of rescue and survival in an emergency. This includes multiple forms of communication (VHF radio, cellphone, flares), a bailing system, anchor and rope, navigation charts/GPS, a rescue throw bag, strobe lights, extra clothes in a dry bag, and a ditch bag with essential items.

Boat launch locations

There are several boat launch locations around Lake Washington. Seattle Parks and Recreation manages seven motorized boat launches on Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Ship Canal. A permit is required for anyone using a ramp lane, no matter where you park your vehicle and trailer.

Warren G. Magnuson Park is home to Seattle's most popular public boat launch. The launch gives boaters and jet skiers direct access to Lake Washington. The park's boat ramp is located at the southeast end. The two south lanes are for launching, and the two north lanes are for retrieval. There are two large parking lots reserved for vehicles with trailers just south of the piers and ramps. An electronic fee machine takes debit and credit card payments.

Other boat launch locations in Lake Washington include:

• Coulon Park
• Atlantic City
• Kirkland Marina
• Mercer Island
• Rainier Beach
• Renton (next to Boeing)
• Bellevue (south of I-90)
• East side (next to I-90)

Boat tours and experiences

There are many boat tours and experiences to enjoy on Lake Washington. Argosy Cruises offers a 1.5-hour narrated cruise on the lake, where you can learn about Seattle's historic waterfront and take in the city's skyline. The cruise also offers panoramic views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including Mt Rainier. You can also spot the houseboats and waterfront homes of the rich and famous in the area. Argosy Cruises also provides a full-service bar and snacks on board for purchase.

For a more intimate experience, you can book a private boat tour with a local captain or boat owner through Getmyboat. This option allows you to explore the lake at your own pace and customise your itinerary. You can choose from a variety of boats, including powerboats, pontoon boats, and yachts, accommodating different group sizes.

Waterways Cruises offers dining cruises and private events aboard yachts on Lake Washington. They provide elegant and spacious accommodations, in-house catering, and breathtaking views, making them ideal for corporate events, weddings, holidays, or any special occasion. Their professional and courteous staff will ensure your event is memorable.

Additionally, you can find boat rentals on Lake Washington through Getmyboat, where you can rent various boats, including powerboats, pontoon boats, and yachts. These boats offer different experiences, such as casual cruising, sandbar stops, swimming, parties, and fishing.

Whether you choose a guided tour or a private rental, exploring Lake Washington by boat is a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery and create memorable experiences.

Frequently asked questions