Fun on the high seas near NYC
May 31, 2011 1:04 PM

Where can I rent a self-captained boat for 10-20 people within two hours of NYC.

My buddy is getting married on the west coast at the end of June, but none of his east coast friends will be able to make it. We'd like to do something special in lieu of attending, so we're leaning towards renting a self-captained boat (pontoon or otherwise) for a day of revelry on the high seas.

The question remains: where can we rent a boat within two hours driving of NYC? Would love to do this somewhere scenic like Harriman State Park, but if we can swing something like this on City Island or something, that would be cool to.

Anybody have experience with this kind of excursion?

Thanks!
posted by kmtiszen to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (6 answers total)
You won't be able to rent a boat that big self-captained without some sort of credential. A boat that carries 20 is by definition a big boat. Don't see many pontoon boats around here. The water is generally too rough for them. More of a lake type thing.

If you have that credential you can just go check out some of the bigger marinas and you'll find a boat eventually. Honestly though, just do the charter with a captain. You'll find more options, and you won't be liable for anything that happens.

(By Harriman State Park you mean the Hudson? Boating in most of the lakes in the state parks is pretty limited.)
posted by JPD at 1:13 PM on May 31, 2011


ETA - Certainly City Island would have charters - tho personally I might look in Freeport or Long Beach on LI, maybe Huntington. Jersey will have options, but I can't speak to them.
posted by JPD at 1:14 PM on May 31, 2011


Another option would be farther up the Hudson: the Rondout area in Kingston. It's lovely, and a little cheaper and less frantic than areas closer to the city.
posted by Corvid at 1:25 PM on May 31, 2011


Google for New York boat yacht rental charter. Then get on the phone and check out your options.
You have no license to operate any passenger vessel, ( if you did you would not be asking the question) so you will not be able to bareboat charter anything that carries this amount of passengers. Go with the professionals so that you and your friends enjoy the day and stay safe; The ocean is a public highway. A good operation will be able to organize catering, a bar, a disco whatever you think you need.
posted by adamvasco at 1:52 PM on May 31, 2011


For how many people? Can you sail? You can rent some small sailboats (4-5 people, max) from the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay.

There are also some places to rent sailboats and various types of motor boats in Amityville, NY, along the Great South Bay.
posted by skwm at 1:55 PM on May 31, 2011


You might be able to rent a boat from the NY Sailing Center on City Island if you can pass their checkout.
posted by nicwolff at 4:52 PM on May 31, 2011


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