Boating Courtesy And Safety
- Safety Equipment: You should carry this safety equipment in your boat: a wearable and properly-sized personal floatation device for each rider a whistle or horn, a fire extinguisher, a flat throwable flotation cushion, your boat rental agreement and your boat registration certificate. Children under 14 should always wear a personal floatation device.
- No Wake Zones: Within 50 feet of shore, another boat, a swimmer, a dock, or a no-wake zone you are required by law to operate your boat at your boats lowest possible navigable forward speed.
- Other Rules and Regulations: Please review TWRAs online boating information carefully before you boat at Watauga! You can get a copy at any marina.
Watauga Lake Boat Rentals At Lakeshore Resort & Marina
Lakeshore Resort and Marina has three 20-foot runabout boats and a fleet of 24-foot pontoon boats for rent.
Two of the runabout boats one with 115 horsepower and the other with 175 horsepower feature a tow bar for waterskiing and tubing. They start at $175 and $250 per day. These offer rear bench sat, Bimini top, marine radio, plush seating, a smooth ride, plenty of speed and more.
The other runabout is for the anglers out there looking to catch some fish in Watauga Lake. This 115 horsepower boat with two front fishing seats has a livewell and a trolling motor, both terms defined above. This boat starts at $175 per day.
Max capacity for all the runabout boats are 6 people.
As for the pontoon boat fleet, Lakeshore Resort has nearly 20 24-foot pontoon boats for rent from $150 to $250 per day. Without going into detail about each boat, these pontoon boats seat 10 people and offer a sun deck, tow bar, anchor, comfortable seating, marine radio and more.
The price difference seems to relate to horsepower. The 50-horsepower boats start at the lower price point, meanwhile the faster and more powerful 115-horsepower boats cost $225 per day, including one for $250 per day.
For the most up-to-date info, click to www.lakeshoreresort.com or call 423-725-2201.
Lakeshore Resort and Marina is located at 2285 Hwy 321 in Hampton, Tenn.
For directions to Lakeshore Marina, see the map below:
So What Is Carefree Boat Club Exactly
Imagine the convenience of driving up to Lakeshore Marina on Watauga Lake, your boat is ready, and you and your family spend the day making memories on the water. When youre done, you simply park the boat back at the marina and leave!
As a member of Carefree Boat Club, you can focus on having fun with your family, while our accommodating staff handles the cleaning, maintenance, monthly expenses, insurance and everything else that takes the fun out of owning a boat. This is the beauty of Carefree Boat Club! Enjoying all that boat ownership has to offer without the hassle and expense that comes with it.
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Pontoon Rentals Make Dale Hollow Lake Even More Fun
Sunset Marina offers six choices for pontoon rentals so you can plan a day at the lake for an intimate cruise or a party on the waves. We have hard top and soft top pontoons. One rental even has a John onboard. The larger pontoons provide a table, chairs, a gas grill and a cooler. Some pontoons have a slide and a sundeck. Dale Hollow Lake is a beautiful body of water that provides many areas for adventure, fishing and relaxing.
PAYMENT: Balance due in full at time of making reservation.
TAXES: Tennessee State and Local Sales Tax is added to all rentals.
AGE REQUIREMENT: No watercraft will be rented to anyone under age 21. ID required.
Terms & Conditions:
ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
- Please check-in at the marina office upon arrival. Your party must designate a Captain to be responsible during the check-in process to sign all necessary paperwork and be the Driver of your rental boat.
- You may check-in any time after 8:00am CST.
- We require Captain checking in to be at least 21 years of age and to present a credit/debit card for incidentals and a photo ID upon check-in.
DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
- All rental boats must be returned to Sunsets fuel dock no later than 5:00pm. If you are in a hurry to get off the water, please arrive closer to 4:00pm, as the fuel dock becomes very crowded close to 5:00pm.
- Boat is full of fuel upon arrival. You are responsible for paying for any fuel used.
- No refund for early checkouts.
POLICIES
More than 60 day notice: 75% refund
45 to 60 day notice: 50% refund
Save Money On Rentals With The Carefree Boat Club
The Carefree Boat Club has a fleet on every local lake and across the country at Boone Lake the fleet is housed at Lakeshore Marina. The other lakes fleets are at Rockingham Marina on Boone Lake and Lake View Dock on South Holston Lake. Nationwide clubs have fleets in popular tourist destinations like Charleston, South Carolina and Miami, Florida.
Members of the Carefree Boat Club can use a boat on any lake as many times as theyd like just make a reservation beforehand and show up to the marina at your designated time. Your boat will be clean and gassed up when you get there so you can start your day on the water immediately. As an added bonus to members, all floats, wakeboards, and other towables are included free of charge!
If youre new to boating and testing the waters before making a big investment in a boat, a rental is a great way to get your feet wet without ending up underwater. The options at Boone Lake give you plenty of places to try it out and see if its the right lifestyle for you. If so, we encourage you to look into the benefits of boat club membership versus buying a new or used boat!
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What Are The Closest Cities To Watauga Lake
There are numerous cities within close proximity to the lake. The Tennesse towns include Johnson City but further to the south in North Carolina is Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk.
The mountain towns in North Carolina are popular destinations for exploring the blue ridge mountains, skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Watauga Lake is just an hours drive from any of the three North Carolina cities.
As a result of the proximity, a visit to the lake is an ideal day trip. The winter temperatures fall below the freezing mark. Therefore, plan boating trips on the lake during the summer and autumn months.
Before You Rent Contact Your Watauga Lake Carefree Boat Club Representative
We would love to tell you more about this fantastic alternative to boat ownership. We are boaters too and know first hand the extraordinary benefits of being a club member. Getting more information is easy, and free from any sort of pressure or obligation. We will be glad to answer your questions and if you want to find out more, we can schedule a time for you to come down to the lake and get a first-hand tour and see for yourself.
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Watauga Lake Driving Directions From Virginia I
Travel south on I-81 in Virginia to Exit 29 . At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto SR-91 south. Follow SR-91 south approx. 15 miles to the Tennessee border, near Damascus VA. Continue on SR-91 approx. 12 more miles to Mountain City TN, where SR-91 turns right and becomes SR-67. Follow SR-67 approx. 18 miles, past the town of Butler, to the bridge that crosses Watauga Lake. This mountainous, winding route is very secenic, especially near the Virginia/Tennessee border. It should take you 60-70 minutes to reach Watauga Lake after you leave I-81 at Exit 29.
Attention Fishermen Save Timebuy Your License Now
If you are planning on fishing during your visit to Watauga Lake, please read about license requirements in the fishing section of this web site. You may purchase your license online there, or buy your license in person at the marina when you pick up the boat. PLEASE ALLOW 6 TO 10 ADDITIONAL MINUTES PER PERSON TO PURCHASE FISHING LICENSE AT THE MARINA. NON-TENNESSEE RESIDENTS OVER THE AGE OF 16 MUST HAVE A PHOTO I.D. AND A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, OR PREVIOUS TENNESSEE LICENSE. THOSE FROM 13 TO 16 YEARS OF AGE MUST PRESENT THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 13 DO NOT NEED A FISHING LICENSE.
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Watauga Lake Boat Rentals
One of the cleanest lakes nestled in the Tennessee mountains just beyond the North Carolina border is Watauga Lake. The lake is positioned at over 1,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the tree-lined Appalachians. Measuring over 10 square miles, the body of water is a playground for water sports enthusiasts and anglers. Whether local or visiting from out of town, check out these Watauga Lake boat rental companies.
Are You Ready To Plan Watauga Lake Boat Rentals
Fortunately, the lake offers more than one rental company to keep the prices competitive. Spending a day on the water is an exciting experience for everyone, from small children to the elderly. Take in the sights of the vast mountain ranges surrounding the lake while swimming in the crystal clear waters.
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Family Fun For Kids Of All Ages
Private boat launches and small docks mean you can wake up, go outside, and be out on the lake within minutes. These peaceful Watauga Lake vacation rentals are a good place to teach kids how to fish and swim in a safe environment.
Teenagers may be more enticed by the thrills of white-water rafting, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and river canoeing. All of these can be done within a short distance from any Watauga Lake vacation home. You can rent jet skis from numerous marinas on the Hampton side of the lake.
Unlimited Access To Watauga Lake Tri
Carefree Boat Club operates out of Lakeshore Marina at Watauga Lake, as well as 40+ other lakes around the country, including Boone Lake and South Holston Lake. Members of Carefree Boat Club enjoy reciprocal usage of boats at any of these locations around the country. Enjoy your membership here at home, and when you are away on vacation, enjoy a boat at a nearby Carefree Boat Club location! From the east coast to the west coast, Canada to Texas, there are numerous club locations for you to choose from.
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Watauga Lake Real Estate
Watauga Lake is a beautiful and serene choice for your first or second home. Like any lake, Watauga Lake has its own set of unique factors to consider when you buy real estate.
Watauga lake is nestled amongst the Appalachian Mountains. Most waterfront property is steep. Gently sloping lots are rare. Many homes quite literally sit mountainside. Seasonally changing water levels create a unique challenge for docks on Lake Watauga. Property owners must take special care to float their docks up and down as lake water levels change. You must also be sure that your lake home’s waterfront will not be dry when Watauga’s water level falls to 10 feet or more below “full pool.”
If you decide to buy lakefront real estate at Watauga Lake, be prepared for a challenge. Just 47 of the 106 miles of lakefront shoreline are privately owned, so there are few waterfront homes on the market at any given time. Watauga Lake is large , but developments are few. Potential buyers have several decisions to make. Do you want your own slice of wooded privacy, or do you prefer a development surrounded by neighbors? Can you drive half an hour for groceries, or do you want closer shopping?
If you want to buy a waterfront or off-water home or lot at Watauga Lake, these real estate companies recently advertised lake-area homes and lots for sale. Companies in Butler are closest to Watauga Lake:
What Type Of Boats Members Have Access To
ALL BRAND NEW EVERY SINGLE YEAR – Manitou Pontoons and Chaparral Ski Boats from 22 to 27 Feet! We only have the best!
- 2020 Chaparral 246 SSi SURF
- 2020 Premier Double Decker Pontoon with water slide
- 2020 Manitou SES Luxury 250HP
- 2020 Manitou Aurora 23 SR 250HP SHO
- 2020 Manitou Aurora 23 SR 150HP
- 2020 Manitou Aurora 25 XL 150HP
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New For This Season Rent A Tube With Your Pontoon
1 RIDER TUBE $40.00 + TAX, AVAILABLE FOR ALL PONTOON RENTALS
2 RIDER TUBE $60.00 + TAX, AVAILABLE FOR ALL PONTOON RENTALS
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NO RESERVATION NEEDED, RENT WHEN YOU PICK UP THE PONTOON.
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VEST LIFE JACKETS AVAILABLE AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.
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FOR RENTAL PONTOON CUSTOMERS ONLY.
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TUBES MAY VARY SLIGHTLY DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY.
Private Parties And Family Grills
Many Watauga Lake cabin rentals listed here provide the perfect setting for hosting friends and family. French doors opening onto spacious patios provide the perfect indoor-outdoor flow for evening drinks and cocktail parties.
That you can also take in stunning sunsets over the water from the outdoor deck is a big added bonus. Vacation cabins also have outside grills and patio furniture for family al fresco dining any day of the week.
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Watauga Lake Driving Directions From Boone Nc
Leaving Boone NC, travel west on US-321/US-421 for approx. 5 miles, until the two highways separate. Turn left onto US-321, then travel west for approx. 11 miles to the Tennessee border. Continue approx. 12.5 miles west on US-321 until you reach SR-67. Turn right onto SR-67, and follow SR-67 north about 1/2 mile to the bridge that crosses Watauga Lake. This route is mountainous, very scenic, and includes many sharp turns. It should take you 40-50 minutes to reach Watauga Lake after you leave Boone NC.
Carefree Boat Club In Tennessee
Instead of Watauga Lake Boat Rentals
If you are looking for more permanent options without buying your own boat, consider the Carefree Boat Club.
This is a private club that allows usage and access to a variety of boats on bodies of water throughout the United States and even abroad. This option is more expensive than one-off rentals. But it costs less than outright owning a boat.
Carefree Boat Club membership costs 1/3 of buying a boat and paying slip fees, insurance, repairs, taxes, towing, maintenance and protection during the winter.
Boats range from 18 to 27 feet and include fishing boats, pontoons, cruisers, deck boats, water sport boats and sail boats. Memberships come with unlimited usage and safety instructions.
The Carefree Boat Club of Tennessee offers boats at Boone Lake, Holston Lake and Watauga Lake. With a Carefree Boat Club membership, however, you can access a boat at any of the Carefree Boat Club locations throughout the United States and abroad.
The Watauga Lake marina hosting the Carefree Boat Club of Tennessee is Lakeshore Resort and Marina.
Contact the Lakeshore Resort and Marina at 844.246.2628
For more information about the Carefree Boat Club, click to its website.
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Looking For A Rental Boat On Watauga Lake
Spend your summer on Watauga Lake without investing in expensive boat ownership!Are you new to boating or tired of spending money on the boat youve got? Rentals or joining a boat club are great alternatives for exciting days on Watauga Lake with friends and family in spring, summer, or fall.
Several of Watauga Lakes marinas have boats and other watercraft available to rent:Fish Springs Marina
Off The Grid Adventures rental options include:
Jet Skis
High-powered luxury pontoon and sport boats in the Carefree Boat ClubFloats, towables, wakeboards, and more provided free of charge to Carefree Boat Club members
Mallard Cove Marina
Watauga Kayak
Guided lake kayak tours
Rentals are a great option for an occasional visit to the lake, but those costs can skyrocket quickly if you want to spend time on the water on a regular basis. In that case a boat club might be the perfect fit for your outdoor adventures!Save money on rentals with the Carefree Boat ClubThe Carefree Boat Club has a fleet on every local lake and across the country at Boone Lake the fleet is housed at Lakeshore Marina. The other lakes fleets are at Rockingham Marina on Boone Lake and Lake View Dock on South Holston Lake. Nationwide clubs have fleets in popular tourist destinations like Charleston, South Carolina and Miami, Florida.
What Are The Best Watauga Lake Boat Rentals
There are two boat rental companies on the banks of the lake. Each provides top-notch service and quality rental boats.
State law requires the marina to familiarize the renter with the vessel. A check sheet is provided with the step-by-step process of learning the operation, safety features, and maneuvering. The renter signs the checklist upon completion of the training.
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About This Watauga Lake Webpage
This webpage is owned and operated by G& C Ventures, LLC, headquartered at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. The site was developed by the late Brian Raub and his daughter Erin Raub in 1998. Its mission is to share information and resources for those looking to vacation at or relocate to Watauga Lake.
All rights reserved.
G& C Ventures LLC also owns and operates:
- Lakes for Vacation and Recreation from Lakelubbers – 2,150 of the world’s best vacation and recreation lakes
- Smith Mountain Lake – Insiders’ Guide to the Jewel of the Blue Ridge
- Happy Place Hub – Personalized lake gifts and lake home decor
New Online Booking Proceedures:
PLEASE READ, AS MANY OF OUR POLICIES AND PROCEEDURES HAVE CHANGED THIS SEASON
IF YOU HAVE NOT YET BOOKED A PONTOON FOR THIS SEASON, CLICK THE BLUE BOOK NOW BUTTON:
1) CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT
2) CHECK AVAILABILITY
FOR ALL ACCOUNTS, PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING POLICIES:
1) RESERVATIONS MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE, AT THE TIME OF BOOKING
2) YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR RESERVATION ONLINE
3) YOU MUST CALL THE MARINA TO CHANGE OR CANCEL RESERVATIONS
4) CANCELATION POLICY:
A FULL REFUND IS AVAILABLE FOR CANCELATIONS MADE UP TO 7 DAYS PRIOR TO THE RESERVATION DATE. EXAMPLE: IF YOUR RESERVATION IS FOR SATURDAY MORNING AT 8AM, CANCELATION MUST OCCUR BY 8AM THE PREVIOUS SATURDAY FOR A FULL REFUND.
CANCELATIONS WITHIN 7 DAYS BUT BEFORE 3 DAYS, ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND OF 50%. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOUR RESERVATION IS FOR FRIDAY AT 8AM, THEN YOU MUST CANCEL BY 8 AM TUESDAY TO GET THE 50% REFUND.
THERE IS NO REFUND AND NO CREDIT FOR FUTURE USE IF A CANCELATION OCCURS WITHIN 72 HOURS BEFORE THE START OF THE RESERVATION.
IT MAY TAKE UP TO ONE WEEK FOR REFUNDS TO APPEAR ON YOUR CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT.
5) RESERVATIONS MADE WITHIN THREE DAYS OF THE RESERVATION DATE ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
6) YOU MAY NOW BEGIN BOOKING FOR FALL, WINTER & SPRING SEASONS. RESERVATIONS FOR PONTOONS AFTER MAY 21ST, 2023 CANNOT BE MADE UNTIL AFTER FEBRUARY 1ST, 2023.
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