“From check-in to pull-out, everything was easy—and the boat was fueled, spotless, and ready. We were cruising in minutes.”
If you’re mapping out boating at Lake Keowee, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s your no-stress, first-timer-friendly boat rental guide for Lake Keowee—what to book, what to pack, and where to point the bow once you leave the dock.
1) Pick the right boat for your crew
- Pontoon (group comfort): Think shade, lounge seating, Bluetooth tunes, and room for coolers. Ideal for families, picnics, and all-day cove time.
- Tritoon / Sport-toon (more power): Similar comfort with extra stability and horsepower—great if you’ll be towing or want a quicker, smoother trip across the lake.
- Center console (anglers): Compact, easy to handle, and designed for fishing without the extras you don’t need.
- Paddle Sports (quiet time): Kayaks and paddleboards are perfect for sunrise paddles and glassy coves.
Choosing between a pontoon and a fishing boat? Think about how you’ll spend the day. For relaxing in coves with a larger crew, go with a pontoon. For early mornings chasing bass, a center console is your best pick.
2) Policies that actually simplify your day
Good news: fuel is included with advertised rentals at Keowee Marina, so there’s no end-of-day wait time
Standard guidelines keep things smooth for everyone: the renter/operator must be 25+ with a valid driver’s license and a major credit card; typical summer full-day hours run 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekends/holidays and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Thursday, with weekday half-days offered seasonally. The marina provides all the legal required safety gear and lifejackets.
Pro tip: Book weekdays for calmer water and easier dock traffic, and use the marina team—tell them your group size and plan (swimming, towing, or fishing) and they’ll steer you to the best fit.
3) Safety first—make it a habit, not a hassle
Lake days are better when everyone gets home grinning. Run through a quick safety ritual before throttling up:
- Fit life jackets, especially for kids and weaker swimmers.
- Keep a fully charged phone aboard for weather checks and emergencies.
- Assign a lookout when the lake is busy; idle near swimmers and paddle sports.
- Stick to safe speeds, avoid alcohol at the helm, and share your float plan (route + ETA) with someone onshore. Keowee Marina
4) Must-see spots & easy itineraries
If you’re building a “greatest hits” day, start simple and stack the wins:
- High Falls County Park: Picnic shelters, short hikes, and a scenic on-shore reset after your first cruise.
- Waterfall at Lake Keowee: Pull in and soak up the stunning views of Lake Keowee’s waterfall—best enjoyed on quieter weekdays before the crowds arrive.
- Quiet coves for swims: Drop anchor, cue the playlist, and let the crew float.
- Mile Creek area: Photogenic water and Blue Ridge backdrops for those golden-hour shots on your slow ride back to the marina. Keowee Marina
5) Pack like a pro (and keep it dry)
- Essentials: Towels, reef-safe sunscreen, hats, polarized sunglasses, and a light cover-up or hoodie.
- Cooler kit: Water, electrolytes, easy snacks (“snackle box” with fruit, nuts, crackers, jerky), and ice.
- Gear: Dry bag for phones/keys, portable speaker, extra charging cable, and a small first-aid pouch.
- Towing/fishing: Bring the tow vests, rope, and fishing tackle you prefer.
6) Your day-of playbook
- Arrive early: Give yourself time for parking, loading, and the dock walk-through.
- Do a 60-second check: Bimini up/down, life jackets counted, anchor/lines handy, cooler stowed, fenders ready.
- Mind the clock: Weekend returns are generally by 5 p.m.; weekdays by 4 p.m. Plan your last cove stop accordingly so docking stays unhurried. Keowee Marina
Make Your Lake Day Official
Weekends on Lake Keowee fill up fast, so book your Lake Keowee boat rental with Keowee Marina today and enjoy fuel-included pricing. Our quick online booking and convenient e-sign option make check-in a breeze, so you can hit the water sooner.