FAQs

BOAT RENTAL FAQ

Where is The Boathouse at Lake Hope located?

All of our watercraft vessels are located at Lake Hope State Park.
The address is 27331 State Route 278, McArthur, Ohio. Once inside the park, follow signs to the beach/boat rental

When is the Boathouse open?

9 am - 8pm daily (weather permitting) Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Starting mid-April, May & Labor Day till mid-October, the Boathouse is open Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. We will open occasional weekdays. Call ahead to confirm we are open in Spring and Fall.

What are your terms and conditions for boat rental?

Please click here to see them.

Are life jackets/pfds required if I rent a boat?

Life jackets are included in the rental price. We provide an appropriate sized, Coast Guard Approved life jacket for every passenger. Infant to XXL sizes are available.
Children under age 10 must wear their life jackets at all times, though we encourage all passengers, especially non-swimmers, to wear one. (Note: there is less difficulty among a group of varied aged kids if all ages are required to wear a pfd, not just those under ten!)
We do not loan or rent life jackets for use on personal vessels or the beach.

If I rent a boat, can I bring my own life jacket?

You can bring your own life jacket if it is stamped Coast Guard Approved and is in good condition.

Is swimming allowed from any rental boat?

Yes, there is ONE designated area where you can swim from your boat. The area is marked for swimming and our staff will direct you before launch. Swimming elsewhere can result in injury, fines, or a cancelled reservation.

PONTOON BOATS

Do I need a boating license to rent a pontoon boat?

No. However, the person renting the pontoon must be 16 years old, with a valid driver's license. This individual must bring the driver's license and be present on the pontoon at all times.

How do I rent a pontoon boat?

Reservations can only be made for PONTOON BOATS. Call 740-596-4949 to do so.
There is a 2 hour minimum for a pontoon rental.
You can also rent a pontoon without a reservation if the appropriated sized vessel for your group is available.

How much money is required when I make a pontoon reservation?

We require credit card information to make an in-advance pontoon reservation.

Can I cancel my pontoon reservation?

You can cancel your booking for a full refund ANY TIME OUTSIDE of 24 HOURS of your reservation launch time.
INSIDE of 24 HOURS, there are no refunds and the card on file will be run. Rescheduling is permitted.

Can I move my pontoon reservation?

Yes, up until 48 hours before your reservation.

Can I sign the pontoon waiver online?

No, we need to verify the person that made who reservation is the same as on the watercraft.

How long should I rent a pontoon?

If you just want to tour the lake, or have young children, then 2 hours is plenty.
If you want to fish or swim, more than two hours may be preferred.

Do small children count as passengers on a pontoon boat?

Yes, children of any age or size count as passengers, as per Ohio boating regulations. When you make a pontoon boat reservation, you must include these children in your passenger count.

Can I bring my dog?

Groomed/brushed and well-behaved dogs are welcome on pontoon bats.
Any size dogs count as a passenger.
There could be additional charges for signs of a pet left on the vessel, so plan accordingly.

What if we end up with more pontoon passengers than we expected?

If you know in advance, you can change your reservation if a larger pontoon is available. Please call.
We must follow Ohio boating regulations. If you show up with more passengers and a larger boat is not available, you must leave some passengers behind. Renting paddling or pedaling vessels for excess passengers is an option.

Can I rent more than one pontoon boat?

Yes. Keep in mind you will be the responsible party for each boat you rent. Pontoon boats in a group must keep a distance from each other on the water—no tying together—and the weight/passenger limits on each vessel must be followed at all times whether the pontoon is at rest or moving.

Can I rent a pontoon for only one hour?

There may be times when a pontoon can be rented for only one hour, if you show up in person and a slot is available.

Can I bring my dog on a pontoon boat?

Well-behaved and well-groomed dogs are welcome on our boats.
Any size dog counts as a passenger, just as any size child does.
There will be additional charges for any pet mess left on vessel, so plan accordingly.

How do I know what size pontoon to choose?

The number of guests as well as the weight of your guests should be considered, plus the amount of fishing or picnic supplies. See the capacities with each boat listing.
DO NOT choose a pontoon based only on the number of bodies—the weight limit must be met as well. For example, 3 defensive linemen on the Ohio University football team mostly likely need a 6person boat to not overload. An overloaded pontoon boat is both unsafe and uncomfortable.

What are the pontoon capacity limits?

*both conditions must be met

4 person--no more than 650 lbs. AND no more than 4 passengers.
5 person--no more than 850 lbs. AND no more than 5 passengers.
6 person--no more than 800 lbs. AND no more than 6 passengers.

How many pontoons do you have?

One 4-person
Two 5-person
Four 6-person

Regarding a pontoon reservation, what happens in bad weather?

If the boathouse closes due to bad weather, your card will not be charged.
Please call the boathouse if you are uncertain—do not assume the boathouse is closed because conditions are poor where you are, or vice versa.
We will do everything in our power to get you on the water, including changing the time or day of your reservation if necessary.

When should I arrive for my pontoon reservation?

All members of your party should arrive 15 minutes prior to your reservation time for waiver completion, life jacket fitting, and instructions. We must run a tight schedule, and, in most cases, cannot let you stay out longer if you don’t get out on time due to late arrival.

Am I allowed to bring food and drink on board a pontoon?

Yes, but please note that state law prohibits alcohol on state park beaches and lakes. Bringing alcohol to the lake may cancel your reservation.
No cooking or grilling is permitted on the watercraft.
Please clean up and remove all trash from the boat.

What happens if I'm late returning my pontoon boat?

Please don't be late returning your pontoon boat, as we are often fully-booked and others will be waiting on your vessel.
If you are late returning, you could be charged 2 times the hourly rate.

Do you offer an all-day rate or any discounts for longer rentals?

Not at this time.

Are there any additional fees the day of the reservation?

Additional fees could be charged if, on return of your pontoon, excess cleaning is required, anchors or bumpers are missing, there is damage to the boat, life jackets, or other equipment, or you return late.

Can pontoon boats go anywhere on the lake?

For mechanical and safety reasons, there are areas on the lake pontoon boats are not permitted. Before launch, staff will go over what areas to avoid.

CANOES, KAYAKS, PADDLE BOARDS, & PEDAL BOATS

What is the age requirement for paddling/pedaling vessels?

To rent a pedaling or paddling vessel, you must be at least 16 years old.
Those 12-15 years old must have someone 18 complete and sign the registration form. We request life jackets be worn at all times.
Children under the age of 12 can operate a non-motorized vessel if an accompanying adult, 18 years or older, completes the registration form and is within visible and audible distance of the youngster at all times.

How do I rent a canoe, kayak, paddle board, or pedal boat?

We do not take reservations for vessels you paddle or pedal—these vessels are first come, first serve. However, we do consider taking reservations for groups renting 10 or more of these vessels.
To rent a paddling or pedaling vessel, a registration form and payment must be completed at the time of reservation. Typically, you will pay for your first hour. For any additional time spent on one of the water, payment is made when you return to The Boathouse.
Life jackets and paddles are included in the rental cost.

What are the weight capacities?

4 person Paddle King pedal boat: 750 lbs.
Rubber Duck pedal boat: 1,400 lbs.
Single Kayak: 275 lbs.
Double Kayak: 550 lbs.
Paddle Board: 300 lbs.
Canoe: 690 lbs. AND no more than 3 adults OR 1 or 2 adults with 1 or 2 children
Hydrobike: 400 lbs.

How many do you have of each vessel?

Paddle King Pedal Boats--2
Rubber Duck Pedal Boat--1
Single Kayaks--8
Double Kayaks--4
Stand Up Paddle Boards--10
Canoes--10
Hydrobikes--2

What do I need to bring with me to rent a boat?

The only thing you need to bring with you is a driver's license and payment.

Can pedaling or paddling boats go anywhere on the lake?

Except for pedal boats, which cannot go in shallow areas, paddled vessels can go anywhere on the lake

GENERAL BOATING/FISHING/BOATHOUSE QUESTIONS

Can I bring alcoholic beverages anywhere in the park?

No. Ohio law prohibits alcohol anywhere in its state parks.

Can I launch my own boat?

Lake Hope State Park is open to all. You must have valid registration and safety equipment for your vessel to use it on Lake Hope.
Lake Hope is a battery-operated lake only--no gas motors.

Can I take one of your rental boats away from the lake?

No. Our boats stay on Lake Hope.

Is tubing allowed on the lake?

Are jet skis allowed on the lake?

Can I fish off rental boats?

Yes, and you can fish anywhere in the lake your vessel is permitted to go except swimming areas.

Is a fishing license required?

Those 16 yrs. and older are required to have an Ohio fishing license. There are a variety of resident and non-resident options; please review online at or in a current Ohio fishing regulations manual.

Can I get a fishing license at The Boathouse?

Sorry, but we do not sell fishing licenses at The Boathouse.
Licenses can be purchased online
- https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/fishing-resources/fishing-licenses.

Can I fish from the boat docks?

What fish are in Lake Hope?

Bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and saugeye.

How deep is the lake?

The lake is 35-40 feet deep in some areas.

What bait do you sell?

The Boathouse sells nightcrawlers only.

What do you sell at the Boathouse?

Drinks and snacks, including ice cream novelties, are sold at the Boathouse.
In addition, we sell sunscreen, bug spray, nightcrawlers, and beach toys.

Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes, please call 740-596-4949 to arrange for a gift certificate.

Are restaurants and gas stations nearby?

No, just the lodge for dining and gas in Zaleski or McArthur.