BOATERS BLOG
Maryland is home to a vast array of waterways, from oceans and bays to rivers and lakes. Boaters from all over the country journey to Maryland with a plan for fishing, sailing, water skiing, relaxing, and cruising on new boats, older boats, and rental boats of all shapes, sizes, and varieties. Regardless of your boating style, desires, or skills, Maryland has a waterway and boat with your name on it. However, before pushing away from the dock and setting sail, there are a few key things to know, like where to go, laws to follow, how to stay safe, and the best route to obtain boat insurance in Maryland. That’s where your friends and the professionals at NBOA come in! Take a look at our ultimate guide, complete with everything you need to know about boating in Maryland.
Favorite Places to Go Boating in Maryland
The various waterways found in Maryland provide a unique playground for any boater. If you are looking for the best fishing in Maryland, a scenic and fun lake for watersports, or a place to cruise and unplug, check out these top boating locations.
The Chesapeake Bay
Baltimore is Maryland’s largest major city, with many locals and tourists flocking to the family-friendly neighborhood of Inner Harbor. Here, boaters can enjoy a collection of marinas and partake in a wide range of boating activities on the largest estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay. However, nothing is as popular or iconic as watching the sailboats that fill this 4,480 square mile bay every day. After all, the Chesapeake Bay is the Sailing Capital of America. Boaters enjoy sailing or cruising from Northeast Maryland and Chesapeake City to Baltimore and Annapolis down to Norfolk, VA, and Virginia Beach, where the Chesapeake Bay leads into the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps the most popular destination on the Chesapeake Bay is Kent Island. As the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay, you can find historic landmarks, restaurants, overnight accommodations, and parks for families to explore.
Rivers Leading to the Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay relies on approximately 50 rivers and streams to create its 64,000 square mile watershed. Therefore, you cannot forget to journey through these many rivers that lead into the bay, including Severn River, Magothy River, and Potomac River, which runs 405 miles long! These Maryland rivers are great for overnight cruises, fishing trips, and catching the wind in your sails. The ultimate boating vacation to the Chesapeake Bay would be incomplete without a visit to an Annapolis Boat Show, which are held in the spring and fall months.
Deep Creek Lake
Between the mountains located in western Maryland, you will find the largest inland body of water in the U.S., appropriately named Deep Creek Lake. This boating vacation destination is perfect for motorboats and those who get excited about water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and other water sports. You can also see people relaxing and enjoying a peaceful day on pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddleboards in Deep Creek Lake, making it the best of all worlds.
Jennings Randolph Lake
Nestled in Maryland’s Garrett County is another famous lake called Jennings Randolph Lake. Not only is Jennings Randolph Lake great for boating, fishing, and watersports, but it is also home to Shaw Beach – a popular summertime destination offering the serenity of a lake and the excitement of a beach.
Ocean City Maryland
Ocean City Maryland is the White Marlin Fishing Capital of the World, which means you are sure to encounter the best spots for fishing boats here. While cruising and sailing through the Atlantic Ocean, take a turn north to easily visit the Delaware Shores. The combination of waves, sun, sand, and boats is an unbeatable recipe for pure happiness and a boater’s paradise.
Maryland’s Coastal Bays
Behind Ocean City Maryland are Maryland’s Coastal Bays, including Assateague Island. If fishing is your favorite boating activity, this is the place for you. Swimming in these waters is large amounts of Rockfish, also known as striped bass and Maryland’s official state fish. Whether you make a specific fishing trip to Maryland’s Coastal Bays or a take quick trip from Ocean City with your boat, you will not be disappointed.
What to Know Before Boating in Maryland
Many of your favorite and popular waterways in Maryland have unpredictable conditions. You and your passengers should always be prepared to use caution and reduce speed when near other vessels, land, or when navigating through waves and narrow passages. Be sure to review Maryland’s boating laws and the state guidelines to safe boating before heading out into the water.
Maryland Boating Laws
Abiding by the Maryland Natural Resources Police Laws should be your number one priority when boating in Maryland. Do not sail a boat through swimming areas or operate a boat while you are under the influence of alcohol or any drug. Be respectful of other ships and reduce speed while driving by one another and while boating in dangerous water conditions.
Remind your passengers the dangers of sitting on the bow, seatback, gunwale, or transom while the boat is moving, not to mention you can get pulled over and fined. Any person born on or after July 1, 1972, or anyone convicted of a severe boating violation who wishes to drive or operate a boat must complete and pass Maryland’s Boating Safety Education to obtain a Maryland boating license before legally doing so. The cool part of a Maryland boating license is that they never expire, so there is no need to renew your license. Click here for more Maryland boating law details, regulations, and exemptions to holding a Maryland boating license.
Maryland’s Boat Safety Equipment Laws
While the above laws are set in place to ensure everyone’s safety on the water, there are a few laws that are more specific to an individual’s safety while driving or riding on a boat in Maryland. Having the proper equipment onboard ensures the safety of the driver and passengers and protects you from the law, including potential fines or other consequences. What counts as appropriate “Coast Guard Approved” equipment is based on the class or size of your boat. Personal flotation devices, including lifejackets and throwable PFDs, must be aboard both motorized and non-motorized watercrafts. Visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, and navigation lights are also required safety equipment for boats in Maryland. Take a closer look at the Required Equipment Checklist to ensure your boat is equipped with the proper gear.
Does Maryland Require Boat Insurance?
According to Maryland boating laws, no rule or regulation calls for boats to be insured. However, the state highly recommends and encourages all boaters to review their options for boat insurance to protect themselves and their investment in owning a watercraft. Older boats are especially vulnerable in Maryland, as are all boats and watercrafts, due to flooding, hurricanes, hail storms, Nor’easters, and ice, as well as damages due to freezing or submerged objects. Maryland is a unique boating paradise as its geographical location experiences a myriad of weather patterns throughout the year. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to look into a customized boat insurance policy through NBOA. When creating or reviewing an insurance policy for your Maryland boat, be sure to inquire about what is included and excluded so you can be properly covered and prepared. You can begin comparing quotes on boat insurance by visiting nboat.com.
With so much to explore and enjoy while boating in Maryland, there comes some risk and unpredictable weather. Hitting your favorite Maryland boating spots should always be done with state boating laws and safety in mind. However, when it comes to things outside of your control, let America’s boat insurance experts at NBOA provide you with options for ideal coverage that meets your needs at an affordable price. Get started today!