Boating Owasco Lake

Your boating adventure on Owasco LakeOwasco Lake has tons to offer boaters, fun and excitement, plus serenity and peace. You get to choose your own Finger Lake adventure!

Serenity and personality

Not a large lake in comparison to some of the other Finger Lakes, but Owasco Lake rivals any of the others in serenity and beauty, fishing and…boating fun.

Owasco Lake is surrounded by incredible geography, ranging from the mud flats at the southern end of the lake to bluffs and gorges that carve into the hillsides.

At 11 miles long, Owasco Lake misses some of the high-traffic touristy stuff the largest four lakes see, but that’s to no detriment for visitors looking for an enjoyable and relaxing visit. 

You can easily tour the entire shoreline of Owasco Lake and then catch dinner in Auburn, the city where numerous famous historical figures called home. Or rent a cabin, light a fire, and enjoy the sunset with a beer. No one’s judging here…

What you'll find on this page:

I know you'll want to spend some time on the water while you visit Owasco Lake.

Read on to find out about:

  • New York State boater safety classes
  • Where you can launch your motor boat on Owasco Lake
  • Where you can rent a motor boat on Owasco Lake

Chances are really rather excellent you'll find one or more to add to your itinerary!

Boater Safety Classes

Beginning on January 1, 2025, all operators of motorboats in New York State require a boater safety course certification. 

You can take the course in-person or online, so no matter were you live, you can get started planning for your upcoming trip to the Finger Lakes. 

Once you complete your certification, you'll get a pretty cool icon to show off on your license!

Where can I launch my motor boat on Owasco Lake?

Owasco Lake has one excellent launch site if you bring your own motor boat. Read on for more info!

Emerson Park

Emerson Park, at the northern tip of Owasco Lake, has multiple hard-surface boat launches maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). You can  also launch your kayak, canoe, or SUP from the park.

Emerson Park is also the location of the iconic pier most associated with a search of Owasco Lake. Go head, do a simple search. Then, go ahead, try to rival others by sharing your pictures on your favorite social media site after your visit. You won't regret it.

Highlights

  • Boating
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Paddling

Getting there

  • 📍6877 E Lake Rd, Auburn, NY 13021
  • 📞 (315) 253-5611
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Park: 135 acres
  • DEC-maintained boat launch
  • Walking trails
  • Iconic pier
  • Picnic grills
  • Playground
  • Swimming area with lifeguard
  • Facilities
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Free entry
Emerson ParkThe view from Emerson Park, at the north end of Owasco Lake, where there's a NYS DEC maintained boat launch.

Where can I rent a motor boat on Owasco Lake?

Didn't bring your own boat? No problem! We've got you covered...

A-1 Marine Sales & Service

While their office is located in Moravia where you can view their selection of boats for purchase, your boat rental with A-I Marine Sales & Service will launch from Emerson Park at the northern tip of Owasco Lake.

Getting there

  • 📍1499 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118
  • 📞 (315) 497-3726
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

DR Pontoon Rentals

Renting what locals call “party boats,” you can get a 21-foot, 100-horsepower pontoon boat from DR Pontoon Boats - and have it delivered to you with DR Pontoon Rentals. They deliver to multiple lakes around the Syracuse region, including DeRuyter and Oneida Lakes which aren’t part of the big 11 Finger Lakes.

Getting there

  • 📍7085 Manlius Center Rd #2, East Syracuse, NY 13057
  • 📞 (315) 849-9896
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Owasco Marine

A full-service marina offering boat rentals and sales, you can get either a pontoon or fishing boat to take out on the water with Owasco Marine. Visiting other lakes as well? They also deliver to Cayuga, Otisco, and Skaneateles Lakes.

Getting there

  • 📍7017 Owasco Rd, Auburn, NY 13021
  • 📞 (315) 258-9096
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

South Shore Marina

South Shore Marina is kind of your one-stop-shop for all things visiting Owasco Lake. You can rent or repair a boat here, rent a cabin, visit their store, and have a fishing tournament. While you’re taking a break from all these things, you can also rent a kayak or SUP and chill out on the water. 

Whether you need full-service check or just a boat rental, South Shore Marina has you covered.

Getting there

  • 📍2810 Fire Lane 1, Moravia, NY 13118
  • 📞 (315) 497-3006
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Owasco Lake is too spectacular to miss by boat!

Which boating option will you add to your next Finger Lakes adventure itinerary? 

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