Boating Skaneateles Lake

Antique boating on Skaneateles LakeThe Skaneateles Antique Boat Show is held annually at Clift Park. Photo credit: Thomas J. Grant.

Boating classic: The Skaneateles Antique Boat Show

Like old boats? How about antique and restored boats?

Running for 45 years, with 30 of those on Skaneateles Lake, the Finger Lakes Chapter (FLC) of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation team up annually to put on the Skaneateles Antique Boat Show in July.

With twice as many boats in the show as years it has run, you can come to enjoy the vessels, good food, water tours aboard the Judge Ben Wiles cruise ship, and more. 

On display, you’ll be able to see sailboats, raceboats, canoes, rowboats, roundabouts, and launches - and meet the people that lovingly take care of them. Many of these vessels have been restored to their current condition. 

One show boat resides on Skaneateles year-round: the Stephanie, a 1946 mahogany boat owned by Mid-Lakes Navigation. See below information to learn more about the Stephanie and cruises at Mid-Lakes Navigation.

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 now. 

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

What you'll find on this page:

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

Read on to find out about:

  • Skaneateles Lake cruises and tours
  • Where you can launch a motor boat on Skaneateles Lake
  • Where you can rent a motor boat on Skaneateles Lake

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

Are there any cruises on Skaneateles Lake?

So, you want to head out around Skaneateles Lake, but would rather not rent - nor drive - a boat? No problem.

Judge Ben Wiles tour boatMeet Judge Ben Wiles, cruise boat of Mid-Lakes Navigation on Skaneateles Lake. Photo credit: Thomas J. Grant.

Mid-Lakes Navigation

From the docks of Midlakes Navigation, the famous Barbara S. Wiles mailboat once made her rounds delivering letters and packages to the lake-side residents of Skaneateles Lake.

Does this sound like a story from bygone days before overnight shipping and same day delivery? In actuality, the Barbara S. Wiles mailboat ran through the 2023 summer season, delivering mail and packages to residents around the lake.

While the Barabara S. Wiles mailboat takes a rest, Midlakes Navigation’s other tour boats have taken up the slack - delivering mail and also giving tours of Skaneateles Lake. 

Their fleet includes the Judge Ben Wiles, a double-decker cruise boat you can take a sightseeing or dinner cruise aboard, as well as the Stephanie, a 1946 mahogany boat. The Stephanie can be chartered for special occasions, and also attends the annual Skaneateles Antique Boat Show.

Getting there

  • 📍3 W Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
  • 📞 (315) 685-8500
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Where can I launch my motor boat on Skaneateles Lake?

Skaneateles Lake has a few excellent launch sites if you bring your own motor boat. Read on for more info!

Andrew R. Fuller Park

Located at the southern end of Skaneateles Lake, Andrew R. Fuller Park has both motor boat and kayak launches available. After launching, you’ll follow the inlet north before coming to the greater lake. 

The park also has a tennis court, facilities, picnic areas and more. There’s a small launch fee for non-residents.

Please note: There seems to be some dispute on whether this park is in Homer or Scott, NY. If you GPS is confused, plug in the alternative town.

Highlights

  • Boating
  • Paddling

Getting there

  • 📍7330 Glen Haven Rd, Homer, NY 13077
  • 📞 (607) 749-2902
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Municipal park
  • Hard-surface launch area
  • Boat launch maintained by DEC
  • DEC on site to check watercraft
  • Kayak and canoe launch
  • Picnic areas
  • Facilities
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Launch fee for non-residents

Mandana Municipal Launch

In Mandana, on the western side of the lake, you can launch your motor boat in the municipal boat launch next to Skaneateles Marina in Fire Lane 44. Expect a fee for non-residents.

Highlights

  • Boating

Getting there

This launch seems to not be on Google Maps, so follow the directions to Skaneateles Marina. 

  • 📍1938 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Hard-surface launch area
  • Parking in lot near firehouse
  • Fee for non-residents

Route 14a DEC Boat Launch

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) maintains a boat launch site a few miles south of Skaneateles on the western side of the lake.

You can launch your motor boat here and leave your car in the parking lot.

Highlights

  • Boating
  • Paddling
  • Fishing

Getting there

  • 📍NYS Boat Launch Fire Ln 15, Skaneateles, NY 13152
  • 📞 (607) 753-3095
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • NYS DEC maintained
  • Hard-surface launch area
  • Dogs allowed
  • Free entry
Skaneateles from the waterYou can launch your motor boat from Skaneateles, Mandana, or Scott.

Where can I rent a motor boat on Skaneateles Lake?

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

The Sailboat Shop

Specializing in sailboat sales, you can rent a speed or pontoon boat, and add a kayak or SUP on the side at the Sailboat Shop. If you’ve considered sailing at all, visit their showroom to take a gander at their stock and get some info.

Getting there

Skaneateles Lake Boat Rental

Delivered right to your dock, you can rent a pontoon boat from Skaneateles Lake Boat Rental. Rentals are by the week because I know you’ll be hanging around for a bit.

Getting there

  • 📍1351 E Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152
  • 📞 (315) 664-4184
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Skaneateles Marina

With an eye on safety and service, you can rent a pontoon boat from Skaneateles Marina.

Always dedicated to customer service, call to place a reservation so they can meet your individual needs.

Getting there

  • 📍1938 W Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152
  • 📞 (315) 685-5095
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Skaneateles Lake is too spectacular to miss by boat!

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

Share this!

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