Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about renting a boat on Douglas Lake?
Our FAQ page covers everything you need to know about pontoon, speed boat, and fishing boat rentals at Douglas Lake Marina in Dandridge, TN.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the water safe to swim in?
A: Yes, the water is safe for swimming to the best of our knowledge. If you have any concerns or relevant information, please let us know.
Q: What is included in my boat rental?
A: Your boat rental includes gas, taxes, and a free ice cream for each person on the boat.
Q: What are your operating hours?
A: We’re open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. However, the last boat rental departs at 4 PM (due to the two-hour minimum rental requirement). We are open seven days a week, including all holidays.
Q: Do you rent jet skis?
A: No, we do not rent jet skis.
Q: Can I book online?
A: Yes, you are welcome to book online (Via Link) as we believe it is the most accurate way to secure your reservation.
Q: Do you accept cash or check payments?
A: No, we are now a cashless facility. We accept credit and debit cards, but do not accept checks or cash.
Q: How does my booking time work? Should I show up early?
A: Yes, your booking time starts exactly as stated in your reservation, and you must return to the dock at the designated end time. To ensure you get the full value of your rental, we recommend arriving 15 to 30 minutes early, especially on holidays, as we handle a higher volume of guests during peak times.
Q: Do you rent boat slips?
A: No, we only rent boats and do not offer boat slip rentals.
Q: Do you sell gas?
A: No, we do not sell gas.
Q: Do you rent tubes at Douglas Lake Marina?
A: Yes, we offer tube rentals for one or two passengers at an additional $15 per hour. (Tubes choices are on a first-come, first-served basis.)
Q: Do you sell alcohol?
A: No, we do not sell alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Q: Are your boats pet-friendly?
A: Yes, all boats are pet-friendly. There is a $25 pet fee, with a maximum of five pets allowed.
Q: Do you have life jackets?
A: Yes, we provide comfortable life jackets in various sizes for all ages. Each boat is also equipped with emergency life jackets stored under the seats. (If a child is younger than two years old, we recommend bringing your own life jacket to ensure a proper fit.)
Q: Can I extend my boat rental once I’m on the water?
A: Yes, To extend your rental time, contact the main office. If there are no reservations for your boat after you, we’ll be happy to extend your rental. If someone has booked the boat after you, we ask that you return at your scheduled time.
Q: Do I have to have my actual ID, or will a picture work?
A: No, you must present your physical, non-expired, and non-suspended ID. A digital or photo copy will not be accepted.
Q: Should I bring my own speaker on the boat?
A: Yes, we recommend bringing your own speaker. While we strive to maintain our boats, onboard radios are electronic devices that can be susceptible to water damage. Since they are one of the most fragile components, bringing your own speaker ensures you’ll have music without any issues.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Cancelation policy is as follows…
- Canceling 7+ days in advance: Full refund or a gift certificate valid for one year.
- Canceling 2-7 days in advance: No refund, but you will receive a gift certificate for the full amount paid, valid for one year.
- Canceling less than 48 hours in advance: No refunds or gift certificates will be issued.
- Rain check policy: If it begins to rain while you are out on the boat and you deem conditions unsafe, return to the marina, and we will issue a gift certificate for a future rental. You must be present at the marina to receive the certificate, which is valid for one year.
Reservations & Payments
Q: What is included in my boat rental?
A: Your boat rental includes gas, taxes, and a free ice cream for each person on the boat.
Q: Do you accept cash or check payments?
A: No, we are now a cashless facility. We accept credit and debit cards, but do not accept checks or cash.
Q: Do you offer any discounts, like military discounts?
A: Yes, we only offer a 10% discount for active and retired military veterans. You can claim this by using the provided code (vet25) when booking online or by mentioning it over the phone. (Please have proof of service available upon check-in.)
Q: Can I book online?
A: Yes, you are welcome to book online (Via Link) as we believe it is the most accurate way to secure your reservation. However, if you prefer, you can also make a reservation over the phone.
Q: What should I do if I want to book a reservation outside of normal business hours?
A: We recommend booking your reservation online (Via Link), which is available 24/7.
Q: How does my booking time work? Should I show up early?
A: Yes, your booking time starts exactly as stated in your reservation, and you must return to the dock at the designated end time. To ensure you get the full value of your rental, we recommend arriving 15 to 30 minutes early, especially on holidays, as we handle a higher volume of guests during peak times.
Q: What happens if I’m not back on time?
A: Failure to return the boat on time will result in a fee of $50 for every 15 minutes past the scheduled return time.
Q: Is there a price difference in boat sizes?
A: No, all boats have the same size engines, so pricing remains the same across all sizes.
Q: Do I have to pay a deposit?
A: Yes, payment for the full reservation is required upfront. The price includes gas, taxes, and all fees—there are no hidden charges upon arrival.
Q: Do we pay for the gas we use?
A: No, the rental price includes gas, taxes, and one free ice cream for everyone on the boat.
Q: Do you have a gift or convenience shop at the marina?
A: No, but there are several gas stations and Dollar General stores nearby.
Q: I'm not satisfied with the boat I rented. Can I get a refund?
A: If you have a complaint, you must report it within the first 30 minutes of your rental. If you do not report an issue within this time frame, compensation will not be provided. (This policy does not apply to unforeseen mechanical breakdowns.)
Q: I have more people in my party than the boat I booked can hold. What should I do?
A: Unfortunately, if your party exceeds the boat’s passenger capacity, and we cannot upgrade you to a bigger boat. We cannot allow you to board due to insurance regulations. Please note that all children, regardless of size, are counted as full passengers. However, we would be happy to accommodate your group by renting additional boats if needed.
Q: Should I fill out the smart waiver before I arrive?
A: Yes, we recommend completing the smart waiver before arrival, as it will save you approximately 10 minutes at check-in. However, if you prefer, we still have paper waivers available upon check-in.
Q: Do I have to have my actual ID, or will a picture work?
A: No, you must present your physical, non-expired, and non-suspended ID. A digital or photo copy will not be accepted.
Operating Hours & Rental Duration
Q: What are your operating hours?
A: We’re open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. However, the last boat rental departs at 4 PM (due to the two-hour minimum rental requirement). We are open seven days a week, including all holidays.
Q: Can I extend my boat rental once I’m on the water?
A: Yes, To extend your rental time, contact the main office. If there are no reservations for your boat after you, we’ll be happy to extend your rental. If someone has booked the boat after you, we ask that you return at your scheduled time.
Q: What days are you open?
A: We are open seven days a week, including all holidays.
Q: Are you open on holidays?
A: Yes, we are open every holiday with our normal business hours.
Q: How long can I rent a boat for?
A: There is a two-hour minimum rental for $179. Additional hours are $65 per hour, with a maximum rental duration of eight hours per day.
Q: What are your rental season dates?
A: Our rental season runs from April 1 to September 2.
Q: Can I keep the boat overnight or after dark?
A: No, boats cannot be rented overnight or used after dark. All boats must be back at the dock by 6:00 PM.
Q: Where do I park?
A: The only parking area available at the Douglas Lake Marina Rental office, located at 1170 Highway 139, Dandridge, Tennessee 37725.
Q: How far are you from the dam?
A: We are approximately three miles or a 10 to 15-minute boat ride from the dam.
Q: Do you offer maintenance on other people’s boats?
A: No, we do not. We only rent boats.
Q: What is your rain check policy?
A: If it begins to rain while you are out on the boat and you deem conditions unsafe, return to the marina, and we will issue a gift certificate for a future rental. You must be present at the marina to receive the certificate, which is valid for one year.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Cancelation policy is as follows…
- Canceling 7+ days in advance: Full refund or a gift certificate valid for one year.
- Canceling 2-7 days in advance: No refund, but you will receive a gift certificate for the full amount paid, valid for one year.
- Canceling less than 48 hours in advance: No refunds or gift certificates will be issued.
- Rain check policy: If it begins to rain while you are out on the boat and you deem conditions unsafe, return to the marina, and we will issue a gift certificate for a future rental. You must be present at the marina to receive the certificate, which is valid for one year.
Boats & Equipment
Q: How much horsepower do your pontoon boats have?
A: Our pontoon boats have 60 HP outboard Mercury engines.
Q: Am I allowed to bring coolers or food on the boat?
A: Yes, you are welcome to bring coolers and food on the boat, as long as you can carry them.
Q: Can I grill or barbecue on the boat?
A: No, grilling and open flames of any kind are not allowed on the boat.
Q: Do you rent speedboats?
A: We rent 75 HP and 115 HP fiberglass Element boats.
Q: Do you rent boat slips?
A: No, we only rent boats and do not offer boat slip rentals.
Q: Do you rent jet skis?
A: No, we do not rent jet skis.
Q: Do you rent tubes at Douglas Lake Marina?
A: Yes, we offer tube rentals for one or two passengers at an additional $15 per hour. (Tubes choices are on a first-come, first-served basis.)
Q: Do you rent paddleboards or kayaks?
A: Yes, we rent single kayaks, double kayaks, a three-person canoe, and individual paddleboards.
Q: Do you rent or sell fishing poles?
A: No, we do not rent or sell fishing poles or bait.
Q: Do you sell gas?
A: No, we do not sell gas.
Q: Do your boats have shade covers?
A: Yes, all our boats come equipped with half shade covers.
Q: Do your boats come with anchors?
A: No. Due to the lake’s depth and silty bottom, anchoring is impractical.
Q: Are your boats pet-friendly?
A: Yes, all boats are pet-friendly. There is a $25 pet fee, with a maximum of five pets allowed.
Q: How much horsepower do your pontoon boats have?
A: Our pontoon boats have 60 HP outboard Mercury engines.
Q: Do I have cell phone coverage while I’m on the water?
A: Yes, the lake has reliable cell phone reception.
Q: Do you have life jackets?
A: Yes, we provide comfortable life jackets in various sizes for all ages. Each boat is also equipped with emergency life jackets stored under the seats. (If a child is younger than two years old, we recommend bringing your own life jacket to ensure a proper fit.)
Q: Do the radios work on all the boats?
A: No, we do not guarantee that the radios on our boats will work.
Q: Do you have bait available for purchase?
A: No, but Shorty’s Gas Station, located two miles down the road at 787 SR-139 in Dandridge, TN, sells live and artificial bait.
Q: Do you sell alcohol?
A: No, we do not sell alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Q: How much horsepower do your pontoon boats have?
A: All our pontoon boats are equipped with 60 HP outboard Mercury engines.
Q: Can I fish on the boats?
A: Yes, you are welcome to fish on any of our boats. Please clean up after yourself, as a cleaning fee will be charged if the boat is returned dirty. (Keep in mind that you must have a fishing license through TWRA.)
Q: Can I launch my boat or kayak at your marina?
A: No, we do not offer boat or kayak launching services.
Q: Can I bring my own kayak with me on a boat rental?
A: No, personal kayaks are not allowed on rental boats.
Q: Do you rent water skis or wakeboards?
A: No, we do not rent water skis or wakeboards. However, you are welcome to bring your own—but please make sure to bring a tow rope as well.
Q: Should I bring my own speaker on the boat?
A: Yes, we recommend bringing your own speaker. While we strive to maintain our boats, onboard radios are electronic devices that can be susceptible to water damage. Since they are one of the most fragile components, bringing your own speaker ensures you’ll have music without any issues.
Safety & Regulations
Q: Is the water safe to swim in?
A: Yes, the water is safe for swimming to the best of our knowledge. If you have any concerns or relevant information, please let us know.
Q: How old do you have to be to rent a boat?
A: You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license.
Q: Do I need a boater’s license to rent a boat?
A: No, you only need a valid driver's license and must be at least 18 years old to rent a boat.
Q: How old do you have to be before you don’t have to wear a life jacket?
A: Anyone under the age of 13 is required by law (TWRA regulations) to wear a life jacket at all times while the boat is in operation.
Q: Do you have someone who can drive the boat for us?
A: No, we do not provide a captain for your vessel.
Q: Do you have to wear a life jacket when tubing?
A: Yes, all members of your party must wear a life jacket while tubing, regardless of age. This is a legal requirement set by the TWRA.
Q: Can I go tubing with two people?
A: No, Tubing requires a minimum of three people: one driver to operate the boat, one spotter on board to watch the tuber, and the tuber in the water having fun.
Q: Are there any restricted or dangerous areas on the lake?
A: The lake has no restricted areas beyond those clearly marked by "No Access," "No Wake," or "Shallow Water" buoys. Dock staff will explain any hazards in more detail before departure.
Q: Can infants or small children go on boats?
A: Yes, children under two years old can ride as passengers. However, we recommend bringing your own life jacket to ensure a proper fit.
Q: Can I drink on the boat?
A: We cannot provide a definitive answer, as we do not want to cause any legal issues. For official regulations, contact the TWRA, which patrols the lake. Keep in mind that boating under the influence carries similar legal consequences to drinking and driving, including potential DWIs, loss of license, or jail time. Douglas Lake is part of TWRA Region Four. For any legal questions, you can reach them at:
TWRA Region 4 Office, 3030 Wildlife Way, Morristown, TN 37814 - Phone: 423-587-7037 | Toll-Free: 1-800-332-0900
CONTACT US
Douglas Lake Marina
1170 TN-139
Dandridge, TN 37725
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM