Where to rent boats at Grapevine Lake

Grapevine Lake has two main rental operators: Grapevine Lake Marina and Lakeside Marina. Both are located on the north shore of the lake near the dam and offer hourly and daily rentals. Grapevine Lake Marina operates year-round and handles the majority of rentals; Lakeside Marina operates seasonally, typically March through October. You can call either directly to check current availability and pricing, or visit their docks to see what's available on the day you want to rent.

A third option is Tandy Leather Factory Park on the south shore, which has a boat launch but does not operate a rental facility. If you own a boat or trailer, you can launch there for a day-use fee. For rentals, stick with the two marinas on the north shore.

Key Takeaways

  • Grapevine Lake Marina and Lakeside Marina are the only two rental operators on the lake, both on the north shore near the dam.
  • Boat types available include pontoons, ski boats, fishing boats, and jet skis, with hourly rates typically starting around $60 to $100 and daily rates $200 to $400, though prices vary by season and boat size.
  • You must bring a valid driver's license and proof of boating safety certification (Texas Parks and Wildlife boater education card) or be willing to take a brief safety course at the marina.
  • Rental agreements require a credit card for the security deposit, which is usually $200 to $500 depending on the boat type.
  • Peak season runs May through September; weekday rentals are often cheaper and less crowded than weekends.

What boat types are available and what they cost

Pontoon boats are the most common rental at both marinas. They seat 8 to 12 people, move slowly, and are stable in the water—good for families or groups who want to cruise and swim. Hourly rates run $60 to $90; full-day rates (usually 8 hours) run $250 to $350. Ski boats and wakeboard boats are available at both marinas and cost more: $80 to $120 per hour or $300 to $450 per day. Fishing boats, typically 18 to 22 feet, rent for $70 to $110 per hour or $280 to $400 per day and come with rod holders and fish finders.

Jet skis are available at Grapevine Lake Marina and cost $60 to $80 per hour. Prices are higher on weekends and during summer months (June through August). Both marinas offer discounts for multi-hour rentals—for example, renting for 4 hours may cost less per hour than renting for 2 hours. Call ahead to confirm current rates, as they change seasonally and depend on fuel costs.

What you need to bring and what paperwork is required

Bring a valid driver's license or state ID. You will also need proof of boater safety certification. Texas Parks and Wildlife requires anyone born after September 2, 1993, to hold a boater education card to operate a motorboat. You can get this card by taking an online course (about 4 hours) through Texas Parks and Wildlife or by taking an in-person class. Both marinas offer brief on-site safety courses (usually 30 minutes to 1 hour) for renters who do not have a card; this course costs $15 to $25 and satisfies the requirement for that day's rental.

Bring a credit card for the security deposit. Deposits typically range from $200 to $500 depending on the boat type and are held as a charge on your card but not charged unless the boat is damaged or returned late. Some marinas require a signed rental agreement that outlines fuel charges, damage liability, and return time. Read this carefully before signing, as you are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear.

How to book and what to expect on rental day

Call the marina directly to reserve a boat. Grapevine Lake Marina's phone number is (817) 410-8000; Lakeside Marina is (817) 410-8100. Reservations are not always required for same-day rentals on weekdays, but they are strongly recommended on weekends and during summer. When you call, tell them the date, time, boat type, and how many hours you want to rent. They will quote you a price and hold the boat if you provide a name and phone number.

Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your rental time. You will fill out a rental agreement, show your ID and boater card (or take the safety course), and provide your credit card for the deposit. The marina staff will walk you through the boat's controls, fuel system, and safety equipment. Most rentals include a full tank of fuel; confirm whether you are responsible for refueling before return or whether the marina handles it. Boats must be returned by the agreed time or you will be charged an hourly overage fee, typically $30 to $50 per hour.

Seasonal timing and how weather affects availability

Peak season runs May through September, when the lake is warmest and most crowded. Weekends during this period book up quickly, especially pontoons. If you want to rent on a Saturday or Sunday in July or August, call at least one week ahead. Weekday rentals are cheaper and easier to book year-round. Spring (March and April) and fall (October and November) offer good weather with fewer crowds and lower prices.

Winter rentals (December through February) are possible but less common. Water temperature drops to the 40s, which limits swimming and water sports. Both marinas stay open, but Lakeside Marina closes entirely during winter. Heavy rain or high winds can close the lake to rentals; call the marina the morning of your rental if weather looks uncertain. The lake is also occasionally closed for maintenance or algae blooms, so confirm availability before you drive to the marina.

Rules, restrictions, and what happens if something goes wrong

Boats must stay within the designated lake boundaries. The lake is divided into zones: a no-wake zone near the dam and marinas, a ski zone on the north side, and a general use zone. Renters must follow all posted speed limits and no-wake signs. Alcohol is legal on boats in Texas, but the operator cannot be intoxicated; Texas law defines boating under the influence the same way as driving under the influence, and penalties are the same.

If you damage the boat, you are liable for repair costs. Minor damage (small dents, scratches) may not be charged; major damage (engine problems, hull damage, broken windshield) will be. The marina will document damage with photos before you leave and charge your credit card. If the boat breaks down during your rental, call the marina when ready; they will either send a rescue boat or refund your rental fee. If you return the boat late, you will be charged an overage fee per hour. If you lose or damage safety equipment (life jackets, fire extinguisher), you will be charged a replacement fee.

Alternatives if the marinas are fully booked

If both marinas are booked, you have two options. First, check back the next day or later in the week; cancellations happen frequently, especially on weekdays. Second, consider renting from a private boat owner through platforms like Turo or GetMyBoat, which list boats available for rent by their owners. These rentals are often more expensive and require more back-and-forth communication, but they may have availability when the marinas do not. Private rentals also typically require proof of boating experience or certification, and insurance requirements vary.

A third option is to visit a neighboring lake. Lake Lewisville, about 20 minutes north, has multiple rental operators and often has availability when Grapevine is full. Lake Ray Hubbard, southeast of Dallas, also has rental marinas. Both lakes are similar in size and amenities to Grapevine Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boater's license to rent a boat at Grapevine Lake?

You need a boater education card, not a license. Texas requires anyone born after September 2, 1993, to hold this card to operate a motorboat. If you do not have one, both marinas offer a brief on-site safety course for $15 to $25 that satisfies the requirement for that day.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on a rental boat?

Yes. Both marinas allow you to bring food, non-alcoholic drinks, and coolers on board. Alcohol is legal but the boat operator cannot drink. Neither marina has food service, so bringing your own is common and expected.

What is the fuel policy for rentals?

Most rentals include a full tank of fuel. You are responsible for refueling before return, or the marina will charge you for fuel at a premium rate (usually $1 to $2 per gallon above market price). Confirm the fuel policy when you call to reserve.

Can I rent a boat if I have never operated one before?

Yes, but you should tell the marina staff when you arrive. They will spend extra time explaining the controls and safety features. The on-site safety course covers basic operation, and staff can answer questions. Start with a pontoon boat if you are new to boating; they are slower and more forgiving than ski boats.

What happens if the weather turns bad during my rental?

Return to the marina when ready if lightning, high winds, or heavy rain develop. The marina will not refund your rental fee, but they will not charge you for the time you spent waiting out the weather. If the lake closes before your rental begins, the marina will refund your full payment or reschedule your rental for another day.