The Ultimate Guide To Boating at Grand Lake
Your complete guide to boats and boating at Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees.
GRDA reminds people to ALWAYS Boat Safe, Boat Smart, and Boat Sober.
If you have an emergency and need immediate assistance while on the water, the GRDA Police encourages you to dial 911. If you don’t have a cell phone available on your boat you can also radio for help on Marine Band 16. The department’s non-emergency number is (918) 256 0911.
Boating at Grand Lake – What You Need To Know
Chances are you already know how great the boating at Grand Lake can be, with wide channels and deep water making it attractive to boats of all shapes and sizes.
Along with that, Grand Lake is a hub for boat sales, boat repair and all sorts of related marine services.
This page is designed to help you find the answers you need when it comes to boating at Grand Lake.
You will find boat dealers(both new AND used), marine repair businesses, and other boat and marine services businesses that do things ranging from boat covers and boat lifts to boat detailing – even the insurance you need for your boat, dock, and water toys.
Did I mention docks?
Use the links below to jump to the section you are looking for, or just keep on scrolling and enjoy the Ultimate Guide to Boating at Grand Lake!

Helpful Boating Links From GRDA
Here are a handful of links that might be helpful as you work through the Grand Lake real estate process. There is no doubt that if you are buying lakefront property, you will want to get friendly with the Grand River Dam Authority.
Duck Creek, Woodard, and Courthouse Hollow Rules
Grand Lake Rules – Updated 8/19
Know The Rules – Boating at Night
If you’re planning to watch some of the many Grand Lake fireworks from your boat, it is important to understand how to interpret lights from other vessels at night to maneuver your boat safely. It is always made more difficult because boat lights will blend into shore...
Busy Boating Season Safety Tips and Reminders From GRDA
Planning on doing a little boating at Grand Lake during the busy holiday weekend? Or, really, any busy summertime weekend? If so, the GRDA Police wants to pass along some boat safe, smart, and boat sober tips to keep in mind. You can also check out the Ultimate Guide...
Grand Lake Highlighted as One of Nine Great American Freshwater Lakes for Boating by BoatUS Magazine
Most of us who have been around Grand Lake already know this, but it's nice to see some national love for our Grand Lake. And that came in the current issue (Feb/March 2022) of BoatUS Magazine which named Grand Lake o' the Cherokees one of the nine great American...
Boating Related Grand Lake Businesses
Below are some great Grand Lake local businesses that are here to help you with your boating needs.
Whether buying a new boat or you need service or accessories, you will likely find what you need right here so you can get on with enjoying your Grand Lake boating!
Featured Grand Lake Boat Dealers
Grand Lake is home to several great boat dealerships that represent a wide range of high-quality boat manufacturers and boats designed to make the most of your Grand Lake boating time.
These dealers, of course, feature new models of select brands, but also typically have a large selection of used boats that are available, making Grand Lake the best place in Oklahoma to purchase a boat.
From fishing boats to pontoons and tritoons to wake boats to runabouts, cruisers and luxurious yachts, you can find exactly what you are looking for at Grand Lake.
Check out these Grand Lake boat dealers:
Indian Hills Resort & Marina
Cedar Port Marina and Boat Sales
Ugly John’s Thunder Bay Marina
Grove Marine
Boat Service and Repair at Grand Lake
Bottom line… boats are not cheap, and you will need a reliable service and repair professional.
Likely, several.
Whether it’s for the body of your boat – it doesn’t matter if it’s fiberglass, gelcoat, or aluminum – or you need engine or prop repair, replacement, or annual service, you will NEED a trusted marine pro on your side.
Featured Grand Lake Marine Service Pros:
Grand Lake Watercraft, LLC
Ugly John’s Thunder Bay Marina
Nautical Marine Services
Fiberglass, Gelcoat, and PaintIndian Hills Resort & Marina
TowboatUS Grand Lake (Grand Lake Towing LLC)
Contact: Steven RhoadesScissortail Marina (Formerly Port Carlos)
Grove Marine
Boat Detailing
Grand Lake can be tough on your boat – especially when you are using it like you should… which means all the time!
So it is good to have a professional boat detailer on your side.
A professional detail company specializes in the cleaning of your boat and keeping that aesthetic beauty that you can be proud of.
Cleaning, waxing, polishing and protecting – it’s all part of keeping your boat looking good (and it also helps keep your boat’s value as well!).
Featured Grand Lake Boat Detailers:
Boat Rentals at Grand Lake
Ready for a great Grand Lake time, but don’t have a boat to get out on the water?
Well, don’t you worry…there are plenty of places where you can rent boats, personal watercraft, and all the other things to have the most fun possible at Grand Lake.
Just do ALL of us a favor, and please be safe and make sure you know your Grand Lake boating rules and you know what you are doing out there…
Featured Grand Lake Boat Rentals:
Rocks and Docks Adventure Rentals
H20 Sports Rental
Indian Hills Resort & Marina
Sail Grand
Duck Creek Boat Club and Rentals
Grand Lake Marinas
Now you’ve got a boat for your Grand Lake fun, but where are you going to keep it?
Trailering is a lot of work, and if you don’t already own your own Grand Lake waterfront real estate, then it makes it kind of hard to have your own dock.
Lucky for you, there are a bunch of Grand Lake marinas ready to help you keep your boat safe, secure, and easily available for your Grand Lake boating adventures.
Featured Grand Lake Marinas:
Scissortail Marina (Formerly Port Carlos)
Indian Hills Resort & Marina
Crown Pointe Marina
Cedar Port Marina and Boat Sales
Marina Del Rey Resort
Shangri-La Marina
Ugly John’s Thunder Bay Marina
Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina
Dock Construction and Repair at Grand Lake
But wait… do you have your own waterfront real estate? Then maybe a private dock is best for you and your boat.
One of the best things about Grand Lake is the ability to maintain your shoreline and have a private dock.
There is little better when it comes to lake living than having your own private dock where your boat is secure, the family can swim and play and it’s all yours.
And one of the realities of having a private dock is the burden of maintenance and repair that comes with it.
Naturally, there are rules and regulations when it comes to private docks on Grand Lake, including annual inspections and transfer permits when the attached real estaet is sold.
For everything related to that, it’s best to go straight to the source. The Grand River Dam Authority.
You can visit their website at www.grda.com or call the GRDA Office of Ecosystems Management at (918) 782-4726 to get your dock questions answered.
Find Featured Grand Lake dock companies here, or visit the Grand Lake business directory for more options.
Grand Lake Dock
Boat and Dock Accessories
Now that you’ve got that boat and your very own dock… now what.
Well, you need stuff, of course.
Like a dock ladder and a floating water mat and paddleboards and kayaks and all sorts of other stuff.
These Grand Lake area businesses can help you with that:
Lake Bumz
FloatingMats.com
Scissortail Marina (Formerly Port Carlos)
Disney Island Outfitters
Pirate Plank Dock Ladders
Boat Lifts at Grand Lake
You already know that you should have a boat lift for your boat at Grand Lake, right?
Whether you are keeping your boat in your own dock or at a Grand Lake marina… you need one.
The right boat lift will protect your boat from the elements, greatly decrease the likelihood of sinking while parked at your dock or boat slip and protect your investment over the long term.
All great reasons to find your boat lift from a Grand Lake boat lift dealer.
Featured Boat Lifts and Dealers at Grand Lake:
Poly Lift Boat Lifts
LOTO Lift, LLC
Boat Covers & Upholstery Repair
You’ve got that beautiful boat, so you better protect, right?
The absolute best way to protect your investment and make the best of your valuable lake time is with an automatic boat cover.
A press of the button, give it a few seconds, and boom… you are ready for the water.
And when your day of fun is done, same thing. Press a button and in seconds your boat is covered and protected from the sun, pollen, dust, and everything else Oklahoma has to throw at it.
If you don’t already have one, you should get yourself one today.
Featured Boat Cover and Upholstery Companies
Branam Upholstery – Grand Lake Boat Covers
Boat, Dock and Equipment Insurance
If you’ve got a boat… you need to have that baby insured. Even if it’s paid off.
Boat insurance will typically cover damage to your boat, motor, trailer, and personal items in the boat.
Most importantly, it should protect you against liability lawsuits and medical payments.
Check out one of these featured Grand Lake area insurance professionals to make sure your boat, watercraft, dock, and equipment are covered.