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Has anyone rented a boat on each Lake? Is one better than the other? Which is more crowded? The wife and I are thinking of renting a boat for a half day sometime. We plan on taking our own food and just cruising. We dont plan on water skiing or doing anything else but cruise around and check out the scenery. Anyone have a preference? Why do you prefer one over the other?
I have been on both lakes. When I first moved down here someone told me Lake Wylie was the "redneck" lake and Lake Norman was the "Bankers" lake.
Lake Norman is a lot bigger, has more areas to explore and lots of tiny islands where you can drop anchor and swim. Its also cleaner then Lake Wylie (which really isn't saying that much) but visibility is a better. You can almost see your feet when standing in waste deep water in Lake Norman vs. almost seeing your knees when standing in Lake Wylie. LOL.
Both lakes are pretty gross actually compared to the clean mountain lakes that I grew up with. If you have to chose one, then my vote would be for Lake Norman.
[quote=FrankTheTank2;8991093] Its also cleaner then Lake Wylie (which really isn't saying that much) but visibility is a better. You can almost see your feet when standing in waste deep water in Lake Norman vs. almost seeing your knees when standing in Lake Wylie. LOL.
QUOTE]
I have also been on both lakes and prefer the tranquility of Lake Wylie. I also wouldn't want to stand in waste deep water (sorry Frank, couldn't resist myself)
Does anyone know where/who I can rent a boat that can accommodate about 40-50 people from? Thanks!
You'll probably not find that size boat readily available on Lake Wylie. There are a few good options on Lake Norman for that. I don't know the company names off the top of my head, but I think there is a large party boat that is kept at the Midtown Sundries up on Lake Norman.
As far as cruising around for the day, you'll cover the majority of Wylie by lunchtime. Its pretty much a river with some coves here and there. While Norman has more boats on it, you can still find some relatively quiet areas.
I'd vote for cruising on Lake Norman over Lake Wylie.
Lake Norman in the summer can be a very rough lake, especially on the Mecklenburg end. It's caused by the very large cruisers and what are known as "go fast boats" that will create wakes not to be believed. There are also several large boat landings on the South end and it's highly developed, so lots and lots of boats and jet skis. If you plan to go on a Saturday, then head to one of the marinas on Hwy 150 then go North on the lake from there. It's easier up there. On the other hand, you can go onto Norman on the weekdays and practically have the lake to yourself.
Lake Wylie, due to its smaller size, does not have near the same level of problem especially if you stay up on the Charlotte side of the lake. I do agree the water has a smell that doesn't exist on Lake Norman, but it really isn't an issue unless you go swimming, and even then it isn't that bad. Of the two, Lake Wylie is far more peaceful.
Mt. Island Lake (between Norman and Wylie) is really the best lake if you want quiet. There are no large boats on it and if you get up on the river part, you can often find a place that you will have to yourself. Unfortunately there are no marinas on this lake so if you don't have a boat, you will have to trailer something to one of the two public boat landings. I am not sure if anyone rents boats this way in the area.
Insurance probably prohibits renters from trailering boats. I actually looked that up today.
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