Make Waves on Lake Gaston: Rent a 24' Chaparral Deck Boat in Henrico, NC

Read the full experience

Set a course for sun and spray on Lake Gaston with the Chaparral Deck Boat, a 24-foot V8-powered daysailer available from Northampton Marine at 2192 River Rd, Henrico, NC 27842, United States. This boat rental invites groups of up to ten to explore wide coves, rocky points and quiet back channels where water sports like wakeboarding, knee boarding and tubing are the order of the day. The boat's open deck and stout engine make it nimble enough to carve wakes yet stable for family outings, and multi-day options let you sleep ashore and use the boat as your mobile base for fishing, swimming and shoreline picnics. Lake Gaston's shoreline alternates low rock bluffs, mixed hardwood forests and private docks; the lake averages 35 feet in depth, so carry a nautical map and watch for submerged structure. On a typical summer morning you'll find fishermen working the flats near submerged timber, osprey diving for bluegill, and narrow fingers of the lake that peel away from main channels into quiet, hammock-lined coves perfect for tubing stops. Helm visibility is good, but operators must obey local rules: day rentals launch as early as 10am and return by 4pm, while multi-day rentals start at 9am and must be docked by 4:30pm on your final day. Boats may not be operated after dark. This rental is a practical, no-frills way to access the lake's best water recreation without owning a boat. The Chaparral's design balances performance and stability, making it a standout for thrill riders and cautious families alike. Northampton Marine requires a 50% nonrefundable deposit for multi-day bookings; fuel responsibilities and strict return times keep the rental fleet reliable for every guest. Note that pontoon-style craft are not suited to towing, but this Chaparral permits wake sports, so pack your vests and boards. Practical tips matter here: plan fuel stops, keep 200 feet off docks and shore, and check dock-in times to avoid late penalties. For anglers, bring a depth map; for photographers, chase the low-angle light in morning and evening when coves glow and ripples sharpen the hull lines. Owner/operator information is not provided in the listing. Whether you're after wake-induced adrenaline or a slow day drifting among cypress-lined inlets, a 24' Chaparral Deck Boat rental at 2192 River Rd is a straightforward, high-value way to own a few summer days on Lake Gaston. The Chaparral seats up to ten and is powered by a V8 engine, making it quick to plane for wake sports yet responsive for tight coves. Bookings require a four-day minimum at $650 per day, and a 50% deposit secures your dates, great for extended weekend escapes or family reunions on the water and creates lasting lakeside memories today.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

6–8 hours per day; multi-day rentals 4–14 days.

Fitness level

Basic mobility required for boarding, towing toys, and moving around a deck; not strenuous.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum rental period?

There is a four-day minimum for this Chaparral Deck Boat rental; multi-day rentals can extend up to 14 days.

How many people can the boat hold?

The Chaparral seats up to ten people—confirm final passenger counts when booking.

Is wakeboarding or tubing allowed?

Yes—wakeboarding, knee boarding and tubing are allowed on this 24' Chaparral; pontoon-style boats in the fleet cannot tow.

What are the fuel responsibilities?

Renters are responsible for fuel; plan fuel stops and return the boat with adequate fuel as required by Northampton Marine.

Can I operate the boat at night?

No—operator policy prohibits boat operation after dark and the facility closes daily by 5pm.

What deposit and cancellation terms apply?

A 50% nonrefundable deposit is required on all rentals; confirm cancellation policy with Northampton Marine at booking.

Local insights

Wildlife

Osprey
Great blue heron

History

Lake Gaston supports long-standing regional recreation and shoreline communities that use the lake for boating and fishing.

Conservation

Keep wakes low near docks and use shore-side restroom facilities where available; pack out all trash to minimize shoreline impact.

About Northampton Marine

Northampton Marine operates boat rentals out of Henrico, North Carolina, offering a fleet of pontoon and tritoon boats for single-day and multi-day lake outings. The company provides a range of boat sizes—from 16′ margarita pontoons and 18′ premier pontoons to 25′ tritoons—equipped with engines from 40 HP up to 140 HP. Rentals typically begin at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM with returns by late afternoon or 4:00 PM, depending on the boat and reservation. Northampton Marine lists options tailored for fishing, with a fuel-efficient 24′ Explorer fishing pontoon; for tubing and high-energy water sports, with 25′ tritoons and 19′ fireball pontoons; and for relaxed cruising on larger 24′ and 25′ pontoons. Several boats advertise multi-day availability for extended trips. Reservations cover clear trip summaries including boat length, engine power, recommended activities, and typical rental hours. Safety and convenience are supported by matching boat choice to planned activities—fishing, wakeboarding, tubing, or family cruising—based on each craft’s design and horsepower. The fleet includes recognizable models such as Sun Tracker and Sweetwater pontoons and JC tritoons, enabling renters to select by model or capacity. Northampton Marine’s public listing details each vessel’s features and common usage to help renters choose the appropriate boat for their group size and activity. For anyone planning a day on the water from Henrico, the company’s documented fleet provides straightforward options for varied lake experiences. Renters can choose boats specifically noted for tubing, wakeboarding, fishing, or relaxed cruising based on listed engine power and boat size and capacity details.

Base locationHenrico, North Carolina

Tours offered18+

Specialty

Adventure tips

Watch return and dock timesDaily rentals must be returned by 4pm and multi-day boats docked by 4:30pm on the final day—plan fueling and transport accordingly.

Bring a depth mapLake Gaston averages 35 feet deep with submerged timber; a nautical depth map helps you avoid hazards and find fishable structure.

Life jackets for every riderWear USCG-approved PFDs for wakeboarding and tubing; the extra buoyancy matters around docks and submerged structure.

Respect private docks and shallow shorelineStay at least 200 feet off docks and shorelines to reduce wake damage and avoid penalties listed by the operator.

Recommended gear

USCG-approved life jacket: Required for safety during wake sports and while aboard.
Wakeboard / tubes / tow rope: Bring sports gear to take advantage of the Chaparral's wake-sport capability.
Marine VHF or charged phone in waterproof case: Essential for communication, emergencies and checking weather.
Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses: Protect against reflected sun on the water and improve visibility for fishing.