Boat Rentals in Bellaire, MI

Rental fleets in Bellaire include Jet skis, Pontoon boats, Sailboats and Waverunners. What is available on the day depends on the company and the season, so it is worth checking a few listings.

The best time is July and August for boating on Lake Bellaire and the Intermediate River, when Bellaire’s summer boating and swimming season is underway. Three Lakes Association monitoring recorded Lake Bellaire surface water in the mid-70s during both July and August 2020. The wider Chain of Lakes Water Trail operates in spring, summer and fall, so boating extends beyond midsummer, although the water may not be as warm. Check wind and air temperature before leaving: local monitoring notes that the lake’s upper layer varies as sunlight, wind and air temperature change.

Source: Michigan Economic Development Corporation (michigan.org)

From Bellaire, launch at Ohio Street on the Intermediate River and cruise into Lake Bellaire, the first broad water on the lower Chain of Lakes. Grass River links Lake Bellaire to Clam Lake and is slow-no-wake. Cross Clam Lake, then follow the slow-no-wake Clam River into Torch Lake, the open-water choice for powerboating or sailing; boaters also gather at its southern sandbars.

For alternate put-ins, the local paddling map marks Fisherman’s Paradise on Lake Bellaire and the Clam Lake Road launch. The Intermediate River is slow-no-wake too, so plan an easy pace leaving Bellaire.

Source: Grass River Natural Area (grassriver.org)

From Bellaire, boaters can make day trips to the Grass River Natural Area dock for access to boardwalk trails; Alden Safe Harbor and adjoining Archie Valleau Landing for a harbor stop beside one of Torch Lake’s few sandy public beaches; and Torch Lake’s southern sandbar, where boats gather for a social stop on the water. These destinations offer a nature walk, an Alden shoreline break and a classic sandbar outing along the connected Chain of Lakes.

Source: Grass River Natural Area (grassriver.org)

Michigan requires a boating safety certificate rather than a recreational boating license for anyone born on or after July 1, 1996, operating a motorboat over 6 horsepower. A child under 12 may operate 6 to 35 horsepower only with a certificate and direct onboard supervision by someone at least 16, and may not operate more than 35 horsepower.

For personal watercraft, no one under 14 may operate. Ages 14 and 15 need a certificate plus either accompaniment by a parent, legal guardian or designated adult 21 or older, or operation within 100 feet of one; operators born after December 31, 1978, need a certificate. A renter who completes livery safety training may use the written rental agreement as a certificate only for the listed rental dates. Michigan DNR administers the program.

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (michigan.gov)

Michigan boaters should follow Michigan Department of Natural Resources rules on life jackets, sober operation, registration, personal watercraft and invasive species. Carry a Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person; children under 6 must wear a Type I or II jacket on an open deck while underway. Operating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher is illegal. Unless exempt, watercraft must be registered and display a decal. PWC operators must be at least 14, with certificate and supervision rules for ages 14 and 15, and PWCs may not operate from sunset to 8 a.m. Before launching or transporting, remove plants and debris from boat and trailer, and pull drain plugs and drain all water before hauling; local no wake rules may also apply.

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, michigan.gov/dnr (michigan.gov)

The legal minimum depends on vessel class and power: Michigan has no minimum operating age for a motorboat of 6 horsepower or less. For more than 6 horsepower, unsupervised operation starts at 12 with a boating safety certificate. Under 12, operation through 35 horsepower requires that certificate and direct onboard supervision by someone at least 16; stronger boats are prohibited. Personal watercraft require age 14. Ages 14–15 need a certificate and either a parent, legal guardian, or designated adult 21 or older onboard, or within 100 feet while that adult operates another personal watercraft; independent operation starts at 16. Certificates are compulsory for motorboat operators born on or after July 1, 1996, and PWC operators born after December 31, 1978. Rental operators set their minimums, so confirm when booking.

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (michigan.gov)