Sun Life Torch River

Rentals from Sun Life Torch River include life jackets, safety equipment, an anchor, fuel, cooler storage, a bimini top, a sunshade, a swim ladder and a Bluetooth stereo. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

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)

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)

From Rapid City, start on Torch River at the Torch River Bridge DNR Access Site, a developed ramp with trailer parking and restrooms. Follow the river into Torch Lake for the main lake cruise; public access and amenities are limited along its eastern shore, while the sandy south-end sandbar offers a swimming stop. The river also leads to Lake Skegemog, where the wildlife-area shoreline is swampy and landing spots are scarce. For a longer outing, cross Torch Lake to Clam River and Clam Lake; stay in the marked channel at the narrow river mouth because strong current and boulders make the entrance demanding.

Source: Michigan Water Trails (michiganwatertrails.org)

From Rapid City, boaters head to the Torch Lake Sand Bar for swimming, Alden Harbor for a shore break and ice cream, Forest Home Township Family Park for a picnic, and William K. Good Day Park for swimming or time ashore. For a longer outing through the connected Antrim Chain of Lakes, Elk Rapids’ Upper Harbor provides courtesy dockage with downtown shopping and dining nearby. Together, these stops offer a mix of shallow-water gathering, public shoreline access and a waterfront-town visit.

Source: Torch Conservation Center (conservetorch.org)