FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you were born in the year(s) before 1998 a simple driver’s license will do. Minimum age to rent with us is 21, but if you were born after January 1st 1998 you must have a boating safety certificate as well. See HELPFUL LINKS.

Click the Calendar of Availability tab at the top, instead of Browse by Activity  to see what is still open for any particular day.

All Bookings are made on-line. Click the Book Now button from our website. Click the Calendar of Availability  tab to view what is still available to rent on any particular day, or Browse by Activity  tab to see our different selection of boats. A green highlighted date means there is open availability. Greyed out means sold out.

When you arrive at Spring Lake Marina, you will be pulling into a parking lot that is designated to a restaurant – Granny’s Lakeside Diner. PLEASE DO NOT PARK THERE. Take the road leading behind it, straight down to the parking lot on the right. The Boat Rental check in is there. Parking is limited, so please consider consolidating your group and number of cars before your departure.

No. Your boat rental is paid in full at the time of your on-line reservation.

You will need to present us with your valid Credit Card and Driver's License and sign our Rental Agreement. You will then be given a full orientation at the desk on our lakes, rules and regulations, and safe boating tips. You will also receive a separate operating orientation on your vessel before your departure.

No. Your boat goes out on a full tank of gas, plenty to enjoy a full day boating, and we simply top you off when you return to the dock. 

Too many variables to consider when guesstimating. It will all depend on which boat you have, how much weight is on-board, how fast/slow you go, how much time you actually operate your boat, water sport activity etc.

No. All our boats depart and return to our docks only. None of our rental boats may be on the lakes past dusk. You must return the boat at your originally scheduled departure time. If you would like to extend your reservation, you must inquire at the dock for availability. 

You. We do not provide drivers or captains for hire. If you would like to designate someone else as the driver for your boat, please make sure they are with you during check in at the dock.

Our boats can go anywhere North of the Route 12 bridge. Access is not permitted in Pistakee Lake or the Fox River. There are 10 different lakes for you to enjoy during your cruise with us. See our overview Map & Safety here. Note: A $75 per hour service charge will be added if a breakdown occurs SOUTH OF LAKE NIPPERSINK and our mechanic has to come out to the breakdown site.

Yes, all heads on board your selected boat count towards the maximum capacity.

Due to the natural wear and tear on rental boats, we do not guarantee working radios on any of our rental fleet. It is highly recommended that you bring your own back-up power supply or portable speaker.

Plush interior. Bimini top for shade. Swim ladder. Two anchors. Bumpers and tie lines for docking and tying up. Safety vests for all on-board. Throwable life-saving cushion. Fire extinguisher. Laminated map of our lakes..

If you depart from our docks for the day, there are no discounts or refunds issued. You may cancel your reservation at any time before leaving the dock - you will receive a rain date for your reservation that is good for 1 year after your original scheduled departure.

Please call the office at 847-395-6440. Cancellations made prior to our 72hr cancellation notice will be issued a full refund. If canceled within the 72hrs of your reservation, you will receive a rain date credit to be applied to a future reservation.

Check the availability on-line for the boat/date & time and call the office to reschedule.

We do not allow pets. Sorry. 

Yes. We provide all the safety vests on-board. Children 12 and younger are required and fitted at the dock. Ski vests provided with the Water sport options. If you have a vest for your children, it is highly recommended to bring your own.

Yes. Bring your active Military ID to the dock during check in and we will be happy to extend you a 10% discount. We thank you for your service.

Fishing is allowed on select boats only (Standard/Mini Pontoons). A fishing license is required and we do not sell them, nor do we offer bait/tackle for sale. See HELPFUL LINKS.

Select boats are capable of adding water sport packages. You must bring your own tow or ski rope or purchase on at the dock during check-in. SAFETY FIRST: Busy boating days such as weekends and holidays have a much higher volume of boat traffic on the entire Chain and it is safer to OPT OUT of water sports. We encourage our customers to rent during the weekday when traffic is much lighter, if you wish to participate in such activities.

Tube, Wake Board, Skis, Water Carpet, Cooler, Ice. Advanced reservations highly recommended and can be made during your on-line booking. Check your boat description for its capabilities before adding to your reservation. SAFETY FIRST: Busy boating days such as weekends and holidays have a much higher volume of boat traffic on the entire Chain and it is safer to OPT OUT of water sports. We encourage our customers to rent during the weekday when traffic is much lighter, if you wish to participate in such activities.

Yes, as long as you are renting a boat that states it is capable of water sports. Please present your proper ropes and equipment to the dock during check in. You will need a safety flag if you don’t have your own. SAFETY FIRST: Busy boating days such as weekends and holidays have a much higher volume of boat traffic on the entire Chain and it is safer to OPT OUT of water sports. We encourage our customers to rent during the weekday when traffic is much lighter, if you wish to participate in such activities.

Yes. There is a complimentary electric pump at the dock for your convenience.

Coolers with food & beverages (please avoid any glass items). Garbage bag(s) (please help keep our lakes clean and clear of litter), Swim suit, sunscreen, towels, portable speaker, portable power supply. We offer coolers for rent and ice for sale at the dock for your convenience.

Yes, you can drink alcohol, however you must be of legal age and you must have a designated driver. Please drink responsibly. The lakes are patrolled and you WILL receive a DUI and Reckless Driving citations on the lakes, just as you would on the roads.

Boats do not have bathrooms on-board. There are porta facilities at the dock for you to use.

No grills or BBQs are allowed on any boat, and we do not have the facility space to do so. There are plenty of restaurants on the lakes to enjoy. We will be happy to give you our recommendations during your orientation.

You are responsible for knowing where you are on the lakes at all times. Your maps app on your smartphone will show you where you are on the lakes. Dropping a Pin at our location during check in will help you navigate around the lakes. Late returns are subject to a minimum $90 late fee + your time. Please call the Dock 847-376-0775 if you need assistance.

Breakdowns are rare, but they do happen from time to time. Please do not panic. First check for seaweed or ropes entwined in the prop. Identify your location on the lakes using your maps on your smartphone or with the map provided on your boat and call our Mechanic 847-376-0775. If it isn’t something we can resolve over the phone, one of our staff will come out to meet you on the lakes. 

• All laws and regulations, no wake areas, etc. must be strictly adhered to.

• Intoxication and reckless driving - you will get pulled over if you or your party is intoxicated and or reckless.

• Sitting on top of the seats or dangling your feet in the water on any moving vessel - you will get pulled over, not to mention the risk and danger if someone were to fall in. While operating your boat keep you hands and your feet in the boat at all times.

• Distribute your passenger/gear weight - too much weight in the bow of your boat can bog the boat down and be dangerous when hitting a wake.

• NO WAKE areas mean you must go SLOW, low forward throttle. You will have angry residents and fellow boaters and risk getting ticked and pulled over if you do not adhere to the laws and regulations on the waterways.

• Avoid getting stuck - for trouble free boating stay in the center of all lakes and channels. Our lakes are silt bottom lakes with lots of seaweed particularly near the shorelines and will get entwined in the prop and inhibit your boats performance.