The Best Boat Rentals Near Gun Lake

Expect most standard pontoons and bowriders to run about $100–$150 per hour, with many full-day options around $350–$600. Higher-performance wake boats typically range from $250–$300+ per hour, while jet ski rentals often start near $100–$150 per hour. Rates usually include required safety gear like U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets and a safety briefing; fuel, watersports equipment, and delivery to a specific ramp may be added or offered as extras. Pricing varies by date, duration, and group size, so it helps to send a quick inquiry with your headcount and preferred times.

You’ll mostly find comfortable pontoons and tritoons for cruising and socializing, nimble bowriders and deck boats for exploring, wake boats for tubing and surfing, and jet skis for quick spins. Larger yachts and sailboats are uncommon here because Gun Lake is an inland lake with no marinas for big vessels, so plan on the versatile lake-friendly options.

Both are available. Many owners offer self-operated rentals after a quick safety walk‑through, while captained outings are great when you want a stress‑free day where someone else handles the driving and docking. If you prefer to drive, bring a qualified operator and confirm age and boater‑education requirements when you inquire.

Common meeting spots include the Gun Lake County Park boat launch on the west shore at 2397 Patterson Road in Wayland and the accessible boat launch in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area day‑use peninsula near State Park Drive/Briggs Road in Middleville. If you’re camping, there’s also a small campground launch in Yankee Springs for registered campers. Many owners can suggest the best ramp for your date and will confirm the exact pin once you book.

Gun Lake has two broad basins shaped like a butterfly, with tree-lined shores inside Yankee Springs Recreation Area, quiet coves such as Robbins Bay, and small islands including the area near Blackbird Island. On calm days you may spot great blue herons, loons, sandhill cranes, and the occasional bald eagle. Sunsets over the west basin are a local favorite, and the sandy shallows along various points are ideal for a swim stop.

Michigan doesn’t have a traditional “license,” but operators born after June 30, 1996 must carry a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat, and PWC operators generally need one if born after December 31, 1978. If you book a captained charter, you won’t be the operator, so no certificate is required for you to enjoy the trip. When in doubt, ask the owner what’s needed for your group.

Yes. Boats come with U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and you should share the ages and sizes of any children so the owner can set aside proper fits. Michigan law requires a wearable life jacket for each passenger, and children under 6 must wear one on the open deck while the boat is underway. If you plan to tube or be towed, everyone being towed must wear a life jacket as well.

Most owners welcome coolers with snacks and drinks, and many prefer cans over glass. If you’re meeting at the Yankee Springs day‑use area, note that alcohol possession is not allowed on shore in that area from April 1 through Labor Day; once you’re aboard and on the water, follow your owner’s house rules and keep it responsible so your group stays safe and comfortable.

Many listings are dog‑friendly with prior approval, and a reasonable cleaning fee may apply. On shore, Gun Lake County Park is pet‑friendly, and pets are permitted in Yankee Springs Recreation Area with basic leash rules, though not on designated swim beaches. Let the owner know your dog’s size and bring a towel and a collapsible water bowl.

Summer here can bring quick pop‑up showers and thunderstorms, with mornings often calmer and afternoons breezier. If unsafe weather is forecast, owners typically work with you to adjust your start time, reschedule, or follow the stated cancellation policy. Water temperatures usually peak in the mid‑70s to low‑80s in July and August, then cool into the 60s in October, so plan layers accordingly.

Absolutely. Pontoons are perfect for relaxed celebrations and swim stops, and captained wake boats are a fun option for groups that want water sports without worrying about driving. Share your headcount early so the owner can recommend the right hull and confirm the maximum passenger limit. If your date is a holiday weekend, book a morning start to secure parking and smoother water.

Peak season runs from late May through Labor Day, with the biggest demand on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends. Water is warmest in July and August, September brings lighter crowds with lingering warm water, and early October adds fall color for scenic cruises. For the easiest parking and smoother rides, choose weekdays or morning departures; afternoons and weekends are busier.

Yes—Gun Lake’s community fireworks are a longstanding tradition typically held the weekend of July 4. For 2025, the show is scheduled for Saturday, July 5 (with a rain date of July 6). Plan to launch early, bring navigation lights for night returns, and respect slow‑no‑wake zones so everyone enjoys a safe show on the water.