About Retro Boat Rentals
Retro Boat Rentals puts a fleet of restored 1950s and 1960s runabouts on the water in downtown Saugatuck — classic fiberglass hulls converted to quiet electric power so anyone can drive them without a boating license. The result is one of the most photographed rental fleets on the Kalamazoo River, with candy-colored boats that look straight out of a postcard.
Renters cruise the no-wake stretch of the river between Saugatuck and Douglas, passing the harbor, historic cottages, and Wade's Bayou at an easy pace. The electric drivetrains are simple to operate, and staff at the dock walk every group through the controls before departure. Boats seat small groups, which makes them a favorite for couples, families, and birthday outings.
The company operates from The Old Boat House on Water Street, steps from downtown shops and restaurants, and runs from early May through Labor Day with weekend availability into fall. Rentals go out by the hour, and summer weekends often book up in advance, so reserving ahead is the safe play during peak season.
