Skip to content

Rental Agreement

Last updated: June 2, 2026

This Rental Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between St. Joseph Boat Rentals LLC ("Owner") and the customer ("Renter") who has booked a boat rental through St. Joseph Boat Rentals LLC's website or by phone.

By completing a booking, the Renter acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms below.

1. Boat use and operation

The Renter agrees to operate the rented vessel ("Boat") only on the body of water specified in the booking confirmation. The Boat may not be operated:

  • Under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs judgment or reaction time
  • By anyone under the legal operating age (Michigan: 14 with a Boater Safety Certificate; under 12 only with a licensed operator on board)
  • Outside daylight hours unless explicitly authorized in writing
  • In severe weather (small craft advisory, lightning within 8 miles, sustained winds above 25 mph)
  • For commercial purposes, fishing tournaments, towing, or instruction

2. Renter responsibilities

The Renter is responsible for:

  • Returning the Boat in the same condition as received, fueled to the level marked at pickup
  • Reporting any damage, mechanical issue, or incident immediately by calling (269) 313-5336
  • Carrying valid government-issued photo ID throughout the rental
  • Following all U.S. Coast Guard and Michigan boating regulations, including life jacket requirements for every person under 13
  • Refraining from using the Boat for activities not described in the booking (no overnight stays unless booked, no anchoring outside designated areas)

3. Assumption of risk

Boating involves inherent risks including but not limited to: drowning, collision, weather exposure, mechanical failure, propeller injury, and other hazards. The Renter expressly assumes all such risks and waives any claim against St. Joseph Boat Rentals LLC, its owners, employees, and contractors arising from these inherent risks.

The Renter confirms that all passengers have been informed of these risks and have voluntarily chosen to participate.

4. Damage, loss, and liability

The Renter is financially responsible for:

  • Any damage to the Boat, motor, trailer, or accessories occurring during the rental period
  • Loss of any equipment provided with the rental (life jackets, anchor, fenders, ladder, etc.)
  • Recovery costs if the Boat is grounded, sunk, or rendered unable to return under its own power
  • Any third-party property damage or injury caused by the Renter's operation of the Boat

A damage authorization hold may be placed on the Renter's payment card at pickup. The hold is released within 7 days if the Boat is returned without damage.

5. Insurance

St. Joseph Boat Rentals LLC carries liability insurance covering the Boat's operation. This insurance does not cover:

  • Damage caused by intentional misconduct or gross negligence
  • Operation by anyone other than the Renter or authorized passengers named at pickup
  • Operation outside the agreed body of water
  • Personal property of the Renter or passengers

The Renter is encouraged to verify their personal homeowners or umbrella policy for additional coverage during the rental.

6. Cancellations and refunds

Cancellation terms are set out in the Cancellation Policy. The Renter agrees to those terms by completing this booking.

7. Changes and reschedules

St. Joseph Boat Rentals LLC reserves the right to substitute a comparable Boat if the originally booked vessel is unavailable due to mechanical issues, prior renter damage, or weather. Reschedules are accommodated whenever possible at no additional charge.

8. Termination

St. Joseph Boat Rentals LLC may terminate this Agreement and recall the Boat without refund if the Renter:

  • Operates the Boat unsafely or in violation of this Agreement
  • Provides false information at booking
  • Allows operation by an unauthorized or impaired person
  • Damages the Boat through gross negligence

9. Governing law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. Any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be resolved in a Michigan court of competent jurisdiction.

10. Contact

Questions about this Agreement may be directed to info@stjosephboatrentals.com or (269) 313-5336.

This is the platform's default rental agreement. St. Joseph Boat Rentals LLC may have a customized version on file — by completing a booking, you agree to the version in effect at the time of booking.