Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC

Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: July 7, 2026

Welcome to Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC. We are a veteran-owned and family-operated watercraft rental company serving the Chain of Lakes area in Northern Michigan. Our goal is to provide affordable, clean, safe, and well-maintained watercraft so families and guests can enjoy the water responsibly.

By booking, reserving, renting, operating, or riding on any watercraft or equipment provided by Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions.

These Terms & Conditions are intended to summarize and publicly communicate the policies contained in our rental agreement. All renters may also be required to review and sign a full rental contract, waiver, release of liability, and related documents before taking possession of any rental craft.

1. Rental Agreement Required

All renters must complete and sign the required rental agreement before any watercraft is released. A rental will not be accepted or released without a valid payment method, security deposit authorization, and all required renter information.

The person signing the rental agreement is considered the Responsible Party and is financially and legally responsible for the rental craft, passengers, equipment, damages, fees, and compliance with all rules, laws, and safety requirements.

An online approval during the booking process is an acceptable form of signing the agreement.

2. Security Deposit

A security deposit is required before rental equipment is released.

Security deposit amounts may vary by craft type and rental details. Unless otherwise stated at booking, deposits are generally:

Pontoon rentals: $1,000 security deposit
Jet ski rentals: $1,000 security deposit
Certain rentals may require a $1,000 hold per boat or jet ski depending on the reservation, rental details, or company discretion.

The security deposit may be held by credit card authorization or cash. The deposit or hold will be released after the rental craft and equipment are inspected, no damage is found, all equipment is returned, and all rental charges, fees, and balances are paid.

If damage, missing equipment, cleaning issues, late returns, fuel charges, or other fees apply, Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC may retain all or part of the deposit and apply it toward the amount owed. If damages exceed the security deposit, the renter remains responsible for the full balance.

3. Payment, Charges & Authorization

The renter authorizes Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC to charge the payment method on file for rental fees, taxes, damages, missing equipment, cleaning fees, fuel charges, late fees, recovery fees, chargeback fees, and any other amounts owed under these Terms & Conditions or the signed rental agreement.

Boat rental prices do not include tax unless specifically stated.

The renter is responsible for any fees associated with chargebacks, payment disputes, or collection efforts.

4. Chargebacks, Payment Disputes & Returned Payments

The renter agrees to contact Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC directly and in good faith to resolve any billing question, damage charge, security deposit issue, fuel charge, cleaning fee, late fee, or other payment concern before initiating a chargeback, payment dispute, stop-payment request, or reversal with their bank, credit card company, payment processor, or financial institution.

The renter acknowledges and agrees that charges may be made to the payment method on file for rental fees, taxes, security deposits, damage, missing equipment, cleaning fees, fuel charges, late return fees, recovery or towing fees, chargeback fees, collection costs, and any other amounts owed under these Terms & Conditions or the signed rental agreement.

Initiating a chargeback, payment dispute, stop-payment request, or reversal does not release the renter from responsibility for valid charges owed to Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC. If a chargeback or payment dispute is initiated and the charge is determined to be valid, the renter remains responsible for the full amount owed, plus any chargeback fees, processing fees, administrative costs, collection costs, attorney fees, and other expenses incurred by Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC to respond to, defend, or collect the disputed amount.

The renter further agrees that Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC may provide the signed rental agreement, booking records, payment authorization, photos, inspection records, damage estimates, repair invoices, text messages, emails, GPS or usage records, fuel records, return-time records, and any other relevant documentation to the bank, credit card company, payment processor, collection agency, attorney, arbitrator, court, or other appropriate party to verify the rental, defend against a chargeback, and collect amounts owed.

Any false, fraudulent, bad-faith, or unsupported chargeback may be treated as a failure to pay under the rental agreement. Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC reserves the right to pursue collection, arbitration, legal remedies, and recovery of all amounts owed to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Nothing in this section prevents a renter from exercising lawful rights regarding unauthorized charges, billing errors, or other rights that cannot be waived by law. However, renters agree to make a good-faith effort to resolve billing concerns directly with Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC before initiating a third-party payment dispute.

5. Fuel Policy

Rental craft are sent out with the fuel level noted at departure.

Unless otherwise stated, the renter is responsible for returning the craft with a full tank of fuel or paying for fuel replacement. If Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC must refill the craft, the renter agrees to pay the applicable fuel charge. The only acceptable fuel is Recreational Gasoline (No ethanol content).

Our dock refueling rate is $10 per gallon due to fuel cost, labor, time, and transportation. Additional service fees may apply where appropriate.

6. Late Return Policy

Rental craft must be returned by the agreed return time.

If the craft is returned late, the renter agrees to pay late or overtime fees. Overtime may be charged at $50 per half-hour, rounded up to the nearest half-hour.

Additional late return fees may include:

1–2 hours late: $100 per hour
More than 2 hours late: Full-day rental charge
Unauthorized extension of rental period: Full-day rental charge

Late returns affect other customers and company operations. Please communicate immediately if you believe you may be late.

7. Renter Responsibility

The renter certifies that they are capable of safely operating the rental craft and that they have examined the craft and equipment before departure.

By accepting the rental craft, the renter agrees that the craft and equipment are suitable and acceptable for use and that the renter will maintain the craft and equipment in a safe and dependable condition while in their custody.

The renter is responsible for:

Safe and lawful operation of the craft
The safety and conduct of all passengers
Compliance with all boating laws and regulations
Damage caused by the craft, passengers, wake, negligence, misuse, or unsafe operation
Returning the craft and all equipment in good condition
Reporting accidents, breakdowns, malfunctions, damage, or late returns immediately

8. Operator Requirements

The renter certifies that they have completed any required boater safety education and meet all legal requirements to operate the rental craft.

The renter may not allow any other person to operate the craft unless that person has been approved by Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC, meets all legal requirements, and is authorized under the rental agreement.

Unauthorized operation by another person is prohibited.

9. Prohibited Uses

The renter agrees not to use, or permit the use of, any rental craft:

For any unlawful purpose
In a reckless, careless, or negligent manner
While under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, illegal substances, or impairing medications
By any unauthorized operator
In restricted, unsafe, or prohibited areas
In violation of no-wake laws or posted boating rules
In a manner that endangers passengers, other boaters, swimmers, property, or the rental craft

The renter is responsible for fines, penalties, retrieval fees, damages, and costs resulting from unauthorized or unlawful use.

10. Passenger & Safety Rules

The renter is responsible for ensuring all passengers follow safety rules at all times.

The renter agrees that:

No person may stand or sit on the front, back, sides, railings, gates, or access openings while the engine is running or the craft is in motion.
All gates, access openings, and exits must be closed while the craft is operating.
No person may stand on seats while the engine is running or while the craft is moving.
All passengers must be seated safely while the craft is operating.
Children age 12 and under must wear a properly fitted life jacket while on the craft whenever required by law and whenever the craft is underway or the engine is running.
The renter is responsible for enforcing all life jacket, passenger, and boating safety rules.

11. No-Wake Areas & Wake Damage

The renter acknowledges responsibility for knowing and following all no-wake areas, posted boating rules, and applicable laws.

The renter is solely responsible for damage caused by their wake, including damage to docks, boats, shorelines, swimmers, passengers, property, or other vessels.

12. Accidents, Breakdowns & Malfunctions

The renter must immediately report any accident, malfunction, breakdown, damage, grounding, collision, injury, late return, or unsafe condition to Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC.

If a malfunction, breakdown, or defect is discovered after accepting the craft, continued use is at the renter’s own risk unless Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC authorizes continued operation.

Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC is not responsible for inconvenience, lost time, or damages caused by accident, breakdown, malfunction, weather, previous renter delays, safety concerns, or causes outside the company’s immediate control.

13. Weather, Safety & Company Cancellation Rights

Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC reserves the right to cancel, delay, shorten, or modify any rental due to weather, impending bad weather, mechanical issues, unsafe conditions, acts of God, force majeure, prior renter delays, or other causes beyond the company’s immediate control.

The decision to cancel or restrict a rental due to weather or safety concerns is at the sole discretion of Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC.

If Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC cancels a rental during the rental period, rental fees may be prorated based on time used.

If the renter chooses to return early for any reason, including weather, illness, personal preference, or other circumstances, there are no refunds for unused rental time unless otherwise approved by Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC.

14. Cleaning & Trash

Rental craft must be returned clean, free of trash, and in the same general condition as received, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

Cleaning fees may include:

Excessive dirt, sand, or mud requiring deep cleaning: $100 minimum per incident
Trash left on the craft: $100 minimum per incident
Stains or difficult cleaning needs: Cost of cleaning plus 20% service fee

Please remove all personal items, food, drinks, and trash before returning the craft.

15. Damage, Loss & Missing Equipment

The renter is responsible for all damage, loss, theft, missing equipment, broken equipment, or excessive cleaning caused during the rental period.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Damage to pontoons, jet skis, engines, props, hulls, seats, ladders, railings, gates, covers, electronics, anchors, ropes, bumpers, life jackets, and accessories
Missing or damaged safety equipment
Damage caused by beaching, grounding, rocks, docks, other boats, submerged objects, or improper operation
Damage caused by negligence, misuse, recklessness, or unauthorized operation

Damage and equipment charges may include:

Minor scratches or scuffs: Cost of repair plus 20% service fee
Moderate damage requiring repair: Cost of repair plus 20% service fee
Severe damage or total loss: Market value of equipment plus 20% service fee
Lost or missing parts: Cost of replacement plus 20% service fee
Complete loss or irreparable damage: Market value plus 20% service fee
Jet ski flipped: $750 plus recovery fees
Jet ski damage: Cost of replacement or repair plus 20% service fee
Towing, rescue, or recovery: Cost varies by situation

Actual charges may vary based on the specific circumstances, repair estimates, replacement costs, vendor availability, labor, transportation, and service requirements.

16. Personal Property

Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC is not responsible for loss, theft, water damage, fire damage, disappearance, or damage to renter or passenger personal property while on, in, near, or around the rental craft, docks, vehicles, or company grounds.

The renter and passengers assume full responsibility for their own belongings.

17. Assumption of Risk

Boating and personal watercraft activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, drowning, collision, weather exposure, equipment failure, slips, falls, wake impact, operator error, and actions of other boaters.

By renting, operating, or riding on a rental craft, the renter and passengers acknowledge and accept these risks.

The renter assumes responsibility for the safe and proper operation of the craft and for the safety and welfare of all passengers and other persons affected by the renter’s operation.

18. Release of Liability & Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the renter agrees to release, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC, its owners, members, employees, agents, affiliates, family members, representatives, and personnel from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, injuries, death, property damage, expenses, attorney fees, costs, liabilities, or demands arising out of or related to the rental, possession, use, operation, transportation, condition, or return of the rental craft or equipment.

This includes claims involving the renter, passengers, other boaters, third parties, property owners, docks, swimmers, other vessels, personal property, and any other affected person or property.

19. Legal Fees & Collection Costs

If Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC must pursue collection, enforcement, recovery of property, recovery of damages, unpaid fees, or any legal action related to a rental, the renter agrees to be responsible for all damages, reasonable attorney fees, costs, expenses, collection costs, and related charges incurred by Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC.

20. Rules Posted Online, On Site, or On Craft

The renter agrees to follow all rules, policies, regulations, and laws contained in the rental agreement, posted on the website, posted on company grounds, posted in company materials, posted on the craft, or communicated by Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC staff.

The renter is responsible for making sure all family members, guests, and passengers obey these rules.

21. Availability of Rental Craft

Rental availability is subject to prior renter return, mechanical condition, safety concerns, weather, lake conditions, acts of God, force majeure, staffing, maintenance, and other factors beyond the immediate control of Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC.

Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC is not liable for damages, expenses, inconvenience, lost time, or other losses resulting from delayed, unavailable, unsafe, or cancelled equipment.

22. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions and any rental agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan.

If any portion of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, that portion shall be severed, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

23. Arbitration & Waiver of Court Trial

Any dispute arising out of or related to a rental, rental contract, unpaid fees, property damage, personal injury, collection matter, or use or operation of a rental craft may be subject to binding arbitration as set forth in the signed rental agreement.

By signing the rental agreement, the renter may be waiving the right to have certain disputes decided by a judge or jury in court, subject to applicable law.

24. Entire Agreement

The signed rental agreement, waiver, exhibits, attachments, posted rules, and these Terms & Conditions contain the understanding between Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC and the renter.

No oral statement, representation, or promise will modify the written rental agreement unless agreed to in writing by Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC.

25. Contact Information

For questions about rentals, policies, safety, or booking, please contact:

Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC
Elk Rapids, Michigan
Phone: (231) 883-6009
Website: torchlakewaterrentals.com

Important Notice

These Terms & Conditions are provided for public posting and customer awareness. Customers may be required to sign a separate rental contract, waiver, release of liability, and damage/equipment acknowledgment before receiving any rental craft.

By booking, renting, operating, riding on, or using any rental craft or equipment from Torch Lake Water Rentals, LLC, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions.