Lake Leelanau’s Lean Little Workhorse: A 13' John with a 9.9 Suzuki

LAKE LEELANAU BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE

Lake Leelanau’s Lean Little Workhorse: A 13' John with a 9.9 Suzuki

Rent a brand-new 13' aluminum John boat with a Suzuki 9.9 outboard on Lake Leelanau — flexible options from half-day to a full week and capacity for three.

Lake Leelanau’s Lean Little Workhorse: A 13' John with a 9.9 Suzuki.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Lake Leelanau
Operator
The Narrow's Yacht Club
Category
Boat Rental
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On Lake Leelanau, a compact, workmanlike craft can make for an intimate day of fishing or slow cruising. The 13' aluminum John boat, paired with a reliable 9.9-horsepower Suzuki four-stroke outboard, is built for short excursions — from a four-hour half day to an entire week — and is offered by a local operator for boaters who want a straightforward, hands-on water experience.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BOAT

Small, Sturdy, Ready for Water

A brand-new 13' Aluminum John hull configured for fishing or easy cruising, driven by a Suzuki 9.9 hp four-stroke outboard — light, simple, and reliable for on-lake use.

THE RATES

Flexible Windows: From Half Days to Full Weeks

Rental options range from a four-hour half day to full-week bookings, with a low entry rate that makes short trips and overnight stretches both possible.

THE BASICS

Who Runs the Boat and What to Bring

The boat seats three and operation is limited to those who meet the operator age requirement; renters should bring ID and sun protection for a comfortable day on the water.

What the day feels like

What the outing feels like

The experience is concise and purposeful: load up, push off, and spend a focused block of time trolling, casting, or simply skimming the lake’s surface. The combination of a shallow-draft aluminum skiff and a modest 9.9 hp outboard keeps speeds tame and handling straightforward, making the boat well suited to short fishing runs or quiet cruising along Lake Leelanau.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.

1
Solo anglersA good fit for solo anglers who are comfortable running a small outboard and meet the operator age requirement.
2
Small groups (2–3)Ideal for pairs or a trio seeking a short fishing or sightseeing outing on Lake Leelanau; the boat’s three-person capacity matches small-party needs.
3
Families with a qualified operatorFamilies can use the boat when the operator is at least 21 years old, but space is limited to three people, so plan accordingly.
4
First-time boatersAges 10 and older.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Rentals are available from half-day (4 hours) up through full-week bookings; choose the block that fits your plans.

Rates

Pricing begins at $75 for a half-day; full-day and multi-day rates scale up to a full-week option.

What to Bring

Bring a driver’s license or ID, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.

Operator & Booking

The rental is operated locally; confirm operator policies and availability when booking.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How many people does the boat hold?

The 13' boat holds three people.

What kind of engine does the boat have?

It is powered by a Suzuki 9.9-horsepower, four-stroke outboard.

What rental durations are offered and how much do they cost?

Rentals range from a four-hour half day ($75) to a full week (152 hours, $500), with intermediate multi-day pricing available.

Is there a minimum age to operate the boat?

Yes — operators must be 21 years or older to operate the boat.

What should I bring for the outing?

Bring a driver’s license or ID, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.