SAUGATUCK BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Slip Back to 1958 Aboard Betty — Saugatuck’s Classic Car-Aqua Runabout
Ride Betty, a rare 1958 Car Aqua runabout from Retro Boat Rentals for 1.5- or 3-hour cruises in Saugatuck — a dog-friendly vintage outing with clear operational rules.
Slip Back to 1958 Aboard Betty — Saugatuck’s Classic Car-Aqua Runabout.
Betty is a rare 1958 Car Aqua runabout built in Ft. Lauderdale and offered by Retro Boat Rentals in Saugatuck. The classic vessel seats up to six people comfortably provided the combined crew weight does not exceed 965 pounds; the boat is dog-friendly but swimming from the boat is expressly prohibited.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A rare 1958 Car Aqua runabout
Betty is an original 1958 Car Aqua, a vintage runabout built in Ft. Lauderdale; her compact, classic lines and period details define the ride and set expectations for a small-group, nostalgia-forward outing.
Short, flexible cruises
Trips are offered in 1.5- and 3-hour blocks, making Betty a fit for a brief afternoon excursion or a longer, relaxed cruise; pricing and session options reflect those two durations.
Dog-friendly, but safety and service rules apply
Betty welcomes dogs aboard, but swimming from the boat is not allowed. Operators prohibit outside coolers and outside alcohol; they provide coolers, ice and a selection of beverages and snacks, and ask guests to avoid tinted sunscreen or tanning products that can stain seats.
What the day feels like
How the outing feels
The experience is compact and intimate: a small crew climbs aboard a well-kept 1950s runabout, settles into bench seating and spends a prescribed 1.5 or 3 hours circulating the local waters of Saugatuck. The emphasis is on relaxed company and the tangible charm of a vintage vessel rather than on swimming or onboard partying.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring any personal snacks you like but no outside coolers; use a non-AVOBENZONE sunscreen (the operator also sells sunscreen onboard).
The operator supplies coolers and ice and offers a range of adult and non-alcoholic beverages and some snacks for purchase.
Avoid tinted sunscreen and tanning products that can stain seats; the operator requests only approved sunscreen formulations onboard.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a typical rental?
Rentals are offered in 1.5-hour and 3-hour durations.
Where do I meet the boat?
The meeting location is 730 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453.
How many people fit on Betty?
The boat seats six people comfortably as long as the combined crew weight does not exceed 965 pounds.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes — Betty is dog-friendly.
Can I swim from the boat or bring a cooler with drinks?
Swimming is not allowed from the boat, and outside coolers or outside alcohol are prohibited; the operator provides coolers, ice and a selection of beverages and snacks for purchase.
Are there sunscreen restrictions?
Do not use tinted sunscreen or tanning products that stain seats; use non-AVOBENZONE sunscreen only and note the operator offers sunscreen for purchase.
What is the rebooking policy if weather prevents my trip?
There is no day-of rebooking unless the outing is canceled for rain; allow 48 hours to rebook a boat.