NEW BUFFALO BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Lake Michigan Day: A 26‑Foot Crownline Rental from New Buffalo
A full-day (or half-day) rental for up to 12 people from Oselka Marina that covers shoreline cruising, swimming, and watersports—with safety training and vessel orientation included.
Lake Michigan Day: A 26‑Foot Crownline Rental from New Buffalo.
From the slips of New Buffalo, a 26‑foot rental unlocks Lake Michigan’s shoreline, dunes and wildlife for groups up to a dozen; the operator provides a brief safety video and vessel orientation so your day on the water is both adventurous and secure.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Spacious 26‑foot boat for groups
Seat up to 12 passengers and settle into a day of cruising, with an orientation from staff and required safety training before you depart.
Watersports and swims on Lake Michigan
Tubing, skiing and wakeboarding are all part of the rental experience; tubes, skis and a wakeboard can be added at pick‑up for a modest fee.
Dunes, shoreline views and wildlife
Use your rental time to cruise close to the sand dunes and scan for shorebirds and other wildlife from the water within the operator’s permitted range.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
A typical rental unfolds with a check‑in and short safety video, a staff orientation of the boat, then open water—cruising the shoreline, anchoring for swims or towing guests for tubing and skiing. Options include short half‑day outings or longer excursions that let you push toward the 8‑mile operating radius in either direction.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are offered in 2, 3, 6 or 9‑hour blocks—choose the length that suits your group and planned activities.
Bring swimwear, sun protection and personal items; plan to complete check‑in and watch the required safety video at pick‑up. Add rental equipment (tubes, skis, wakeboard) during pick‑up for a fee.
Pick‑up and orientation are handled by Oselka Marina at the time of rental; the operator requires waivers and guardian signatures for minors and enforces an approximate 8‑mile operating radius.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time zone is New Buffalo in?
New Buffalo is in Eastern Time (EST), one hour ahead of Chicago (Central) time.
What is the cancellation policy?
Unless the weather is unsafe or the appointment can be rebooked to another party, refunds for cancellations cannot generally be issued due to high demand.
Can one person arrive to rent and then add others at the beach?
No; all adults (18+) in the rental party must be present to sign a waiver, and a parent or legal guardian must sign for all minors under 18.
Is insurance included with the rental?
The rental adds you as an additional insured to Oselka Marina’s charter vessel master policy with certain liability coverage; the policy also includes 1st‑party vessel damage coverage up to specified limits—contact vQuip Insurance Agency for details.
How far can we take the watercraft?
You may venture within approximately an 8‑mile radius, roughly from Michigan City on the west to Lakeside on the east.
Can I rent tubes, skis or a wakeboard with the boat?
Yes—tubes, skis and a wakeboard are available to add at pick‑up for an additional fee.