Ruby: A 1959 Bell Boy Banshee, Retro-Chic on Saugatuck Water

SAUGATUCK BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE

Ruby: A 1959 Bell Boy Banshee, Retro-Chic on Saugatuck Water

Rent Ruby in Saugatuck for 1.5- or 3-hour outings—a four-seat, dog‑friendly classic that permits swimming on the three‑hour option.

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Ruby: A 1959 Bell Boy Banshee, Retro-Chic on Saugatuck Water.

Duration
1.5 Hours or 3 Hours
Location
Saugatuck
Operator
Retro Boat Rentals
Category
Boat Rental
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Ruby is a restored 1959 Bell Boy Banshee offered by Retro Boat Rentals in Saugatuck. The boat seats four comfortably, welcomes dogs, and—if you choose the three‑hour option—permits swimming, making for a compact, social outing on the water.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BOAT

A Vintage 1959 Bell Boy Banshee

Ruby is a classic 1959 Bell Boy Banshee presented by Retro Boat Rentals, sized to seat four passengers comfortably—an authentic, small‑group retro experience on the water.

THE SWIM

Swim-Friendly Three‑Hour Option

Swimming is permitted when you book the three‑hour rental, allowing a relaxed stretch of time afloat for a dip from the boat.

THE PROVISIONS

No Outside Coolers; Onboard Drinks and Supplies Available

Outside alcohol and coolers are not allowed. Retro Boat Rentals provides coolers and ice and offers adult beverages, non‑alcoholic drinks and some snacks for purchase; sunscreen is also available onboard.

What the day feels like

What the Rental Feels Like

Short, intimate and unmistakably retro: a single vintage runabout sized for up to four people, ideal for a few hours of circulation and leisure on the water. The three‑hour booking adds the option to stop and swim; pets ride aboard as well.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental works for—and who should plan otherwise.

1
Small groups or couplesSeats up to four passengers, making Ruby best suited to small groups or pairs seeking a short, social outing on the water.
2
Dog ownersRuby is dog friendly, so travelers wanting to bring a well‑behaved dog will find the rental accommodating.
3
Families with childrenAll ages are welcome, but the small passenger capacity and vintage seating are best for families who fit within the four‑passenger limit.
4
Guests with sunscreen or tanning product concernsTravelers who use tinted sunscreens or tanning products should not bring them aboard—those products stain the seats; non‑AVOBENZONE sunscreen is required and available for purchase.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring swimwear for the three‑hour option and any snacks you'd like; do not bring outside coolers or outside alcohol—operator provides coolers, ice and a selection of drinks and snacks for purchase.

Sunscreen & Seat Care

Do not use tinted sunscreen or tanning products aboard (they stain seats). Use non‑AVOBENZONE sunscreen; the operator stocks sunscreen for sale.

Onboard Provisions

Retro Boat Rentals offers coolers, ice, a range of adult beverages (beer, wine, ciders, seltzers, canned mixed drinks and bottled wine/champagne), non‑alcoholic drinks and some snacks.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long are the rentals?

Rentals are offered in 1.5‑hour or 3‑hour options.

Where do I meet for the rental?

The meeting and boarding location is 730 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453.

How many people can ride Ruby?

Ruby seats up to four passengers comfortably.

Is swimming allowed?

Swimming is allowed if you book the three‑hour option.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes—Ruby is dog friendly.

Can I bring my own alcohol or cooler?

No—outside alcohol or coolers are not permitted. The operator supplies coolers, ice and sells beverages and snacks.

Are there restrictions on sunscreen?

Do not use tinted sunscreen or tanning products aboard; use non‑AVOBENZONE sunscreen instead—the operator also sells sunscreen.