Reservation and Cancellation Policies
A non-refundable reservation deposit of 15% is required for all bookings.
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations within 7 days of a reservation will incur 30% of the rental fee.
- Cancellations made within 3 days of the reservation are not eligible for a refund.
Payment & Security Deposit Information:
To ensure a smooth rental experience, here are a few important details regarding payment and deposits:
- A valid credit card (not debit) is required for all motorized rentals.
- We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express (cash is accepted onsite for same-day rentals).
- To confirm your reservation, full payment of the rental fee is required at the time of booking.
- At the time of pickup, a $500 cash security deposit is also required. This will be fully refunded upon return of the equipment, provided everything is in good condition after inspection.
Northern Michigan weather can be unpredictable! We recommend waiting until the day of your rental to make weather-related decisions, as forecasts can change quickly. While we can’t guarantee perfect weather, we’ll do our best to work with you.
Weather & Safety Policy:
Our Commitment to Your Safety
Your safety is our highest priority. Northern Michigan weather is famously beautiful, but it can be unpredictable. To ensure you have the best possible experience, we monitor lake conditions in real time.
- Planning Your Trip: Because forecasts can change quickly, we recommend checking in with us on the day of your reservation for the most accurate update on lake conditions.
- Safety-First Cancellations: To ensure everyone’s well-being on the water, Ward Marina reserves the right to postpone or cancel rentals due to unsafe conditions (such as high winds, lightning, or small craft advisories).Should we determine that conditions are unsafe for your specific vessel, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a refund at our discretion. (Cancellations due to weather will be at the sole discretion of Ward Marina.)
Damage & Responsibility
Vessel Care & Responsibility
We take great pride in providing a clean, high-performance, and well-maintained fleet for our guests.
Upon departure, the renter assumes full responsibility for the vessel and its equipment. (See rental agreement for more details)
- Damage Policy: Our experience has been that boat rental guests are very mindful of their surroundings and take great care of the vessel they are renting.
Please be aware that the rental customer is responsible for 100% of any repair or replacement costs incurred during the rental period. - Insurance Notice: Boat rental insurance is not provided. We encourage all operators to navigate with caution, stay within designated channels, and respect all maritime markers to ensure a safe and damage-free excursion.