The Pontoon Rental Experience
Wondering what to do on the day of your pontoon rental?
Now that you’re booking your pontoon rental with Northaire Resort Pontoon Rental, here are some things to think about as you prepare for your Torch Lake pontoon rental or Bellaire Pontoon Rental.

First, we’ll get you checked-in at one of our three permanent dock locations. This will feel a lot like picking-up a rental car plus we’ll cover operation and safety tips for your boat rental. Remember to double-check your dock location prior to heading to the dock and please park in designated parking areas. Bring a cooler with drinks, snacks, and sunscreen. Now the fun begins, head out with your crew on your pontoon rental, and explore the Chain of Lakes!
Exploring Torch Lake with your Pontoon Rental
Torch Lake is 19 miles long and about 2 miles wide, which makes it the largest inland lake in Michigan. It’s 350 feet deep at its deepest point. National Geographic named Torch Lake as the third most beautiful lake in the world!

Northaire Resort Pontoon Rental’s Torch Lake docks are at the halfway point of this long lake. Torch Lake is known for incredibly clear turquoise water and the sandbar on the South end of the lake. Torch Lake pontoon rentals are a very popular activity therefore don’t be surprised if you see others sharing the same experience. Careful for shallow spots near shore while on your Torch Lake pontoon rental.

Anchor your Torch Lake pontoon rental at the sandbar and enjoy knee deep water, a cold drink, and plenty of sightseeing. Cruise with your Torch Lake pontoon rental and enjoy the fresh air. Anchor in a quiet cove and just chill with your crew. Some folks with boat rentals will try their hand at fishing – Torch Lake is known for a variety of species including bass, muskies, trout, and whitefish.
Exploring Claim Lake with your Pontoon Rental
Clam Lake is a long and slender body of water situated between Torch Lake and Lake Bellaire. Maximum depth is 27 feet. Claim Lake is a very clear and serene lake also known for pontoon rentals. Northaire Rental Pontoon Rental’s Clam Lake docks are at the halfway point of this lake which is just a few minutes from Torch Lake.

Tie off your pontoon rental at Dockside restaurant and enjoy the food, a cold drink, and the sightseeing. Clam Lake is also known for fishing, especially at the East end wherethe Grass River empties into the lake. Keep a lookout for white swans, loons, and bald eagles!
Exploring Grass River Natural Area with your Pontoon Rental
The Grass River connects Claim Lake and Lake Bellaire. The Grass River is fairly narrow and 10 feet deep at its deepest point. Unless passing an oncoming boat, it’s generally best to stay toward the center of the river with your boat rental due to shallow spots. The trip between the two lakes generally takes around 30 minutes as it is a No Wake Zone.

The Grass River is Pure Michigan at its finest with tranquil waters, river otters, deer, and plenty of bird species. The early morning and evening voices of loons in this area are music on the water! Find a quiet spot to anchor out and enjoy the serenity. Dip your toes or your entire body in the crystal-clear water. See if you can spot the natural cold spring while enjoying the ride on your pontoon rental.
Exploring Lake Bellaire and the Intermediate River
Formerly known as Grass Lake, Lake Bellaire is arguably the best fishing lake with depths reaching 95 feet. Its clear waters and vibrant aquatic life offer a picturesque setting while on your pontoon rental. This lake has wonderful views of Shuss Mountain and nearby orchards. Lake Bellaire is known for its quality fish population including bass, northern pike, and perch.

The Intermediate River connects Lake Bellaire to the town of Bellaire. The Intermediate River is also fairly shallow and considered a No Wake Zone therefore please keep this in mind on your pontoon rental. Northaire Pontoon Rental’s Bellaire docks are at the North end of the Intermediate River within a ½ mile of downtown. You should consider tying your pontoon rental off at our docks and walking into town, as Bellaire is known for its restaurants, shops, and music scene.
Important pontoon rental safety tips:
- The captain of your boat should be aware of their surroundings at all times
- Passengers should remain seated while the pontoon rental is in motion
- The pontoon rental motor should be off when anyone is swimming near the boat
- Keep hands clear of docks and dock lines
- Slower boat speeds are safer speeds
A reminder that we offer a variety of boat rental options:
- Torch Lake full day pontoon rentals
- Torch Lake half day pontoon rentals
- Torch Lake boat rental
- Luxury pontoon rentals
- Bellaire pontoon rentals
- Pontoon boat rental with captain
- Torch Lake rentals with boat