24' Harris Kayot Policies

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you must cancel your reservation, Renter deposit will only be refunded if Renter gives Owner at least 30 days’ notice before Rental Start Date. Cancellation within 30 days of reservation results in forfeiture of entire rental cost.  If lake boating conditions are unsafe, renter is restricted to the river only or may reschedule; if weather is unfavorable, renter may reschedule, or a refund (less a $75 booking fee) may be provided in the sole discretion of Owner. 

Waves/ Small Craft Advisory: On Lake Michigan, if wave height is two feet or greater renter will be restricted to the river only at idle speed. On such days, the renter assumes responsibility for a minimum two-hour river excursion.

The river ride entails traveling downriver towards Lake Michigan to admire the lighthouses and then upriver along the Kal Haven Trail.

If your group is not inclined towards a river ride, we recommend booking a more suitable option closer to your desired date.

NO SHOW / REFUND POLICY: Owner commits to having Equipment available at agreed check-in time for the agreed upon number in party and Owner is not responsible for Renter inability to arrive or if Renter chooses to depart early for any reason or if a member of Renter party does not show up.  As a result, NO REFUNDS OR REBATES will be offered.  REFUNDS may be made due to poor weather/lake conditions at the discretion of Owner. Additionally, due to weather/lake conditions, Owner may re-schedule Renter and/or move to Owner’s other location. 

FUEL: Gas is included for a 1-hour river cruise rental and all single-day dinghy boat rentals. All boat rentals will begin with a recorded amount (generally a full tank) and the guests are not required to refill gasoline at the gas docks prior to returning to the marina. We will charge guests a flat rate for fuel based on the hours of your rental.

DAMAGES TO EQUIPMENT: Renter acknowledges and understands that Equipment is to be left in clean, undamaged condition, in the same condition at commencement of the rental period.  If rental Equipment is not left in suitable condition, Renter acknowledges and understands that Owner reserves the right to charge Renter for any repairs or special cleaning.  Additionally, Renter understands and agrees, and Owner reserves the right to charge Renter for any damages, repairs, replacement, or special cleaning of property.  Renter acknowledges, understands, and agrees that by signing this Boat Rental Agreement/Contract, he/she is authorizing Owner to charge Renter for any damages sustained.  Such charges will be removed from the Renter’s security deposit and/or charged to the credit card on record.  If such damages exceed the deposit amount, then the Renter will pay to the Owner with two (2) days of notice the additional amount due.

LIABILITY AGREEMENT: I, the Renter, hereby release (and agree to indemnify and hold harmless) from any legal liability, the Owner, its members, managers, employees and agents from any and all liability for damage, injury or death to myself and or any person or property resulting from the selection, maintenance or use of this equipment, and for any claim based upon negligence, breach of warranty, contract, claim or other legal theory, accepting myself, the Renter, the full responsibility for any and all such damages or injury which may result. It is understood and agreed that the Rental Fee is a presently earned fee for the use of the equipment and that the Security Deposit is a deposit against costs of repairs or cleaning that may be required as a result of physical damage to the equipment during the rental period or against any liability that I may incur to Owner pursuant to the agreement. Further, I the Renter am responsible for all damages and/or losses to the equipment or any of its contents during that period. Owner or its Agents reserves the right to (a) authorize the use of the equipment and (b) revoke the use of the equipment. Decisions on that part of the Owner or its Agents with regard to the use of the following: Unsafe operation of the equipment, lack of sobriety of the RENTER and other members of party and unsafe weather conditions.

RENTAL BOAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE:

Equipment is not to be taken outside of prescribed operation area, which is generally within 1 mile of the South Haven or St. Joseph Lighthouse (based upon location rented).  Refer to maps for approved operation area.  Boats and Jet Skis are intended for use by the certified number and weight of passengers and gear. Do not overload Equipment. When loading people and gear on boats, try to evenly distribute weight both side to side and front to back. This will make for safer operation. 

All safe boating and jet ski/personal watercraft (“PWC”) regulations must be followed including no wake zones, life preservers for children. On boats with a swim platform, Passengers are not allowed to use swim platforms and/or be outside the rails while the engine is running. 

Equipment must be returned on time, there is no grace period for late returns.  If a boat or jet ski is returned late, a reasonable fee may be charged due to lost or reduced rental periods for future rentals. 

Lessee is responsible for being aware of tides, currents, and winds. Do not beach Equipment or allow Equipment to become beached by falling tides or changing winds.

Equipment is to be returned relatively clean and in the same condition as they were when you took them out.

No one under 21 is allowed to operate boats.

You are not allowed to let anyone other than the primary renter use or operate the Equipment. Anyone who may be serving as an operator needs to be identified and to sign this agreement. If you do allow anyone else to use the Equipment you are entirely personally responsible for any damage that they cause to our Equipment or to other persons or properties.

All operators must have a cell phone on board and must provide the number to Owner.

In any areas with marked channels always stay between markers.

No pets are allowed on Equipment unless expressly approved in writing.  Customers may not use Equipment for any use not intended by manufacturer.

Special rules apply to the operation of jet skis/PWC both in operation, number of riders, age, and education requirements.  Customer acknowledges receiving a copy of the PWC rider/operating rules.

In addition, customers shall not use the Equipment in any of the following manners:

• In any type of race or competitive event.
• For any illegal purpose or in an illegal manner.
• To carry any type of hazardous or explosive substance.
• To push or tow any other watercraft or tubes, skis, or other water toys after dusk or during the night.
• To carry loads beyond stated capacity in a reckless, abusive, or negligent manner by any person consuming alcohol or drugs.
• If further use may cause damage to boat or motor (warning light or buzzer on) in violation of the terms and conditions of this agreement in any way outside of approved use area.
• In no event shall customer sub-lease Equipment to another person or entity. Customer’s rights under this agreement are non-transferable.