Something New: Making Waves

Photo by Tylee Shay

With more than 3,000 miles of shoreline along the Great Lakes and thousands of inland lakes within the state’s borders, boating holds a special place in the hearts of Michiganders. Former WZZM 13 anchor and current Saugatuck mayor, Lauren Stanton, is no different.

A longtime Saugatuck resident, Stanton and her husband own and operate Retro Boat Rentals, a boat rental service that offers pontoon boats, duffy boats, donut boats, and vintage boats for rent in West Michigan. The duo was inspired to launch the business when a “for lease” sign appeared on a long-vacant, waterfront property in 2016.

“My husband and I had fun brainstorming ideas [for the property] and landed on the Retro Boats concept — saving vintage boats from landfills and making them an eco-friendly, stylish, affordable option for people to enjoy the waterways of Saugatuck,” she says. The idea quickly grew into a passion, and in 2018 Stanton left her career in media to operate the business full time.

Photo by Tylee Shay

Since then, the Retro Boat Rentals fleet of meticulously maintained, rare, and classic Fiberglass boats from the 1950s and 1960s has grown to include five vintage stunners with delightfully throwback names like “Ruby,” “Gladys,” and “Beverly.” With their big fins, headlights, chrome details, and vibrant color combinations, the boats aren’t just popular with vintage enthusiasts — they’re also picture perfect for weddings. From proposals and engagement shoots to bachelorette parties and post-wedding photos, the boats have been a hit with Michigan couples.

“It’s so fun to be a part of a couple’s big day,” Stanton says. “Customers have rented our boats to have a really special arrival to their wedding, whether it’s a bride and bridesmaids, the whole wedding party, or a bride and her father. Stepping out of a vintage boat onto a dock to ‘walk the aisle’ to their outdoor wedding is just a beautiful and unique photo op.”

To learn more visit retroboatrentals.com.