Lazy Days on Lake Ann: Rent a 20' Bennington Pontoon in Traverse City

Gary’s Lake Ann Pontoon sits on the edge of Traverse City, Michigan, and hands you a low-effort, high-return day on the water. Rent a 20-foot Bennington pontoon powered by a quiet Yamaha 50HP four-stroke, seat up to nine people, flip on the stereo, and push away from shore for a slow, comfortable cruise around Lake Ann and nearby bays. The boat’s rear entry makes swimming and boarding easy, and the unit comes trailered and ready to go if you prefer to pick it up at the shop just west of Traverse City on M-72.

This 2011 Bennington model is stripped of toys meant to intimidate and instead tuned for relaxation and practical use: solid bench seating, straightforward controls, and the steady hum of a reliable Yamaha that’s enough power for exploring coves, pulling a light tube, or moving between sandbars. Weekly rentals are listed at $1,300; shorter single-day rentals are common with local providers, so ask about flexible pickup and drop-off windows when you book. The trailer requires a 2" ball and a flat four electrical plug and don’t forget your hitch insert.

When you book, verify fuel policy, check for life jacket sizes for children, ask about onboard safety equipment. The boat includes basic stereo hookup but bring a waterproof speaker if you want louder music. Expect simple on-site orientation and a quick walk-through of the trailer and hitch requirements if self-transporting. Local launch ramps vary by crowd; call ahead for recommended put-in spots and current water levels to plan your route.

Key scene features include clean freshwater shoreline, shallow sandbars for wading, and a mix of cedar and oak along the islands and lake edges. Look for glacially scoured limestone outcrops in quieter coves and watch for smallmouth bass near rock shelves. If you want to avoid delivery fees, self-transport from the M-72 lot keeps costs down and gives you more launch options.

Why this rental stands out: it’s accessible for first-time boaters, affordable for a family or group of friends, and sized to balance maneuverability with stability. It’s also a practical choice for photographers scouting low-angle shots from the water or anglers looking to fish from a steady platform. The operation ties directly into the local boating culture by offering a trailer-ready option that suits Michigan’s weekend boating rhythms.

Book a pontoon for slow cruising, sunrise coffee runs, sandbar picnics, or an afternoon of exploration. Bring life jackets for every person, a charged phone in a dry bag, and a simple tow line if you plan water play. The experience is straightforward: reliable boat, quiet powerplant, and a week’s worth of space for company—an effective way to own a piece of northern Michigan water for a day.