Frequently Asked Questions- Crooked Lake
How do I get to the Lake?
From South: Take I-75 North, and leave the highway at the M-68 exit (310). Take a left onto MI-68/M-68, continue for half a mile, then take a left onto MI-68/S Straits Hwy. After continuing about another mile, take a right onto M 68/MI-68. Drive for 9 miles, then take a left onto Burr Ave/US-31, and continue for 3.1 miles. You'll end at Windjammer Marina.
From North: Take I-75 South and, through exit 336, merge onto US-31. Drive for 25 miles. You'll end at Windjammer Marina.
Click here to see a map and directions for Crooked Lake.
When do I pick up the boat?
The boat must be picked up by 11 am of the first day. Boat must be returned by 4:30 P.M. pre-season (May-June 15), 5:30 P.M. in-season (June 16-September 9) and 4:30 P.M. post season (September 10-October).
How many people are allowed on the boat?
Maximum capacity on any of the houseboats is 8 people.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed, with a $15.00 fee per pet on board.
What will the temperatures be like on my trip?
Fall and spring are Crooked Lake's brisk seasons, where the water is cool and the temperatures are pleasantly bracing without being cold. A light jacket will suffice the boater. Summer, on the other hand, has that fine warmth which never becomes too hot. View a month-by-month list of temperatures here.
How difficult is driving a houseboat?
Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. The marina staff will walk you through driving the boat when you pick it up. Most people get the hand of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.
If you’re concerned about your ability to handle the boat, you may arrange for a captain to guide you out of the marina or drive you to a specific destination on the lake.
What is the billing schedule?
The damage deposit on the boat is due at the time of reservation. Your full rental amount is due upon arrival.
How do I check availability or reserve a houseboat?
Give us a call at 888-454-8825, and one of our reservation agents will be happy to check availability for you. It’s helpful if you already have an idea of when you want to go and what boat you’re most interested in when you call.
Alternatively, you can contact us online with your availability request, and one of our agents will be happy to get back to you with the information you need.
How early do I need to reserve?
Crooked Lake is a very popular lake. The earlier the better is a good rule to follow, particularly if you have an exact date in mind for your trip, or if you’re planning a trip over a holiday weekend.
However, if you’re flexible with your dates or the exact houseboat model, we can almost always find a trip for you even a few weeks before hand.
How old do you have to be to rent the houseboats?
All renters must be 21 with a valid drivers license.
Do I need a license to operate the houseboats, or is a skipper provided?
There is no special license needed to operate our houseboats. There are rules for operating houseboats on the waterways, and we will explain them to you upon your arrival.
Will I get seasick on a houseboat?
Houseboats are on pontoons and there is very little motion. Seasickness is basically unheard of on fresh water.
Can I fish from the houseboat?
Certainly! There's a variety of species on Crooked Lake, too, including largemouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch, muskellunge, walleye and northern pike.
