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September 2023 by Sery Gunawardena
This business seems to be closed. Came to Saugatuck for an anniversary trip and wanted to rent bikes. We tried to go to the address listed on Google and there did not seem to be anything at the location. We also went to the location listed on their website, 640 WATER STREET, and found an abandoned building. We called the number and got a recorded message to call Adam for bikes. We called multiple times and did not get a response. We ended up going with In The Elements Bike Rental instead!
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August 2022 by jontink11
Rented a pontoon boat and had great time. Clay came in early to get us setup and on the river. Wonderful service
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December 2021 by Caroline Ambrose
I visited Saugatuck in August and stopped by Big Lake Outfitters where I found the perfect gift for my nephew. I unfortunately forgot to purchase it before I left. Fast forward to December, I called to see if the shirt was still available. Huge shout out to Adam who promptly called me back, said he could ship the gift to me and kept me posted on shipping information. I’m so so appreciative and can’t wait to give this gift!
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September 2021 by Gary Wallace
Had a great day on the water
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July 2021 by Debbie Beil
We contacted Big Lake Outfitters about 2 weeks before our Saugatuk vacation. The gentleman we spoke with was very helpful, friendly, and accommodating. We rented the larger of the pontoon boats for our family. A couple days before our boat rental, we stopped by the shop to make sure we could find their location. A young woman was working and wanted to show us the boat we would be taking out. It was the newest in their fleet…large, clean and shiny. We asked how we lucked out to get this boat and she said “it’s the one that’s been reserved for you” and even showed us in the book. We kept joking with her to not let anyone take our boat. My husband called the morning of our rental to confirm our time slot and asked if we still were assigned to that boat. The young woman replied “yes”. When we arrived for our allotted boat time…you guessed it…we were shown to an old, dirty, scuffed up boat. We immediately asked the young woman what had happened. She turned bright red and kept repeating “all the boats are the same”. Actually, they’re not. It was obvious she gave our boat away to someone who was willing to pay her. Our boat outing was fun and the young man that got us situated in the boat and gave us instructions was very helpful and professional. The young woman needs a refresher course I. How to take…and hold…a reservation.
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July 2021 by David kolean
Best time ever, so much fun and plenty of fish!
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June 2021 by wow amazing
Very pleasant and kind Americans!
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June 2021 by djhl120
There were 7 adults in our party and we rented the smaller of their pontoon boat options. There was plenty of space for everyone. Pricing was very competitive and making a reservation was easy. The boat was clean and in good working condition. The young men who handled our reservation upon arrival and set us up on the boat were very courteous and helpful. We rented for 4 hours, which allowed us cruise up and down the river/lake a few times as well as drop anchor and swim in the "cul de sac". Be advised, that none of the boat rental locations in Saugatuck allow you to take your rental out into Lake Michigan. We would definitely rent from Big Lake Outfitters of Saugatuck again.
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May 2021 by Mark Green
Decent supplies&staff
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September 2020 by dickbart
My experience in renting a pontoon boat from Big Lake Outfitters (BLO) was very mixed. The initial store rep who rented me the pontoon boat was nice and helpful. We did a four hour rental but after two hours the boat failed. Due to a mechanical issue, it wouldn't run. Since the BLO was on modified shut down hours there was no one to immediately help rescue us. We did have eventual phone contact and advised them that we got a tow from town resident. Someone from the BLO met us at our pier, not theirs. He managed to start the boat and depart. My contact later asked what price arrangement did I think was fair. I suggested we pay for just the two hours we actually used the boat. He agreed. When I emailed BLO asking for a new receipt for the modified charges, I didn't get one but was told the mechanical problem was my fault since I didn't put the boat in neutral to start it. I have driven numerous boats for over 20 years and know when one is in neutral for starting. An anonymous staff member on the email repeatedly insisted I was at fault. I disagreed and still do. Besides all I wanted was a corrected receipt and wasn't looking at finger pointing. In the end, why would the BLO staff feel it necessary to push the issue of fault when everything had already resolved itself? I was left with a negative feeling about the equipment and lack of customer concern by BLO. I don't recommend using them.
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September 2020 by L H
2nd day in Saugatuck and we finally feel we have arrived. Nothing beats kayak around the Kalamazoo river to explore this beautiful town.Recommend to make reservations prior to attending, especially off season. We called at least 5 kayak rental place and none of them picked up the phone. We were just lucky to walk pass BLO and that they are willing to let us rent one (we are experienced kayaker). Best to come in summer.
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September 2020 by Max McGregor
We could not find any kayak rental open off season, except for this one. The gentleman behind the counter was beyond helpful and our kayak ride made our stay most memorable. Thank you!
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August 2020 by 237cindif
Rented a pontoon from Big Lake Outfitters for four hours for $300 which was the smallest increment of time they gave for rental. We have rented pontoons at other vacation destinations in the past and had great experiences, so a little shocked at what a waste of money this was. You are unable to go anywhere but in the channel and no wake speed. Not allowed to take any rentals out on Lake Michigan, which we knew in advance, but unaware of the ridiculously slow speed, The boat itself was a joke, very old and worn out, Tape across all the tears in the seats, extremely small, worn out and nearly see through canopy, doors without hinges that fell off, and a ladder that was not locked and dragging in the water. Tried to fish unsuccessfully. Water looked too gross to swim in. Really not much to do in this river channel. Don’t waste your money!!!
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August 2020 by JFrig
Rental process for four kayaks went smoothly. However I wonder how often manager/owner checks in . . .bathroom was a disaster; even my teenage son (who usually is not observant about these things) commented how dirty it was. Young woman instructing us how to get in kayaks wore mask with her nose fully exposed. Instructions when we got back was for first person out to notify them inside so they could help bring boats in. When my son said we were back, the two people working at the desk (with no customers inside) told us to bring the boats up ourselves. Less inclined to put money in the tip jar then.
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August 2020 by onyrmarks
We rented a pontoon boat and enjoyed a beautiful ride on the Kalamazoo River. The boat was clean and easy to use. Clay was extremely helpful and friendly. We will definitely rent from Big Lake Outfitters again!
