For those who enjoy the water, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of wind in your hair as you sail along a river, ocean or other waterway. Speedboats, sailboats and other forms of water craft provide healthy, exciting entertainment, but don’t often offer all of the amenities that you might prefer during your vacation. Houseboat rentals, on the other hand, can provide the best of both worlds, as long as you know what to look for – and what to ask.
Practical Considerations
It’s all good and well to plan an itinerary, make the necessary arrangements and pack for your holiday, but if you haven’t considered things from a practical point of view, then you might just be setting yourself up for some nasty surprises during what would, otherwise, be an enjoyable event.
• Determine Your Expenses – Although you’ll, of course, anticipate the costs that will be incurred for the actual rental of a floating home, you may not think to inquire about other possible costs. For instance, in addition to taxes, you’ll most likely be responsible for covering the cost of any fuel that you’ll be using. In addition, you should anticipate docking charges if you’ll be cruising during the day, but docking the boat at any place other than the marina from which you departed. If that should be the case, a security deposit will also be required – all of which could add up to quite a nice piece of proverbial change.
• Dig Deeper – In order to be financially prepared, you’re going to need to know what charges you’ll be facing in regard to fuel. Determining the cost of this – even getting a ballpark figure – always depends on the type of boat that’s being used. Since this type of vacation involves a houseboat rental, then be sure to question the establishment from whom you’ll be renting about the average costs that are incurred during a voyage of your length. In addition, they’ll need to supply you with options for obtaining more fuel – and water – if it should become necessary. Of course, they’re not in business to lose money and some facilities have less integrity than others, so be sure to check on their overall record before you make the commitment to do business with a particular company.
Houseboat Amenities
Any vacation option should offer a list of amenities, and houseboating is no different. The rental establishment should offer a list of these perks but, in the event that they don’t, there are some basics that you should be able to expect. Among these are:
- Appliances, such as a stove, oven, microwave, coffee pot and refrigerator/freezer
- Basic cookware, including pots/pans, cooking utensils, dishes and cutlery
- Utilities and related necessities, such as hot and cold running water and toileting facilities
- Household items, including cleaning supplies, trash bags, bath tissue and biodegradable soap
- Incidentals which may include bed linens, clothes hangers, a cooler and outdoor furniture
- Entertainment options, such as a TV/VCR, an AM/FM stereo/CD player and fishing equipment
- Boating essentials, including a marine radio, life jackets, emergency flares, first aid kit, flashlight, compass, navigational charts, guide book, fire extinguisher, dock lines, fenders and Captain’s lessons
Any other items which may be necessary to enjoy a safe, relaxing voyage should be brought along by you or those who may be joining you for your watery adventure. Remember, adequate preparation will enhance the experience and let you focus on the matter at hand: having a great vacation.
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