No family vacation is quite as fun and interesting as a houseboating vacation. If you're lucky enough to own a house boat, that’s wonderful. However, most people can't afford the luxury of a houseboat. That’s why if you are interested in houseboating, you'll want to look into renting one.
Houseboats are amazing vessels with all the comforts of home. They have separate sleeping quarters, a galley (kitchen), and even bathroom facilities. Many houseboats even have microwaves and televisions.
When you begin researching your houseboating rental, there are a few factors to keep in mind. First, make sure it can handle the amount of people who will be along on the houseboating vacation. If you have a family of 6 and there’s only sleeping for 4, you'll be awfully cramped.
Be sure that the place you rent from gives you a boating course before you get out on the water. You'll most likely be captaining your own boat, and if you have no houseboating experience, you’ll need a crash course for safety, if nothing else!
Make sure you know whether or not fuel costs are included in the rental price. If you will be responsible for buying your own gas, you will want to know ahead of time so you can budget. Also, ask for a copy of the insurance policy on the boat. You may have to add a temporary rider to your own insurance to be covered, so that’s a good question to ask.
When you are on your houseboating vacation, take the time to enjoy where you're at. That means you should by all means stop along the way and take advantage of the shoreline sights and offerings. For example, if there’s a beach along the way, drop anchor and enjoy the sun and sand for a day.
Some houseboat rental places will also rent water equipment to you like jet skis. If you will be towing them behind, be sure you know about safety concerns that need to be adhered to. Many companies will also let you tow boats behind so you can enjoy whatever area you decide to dock up to.
Rates for houseboating rentals are about what you would pay for a land locked rental like a condo. Depending on where you are, rentals for the week can run anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. If you want a larger craft, you will, obviously, pay a little more. Just consider what nightly motel rental is and multiply out the cost. You won’t have restaurant costs when houseboating because it has a kitchen you can stock for your entire trip.
Houseboating can be an immensely enjoyable experience for you and your family. Vacationing really can be leisurely and fun. For your next getaway, try houseboating and know why so many people enjoy it!
