Canada geese floated along the glassy water, a great blue heron danced along the shore, and a bald eagle soared overhead. The water was clear enough to spot fish swimming just below the surface, and I could hear the silly song and see the brilliant flash of red-winged blackbirds. Three black-tailed deer grazed under the oaks on the rolling golden hillside. No human, building, or other sign of civilization was in sight.
Backpackers might be familiar with that kind of solitary communing with nature, but I sure wasn’t roughing it. Nope, I was living in the lap of luxury on a 59-foot houseboat with comfy queen-size beds, showers, and a sunny kitchen.
But despite the peaceful, easy feeling, I discovered in addition to rest and relaxation, responsibility is key in houseboating. After all, someone has to captain this good-sized ship and its inexperienced crew. “Houseboats are built for comfort — but they don’t have brakes, and they don’t move on a dime. First-timers need to learn that this is a big boat, and operating it is disconcerting at first,” says Darla Cook, a spokesperson for Forever Resorts, which rents houseboats at eight marinas in four states.
So before you get behind the helm, follow these tips for smooth sailing — and a thoroughly enjoyable houseboating vacation.
Plan ahead
If it’s been decades since you’ve been on a houseboat, or if you’re a novice, you’ll be surprised at the luxurious condo-like accommodations. “There’s a big difference between ’60s and ’70s houseboats and today’s models,” Cook says. “Starting in the late ’80s, we started building houseboats with real queen-size beds in private cabins, large living and dining spaces, and air-conditioning.”
Most rental services offer several models from 50 feet to 75 feet, comfortably housing from eight to 10 or even 12 people. The bigger the houseboat, the more amenities, such as Jacuzzi tubs and satellite TV. On some boats, captains can pilot the ship from the alluring upper deck, which boasts a wet bar, an icemaker, and an additional refrigerator — and of course, the star of the ship: A water slide that drops from the top deck straight into the lake.
With so much square footage — not to mention daily rates from $500 to more than $2,000, plus fuel — you’ll want to share the space (and the bill) with friends or family. But think carefully before inviting someone to join you onboard. “If you don’t know the people well, realize that you will be very well acquainted by the end of the trip — and the wrong mix can ruin your time,” Cook warns. “After all, you can’t get away or kick them out.”
Boat operation
Though nearly a third of all houseboating vacations are planned by novices, operating the boat isn’t the kind of thing you can play around with and learn by trial and error. This is a serious piece of machinery, so before stepping onboard, get acquainted with the controls and read the onboard manual.
Learn to use the radio. If you get in a pickle — let’s say an engine goes down, the grill isn’t working, or you are concerned about storm clouds or wind — you can call for assistance.
Someone from the marina will provide orientation on operating and beaching the boat before you sail off, so ask plenty of questions. You’ll be glad you did.
Still feel uncomfortable taking the helm? Not sure if you’ll be able to dock? No worries. Just say so. “Our staff will bring you to a nice little cove and beach the boat for you, and you can hang out there. And we’ll come and bring you back to the marina afterward,” Cook says.
Pack smart
Once you sail away, you probably won’t be anywhere near civilization until it’s time to head home. And closet space is pretty tight. So just pack a few of your most casual duds, and don’t forget swimwear. Shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops, sneakers: Done.
Grocery shopping is more challenging. Once onboard, you can’t make a quick trip to the market if you’re out of milk, so you’ll need to plan carefully. “Plan menus in advance, and don’t forget plenty of snacks,” Cook suggests. “Grill as much as possible, so you won’t have to use the oven. For example, if you barbecue chicken the first night, you can have chicken fajitas for dinner the next day. You can make your marinades in advance and freeze in Ziploc bags.”
APRIL 2013 MILITARY OFFICER 65
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