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By Perry Mack
There are few a tips to keep in mind to enjoy a trouble free houseboating vacation. Try these on for size:
1. You will get an orientation session before heading out. If you’ve heard it before, start worrying, because it’s easy to let your mind wander. Try to make at least three people hear the speech, so between the three of you you’ll remember most of the facts. Nothing is quite as humbling as radioing for assistance after someone ‘told you so’.
2. There is nothing fast about houseboating, other than how fast it seems to end. You can’t see all of the Shuswap in one trip, you can burn a lot of gas for nothing. Take a note from the Jamaicans and be irie.
3. Yes. A five year old can sit behind the wheel (not legally) as you chug along but this doesn’t constitute an able pilot. Always have a responsible adult keeping a sober eye on the water for obstacles including other boaters. There is no auto-pilot and waves and wind can alter your course very quickly.
4. How much is a new prop? About $500 as I recall after our houseboat went sideways. We were too excited when we beached and should have spent an extra ten minutes to insure we were securely moored. Anchor to strong trees or well-secured stakes, and make sure there is enough room between you and other houseboats.
5. If you have a boat or SeaDoo – bring it, if not – rent one. Just because you’re on a houseboat vacation doesn’t mean you can’t be a regular tourist. A short distance from any shore you can enjoy hiking, biking, markets, shopping, arts and entertainment – see it, breathe it, live the Shuswap lifestyle. You don’t even have to go to shore to shop – there are floating stores too.
6. It never rains on a vacation, right? Wrong. As unlikely as this occurrence is in the Shuswap, like a boy scout – be prepared. A deck of cards and a couple of your favourite board games will go a very long way on a wet day.
Keep these few experienced tips in mind and you’ll get the vacation everyone dreams of!