Take on a Houseboat Adventure

Insightful tips for first-timers cruising and exploring Shuswap Lake.

by

Words by Steve Fennell

Planning a houseboat vacation on Shuswap Lake starts with finding a reputable rental company (there are many), setting a date, choosing the ideal model and then determining what to bring, where to go and what to do. Rental companies are located throughout the area and will provide all of these details, but if you have never been on one, it’s essential to learn some essentials to ensure a safe trip for everyone on board.

Canadian Boating Laws

As set out by Transport Canada (TC), to operate a ‘power-driven boat’ you’ll need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), which is proof of competency. This can be obtained by taking a safe boating course and then writing the exam. According to TC, there are a few exemptions to having a PCOC. This includes completing a Rental Boat Safety Checklist and/or safety-operation orientation through the houseboat rental company, which provides the proper paperwork and serves as a temporary boater’s license.

However, it’s just smart boating to understand water safety and the laws established for Canadian waterways. By studying the Safe Boating Guide (available from the Office of Safe Boating at www.tc.canada.ca) and/or obtaining your PCOC, you’ll have a better understanding of navigation, the rules of the road, boating/water safety, how to respect the waterways and more.

Houseboat Operation Basics

Given their length, height and weight, houseboats can be very intimidating to drive and operate at a first glance. The reality is they aren’t all that difficult to manage once you understand how they handle and operate. Orientations about driving, recommended speeds, maneuverability, and inclement weather are demonstrated and explained by houseboat rental staff before departing.

Here are a few extra tips to consider before your trip:

  • Since houseboat rentals vary in size - from 11 to 26 m (35 to 84 ft) - they maneuver slowly and you’ll need to plan your route to a destination, anticipate stopping and avoid obstacles.
  • Always cruise a safe distance from other boats, the shore, docks, and others on the lake. Since houseboats are designed for leisurely cruises, ideal speeds should be no more than 11 to 12 km/h (about 7 or 8 knots) and they have the right of way on the water.
  • Stay in the middle of the lake while cruising to your destination.
  • Appoint a spotter as a second set of eyes as an added safety measure.

Where to Stay on the Water and Tips on Beaching

Cruising or taking advantage of many water activities by day and then enjoying time on a beach by night is pretty much the itinerary of a houseboat vacation. There are several safe havens to visit on Shuswap Lake and it’s mandatory by rental companies that you and your crew ‘beach’ the vessel for the night at a designated location. You’ll no doubt see other houseboats doing the same.

Never beached a houseboat before? Here are a few simple tips to remember:

  • When you find a good location, approach the beach head-on at a slow speed.
  • Once the hull is on the shore, gently advance the throttle and slightly turn the wheel so the houseboat is perpendicular to the beach.
  • While it will be easy to achieve good grounding, if you feel it should be further up, gently apply a little more acceleration for better holding (but don’t go too far as it may be difficult to get off).
  • Once beached, appoint two passengers to set the shore spikes, which are attached to two lines tied off at the stern, at a 45-degree angle off the bow and drive them into the ground. This secures the houseboat and prevents it from moving due to strong winds or the wakes of passing boats.
  • If the spikes were set correctly, the boat will be in the same position in the morning.
  • Before leaving, all passengers need to be on board, one person should be at the helm while two people take out the shore spikes.
  • Place the engine in reverse and slowly break away from the beach.
  • If it doesn’t come off easily, ask some of your crew to push it off while reversing.

The Lake and More

A houseboat vacation offers access to one of the most scenic regions in the province. Shuswap Lake has a surface area of approximately 310,000 sq km (120,000 sq mi), a maximum depth of 162 m (530 ft) and wide expanses of open water with untouched scenery. Its location makes it a popular boating destination as the number of boats and other watercraft will attest.

Its conditions provide a relaxing cruising experience and of course, paddle boarding, kayaking, drifting on floaties, socializing, and swimming are all part of the experience.  While on the water, safety always comes first and always:

  • Be aware of others in the water and approaching watercraft
  • Adhere to Canadian boating regulations
  • Utilize safety gear and follow all of the important criteria set out and/or demonstrated by the houseboat rental company.

Understanding the basics of house boating is the perfect and smartest way to start your vacation, and provide a better experience of spending quality time with friends or family and connecting with nature.

For more details, tips, safety guidelines, and houseboat rental opportunities visit tourismshuswap.ca, www.twinachors.ca or visit us online at www.suncruisermedia.com.