Don Weixl Twin Anchors
Renting a houseboat makes for a great vacation but requires some forethought and planning.
Words by Steve Fennell
You can envision the open water. You can feel the warm summer sun. You can hear the sound of the crackling campfire along the shore after night falls. Houseboating in the Shu is just one of the pastimes to enjoy in the area. It’s also a popular one and attracts countless visitors every summer.
It’s a great concept for a guy’s or girl’s getaway, a family reunion, and any type of celebration or gathering that involves a close-knit group. Yet, unlike cottage rentals or reserving time at a summer resort (and those are offered in the area too) booking a houseboat requires a certain mindset. Features, appointments and the size of a houseboat to accommodate a group need to be considered for everyone’s enjoyment.
Determine How Many People Will Come
So, if you’re sold on the concept of renting a houseboat with a group, the first thing to do is determine what size of houseboat to rent. If some in a group aren’t happy with cramped spaces, it’s not like they can easily walk home from the middle of the lake. So looking ahead is pertinent.
The popular quote from Chief Brody in the movie Jaws, ‘we need a bigger boat,’ is commonly used to describe any type of challenging situation on the water. Even though the crew of The Orca were faced with catching a 25-foot, blood-thirsty great white shark in a mid-sized fishing trawler (and we all know how that worked out), don’t get caught in a situation only to wish you rented a bigger houseboat to meet everyone’s preferences.
To begin with it’s best to choose a houseboat that can comfortably sleep everyone. Fortunately, the houseboat rentals available in the Shuswap come in a variety of sizes. Sleeping capacities range from two to 14 to 18 to 22 people in lengths from 11 m (35 ft) to nearly 30 (100 ft).
Don Weixl Twin Anchors
Plenty of features are available and its best to consult with your group about pertinent amenities.
While the latter may be a little excessive – depending on the size of the group – a moderately-sized model might be perfect for three or four couples, two small families, or a group of twenty-somethings. The kids can sleep on the convertible sofa or dinette, while the parents or teens can take the available staterooms. By simply matching the head count of your group with the houseboat sleeping and accommodations, it’s pretty much a guarantee you’ll find a rental so everyone can get a good night’s sleep.
Houseboat Floorplans
If you’re not familiar with houseboat rentals, onboard space is limited because, well, you’re on a boat. The sleeping accommodations usually dictate the available space throughout its layout. No matter the size, however, houseboat rentals in the Shu commonly have a main and bridge deck, fore and aft decks, a bridge, and a main comfortable living area in the interior with a large galley.
But should you have young children among your group, be sure that there is safe, designated space(s) for their belongings and needs. This includes areas to spread out blankets, room for water toys, play games, etc. Having these space(s) for kids will also help cut down on clutter and even allow adults to freely socialize and entertain in another area.
Another aspect to consider is accessibility for those with a physical disability. Boarding and unboarding, climbing stairs up and down from the bridge deck, even accessing the size of the head(s) need to be considered. So, it’s best to inquire with the houseboat rental representative what options are available.
Features and Amenities
Learning about all of the cool features that are on a houseboat rental is perhaps the most enjoyable part of reserving one. It’s hard not to get excited about the featured hot tub, waterslide for the kids, fireplace, entertainment system, just to name a few creature comforts.
Don Weixl Twin Anchors
Tutorials from the Houseboat rental company are mandatory to ensure a safe and pleasant trip.
But it’s important to consider many of the live-aboard functions. To start with, what are the fresh, grey, waste water capacities? Should you bring bottled water? With 10-plus people on board, inquiring about galley space to cook large meals, having enough space in the fridge for food, and how to dispose of garbage and/or other waste should be addressed. Most houseboat rentals are accommodating to meet a variety of needs, but it’s always best to ask.
Child Safety
For kids and adults alike, a houseboat vacation is a real adventure, especially in the Shuswap. But safety is always priority. Houseboat rental companies place strong emphasis on boat/water safety and while all the standard and legal safety equipment will be on board, inquiring about specific safety measures should include:
- Having the appropriate number of approved PFDs. It’s best to check if they are designed specifically for children (as they should be worn at all times).
- Guard railings around the perimeter of the boat.
- Sliding doors that lock from the inside.
- Latching gates on the deck of the boat.
- Inquiring about certain aspects to ‘baby-proof’ the houseboat with netting, child-proof locks, etc.
Although all needs will be met by reputable houseboats rentals in the region, the above points and suggestions are a just few aspects that should be addressed to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free trip in the region.
Keep Your Distance
Given the current COVID-19 situation, houseboat rental companies in the Shuswap are taking strong precautions by disinfecting and sanitizing its rental fleet with industry-approved products to ensure a safe and healthy vacation. It's also essential that all crew members are clinically tested before departing, keep an appropriate distance when meeting other boaters and adhere to provincial health guidelines and regulations as for a safe and healthy trip.
For more details and information here are just a few of the houseboat rental companies in the region:
Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations
Kelowna Houseboats
Bluewater Houseboats
https://bluewaterhouseboats.ca/
Rent Inspiration
Sicamous Houseboats