Lake McClure Frequently Asked Questions
Is a houseboat difficult to operate?
Modern houseboats are surprisingly easy to operate. Our professional staff will explain the operation of your rental from bow to stern before you leave the docking area.
Do I need a license to operate your houseboats?
There is no special license needed to operate our houseboats. Although there are minimum age requirements depending on which facility you choose. There are rules for operating houseboats on the waterways, and we will explain them to you upon your arrival.
Do How old do you have to be to rent a boat?
Charter Captain must be at least twenty-five (25) years old. Your party must also have at least two people 25 or older on board.
How many people can a houseboat hold?
Depending on the model you rent, and the location you choose, our houseboats comfortably sleep from six to fourteen people. You can even bring extra guests (how many depends on your model) and they can throw out a sleeping bag and sleep under the stars. There is plenty of room inside and out for dining, dancing, fishing, and lazing around. You will be provided a life vest for each guest.
How safe are the houseboats for children?
Some of our houseboats are equipped with a solid 3 foot railing around both the upper and lower decks for both safety and privacy. The houseboats have latched gates at the front deck.
Are pets allowed?
We welcome pets on all of our houseboats. Pets are part of the family and find houseboating and exploring the shoreline extremely fun. Please be aware that there are hazards to protect your pet against - such as rattlesnakes, birds of prey, and the water (pet life preservers can be found at most marine stores). If your pet happens to cause damage and/or the need for extra cleaning, part of your $500 deposit may be forfeited to cover this additional cost.
Will I get seasick on a houseboat?
Houseboats are on pontoons and there is very little motion. Seasickness is basically unheard of on fresh water.
What is the best time of year to go houseboating?
It is always a good time to go houseboating! Summer is the most popular and busiest season. Fall offers Indian Summer days and cooler nights. Springtime is good for viewing abundant wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Winter is favorable for the anglers, when fishing is at its best. And the rates are significantly lower between September and May. All our vessels are climate-controlled with air-conditioning and heaters-some even have a fireplace!
What equipment is on board?
You will see many of our houseboats are equipped with hot tubs, water slides, surround sound entertainment systems, fireplaces, private staterooms with comfortable beds, generators, and much much more. Full kitchen galleys include refrigerators with ice and water dispensers, trash compactors, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, blenders, toasters, and coffee makers. Most people don't realize just how luxurious houseboating is!
How far in advance do I have to make reservations?
So that you are assured the boat model and time you desire, you should make your reservations as far in advance as possible. The summer months are the most popular, so if you have a particular location, date and boat in mind, then booking early (4-8 months in advance) is recommended. There is always the possibility of a cancellation that may open up a time frame or houseboat model that you desire so don't hesitate to call at the last minute.
What is the best thing about houseboating?
The utter and complete relaxation. Being with friends and family enjoying watersports, sumptuous food, and luxury surroundings plus magnificent scenery!
Do you rent other boats in addition to houseboats?
All of our marinas rent fishing boats, patio boats, ski boats, runabouts, and personal watercraft.
And you can easily tow any of these rentals with our easy-to-handle, powerful houseboats.
We also rent water-skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and a multitude of other 'water toys' at each of our marinas.
Do you offer discount rates?
Yes we do! Discount rates apply to rentals after Labor Day and before Memorial Weekend.
Can I fish from the houseboat?
Yes, fishing is a favorite activity for houseboaters. There are several species of fish at every location, ranging from bass, salmon, crappie, trout, catfish, and many more. The type of fish that are 'running' during your vacation will be effected by the season of the year, the weather, water temperature, the moon…you get the picture.
Where is the best place to water-ski?
The best location depends on wind conditions, so ask our marina personnel for the most up to date information.
Where do we anchor at night?
If you choose to houseboat on Lakes Shasta, Melones, or McClure: Our houseboats are designed so that they may be secured to the shoreline using the two stakes you are provided, or simply tying to a large tree stump. Just choose a secluded cove and stay for as long as you like. Some may prefer to discover their own private spot, others can request a member of our staff to guide them to some of the more popular hide-a-ways. During your orientation, our staff will explain this in detail.
What kind of gas do the houseboats take?
The houseboats run on regular gas. You will be provided with a full tank upon departure, and you will be charged just for the fuel you use on your trip. If you need to fill-up mid-trip, we have gas pumps at our docks.
How fast do the boats go?
This depends upon the model you choose - generally, though, the houseboats travel at about 10 mph.
Is there insurance coverage?
We provide various kinds of insurance to protect you on your vacation; however, you are still responsible for some deductibles and for some potential costs that are not covered by insurance. Not all rental companies provide the same insurance coverages, and many do not provide any liability protection, so you should consider the differences when you compare rental rates. You also may have some personal liability protection from a homeowner's policy or an umbrella policy. You may want to discuss this with your insurance agent. If you have any questions about insurance, please do not hesitate to ask us.
Property Damage Insurance
Our rental boat is insured for its replacement cost in the event of an accident. As the renter (or driver with permission) of our boat you are insured by our policy. You are responsible for a $2,500 deductible on houseboats or a $1,250 deductible on small boats. In other words, if there is accident damage to our boat, you will be responsible for the first $2,500 or $1,250 of damage and the insurance company will cover the balance. We offer to waive your responsibility for the deductible on a houseboat for a charge of $20 per day at the time you sign your rental agreement. If you pay the $20 per day charge you will not be responsible for any deductible. We do not offer to waive the deductible on small boats. This insurance and deductible waiver does not cover any damage to a propeller and does not cover the damage resulting from your beaching the boat in a manner that causes the flooding of the engine compartment. Damage that occurs to the interior of the boat caused by inappropriate behavior on the boat is not covered by insurance because it is not an accident.
Medical Payments
This coverage extends to every person who is on one of our rental boats. This insurance will pay the first $5,000 of any medical expenses that are required as the result of an accident resulting in personal injury. This insurance pays the medical expenses without regard to fault.
What are about the weather and water temperatures?
Check the web site for the marina of your choice, and you will find a listing of the average air and water temperatures by month. Or, when calling the marina you can ask the reservationist for the average historical temperatures.
What is there to do?
There is a multitude of recreational opportunities at each location. Choose from swimming, hiking the trails, fishing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, kayaking, boating, visiting local caverns, dam tours and dining out. Or simply relax with a book, enjoy a board game with your guests, or watch a movie (depending on model) in the comfort of your houseboat.
What else is there to do in the Lake McClure area?
Although Lake McClure is a spectacular recreation destination all by itself, it happens to be near one of California's most popular tourist spots, Yosemite. If you're looking for more than a water-oriented vacation, the choices here are endless!
The lake is surrounded by the Gold Rush towns of Jamestown, Coulterville, Mariposa, Sonora and Columbia, a restored 1860's era State Historic Park.