Frequently Asked Questions - Sutton Lake
How do I get to the Lake?
From the Flatwoods exit of I-79 (exit 67) head south on Route 19 and 4 toward the town of Sutton. Pass the high school and turn left on Route 15. There is a convenience store on the corner. Proceed about 2 miles to the entrance to Bee Run on the right. Follow the access road to the lake and the marina.
Sutton Lake Marina
Bee Run Recreation Area
Airport Road
Sutton, WV 26601
When do I pick up the boat?
You may pick-up the houseboat between 10 AM and Noon, or when the boat is fully serviced; return time is 5 PM.
Talk to your agent about either the Early Board option for $195 extra or Late Return option for $195 extra. The Early board allows you to board your houseboat between 5-8 PM (but not a guaranteed time) the night before you depart. The Late Return allows you to keep your houseboat until the regular return time of 5 PM but allows you to sleep on the houseboat that night, in the marina, and check-out the next morning. (Each option is upon availability and times are not guaranteed).
How many people are allowed on the boat?
You may have up to 20 people maximum at all times on board; this includes children of any age.
What will the temperatures be like on my trip?
For detailed air and water temperature information, view a month-by-month list of Temperatures here.
How difficult is driving a houseboat?
Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. The marina staff will walk you through driving the boat when you pick it up. Most people get the hand of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.
If you’re concerned about your ability to handle the boat, you may arrange for a captain to guide you out of the marina or drive you to a specific destination on the lake.
What is the billing schedule?
To make a reservation, a deposit of 1/3 of your total rental fee is due at time of booking. Your remaining balance and a refundable damage / security deposit of $500 is due upon arrival. Any major credit cards are accepted for payment.
Cancellation Policy:
Up to 30 days prior to arrival – forfeit 5% of the reservation deposit
Less than 30 days prior to arrival – forfeit full reservation deposit
No exceptions.
How do I check availability or reserve a houseboat?
Give us a call at 888-454-8825, and one of our reservation agents will be happy to check availability for you. It’s helpful if you already have an idea of when you want to go and what boat you’re most interested in when you call.
Alternatively, you can contact us online with your availability request, and one of our agents will be happy to get back to you with the information you need.
How early do I need to reserve?
The earlier the better is a good rule to follow, particularly if you have an exact date in mind for your trip, or if you’re planning a trip over a holiday weekend.
However, if you’re flexible with your dates or the exact houseboat model, we can almost always find a trip for you even a few weeks before hand.
Are linens included with my houseboat rental?
Linens are provided for bedding but not towels. Please bring your own bath towels, hand towels, kitchen towels (and / or paper towels), and beach towels.
Are pets allowed on my houseboat?
Small dogs that are 10 Ibs or less are free; Any dogs over 10 Ibs have an addition $250 refundable deposit (refunded if boat is returned unharmed and clean).
Where is the nearest grocery store so I can stock up before my trip?
Kroger is approximately 8 miles away
2908 State St.
Gassaway, WV 26624
Phone Number: 304-364-2332
Jeff’s Grocery is approximately 3 miles away from marina:
Route 17,
Centralia
WV 26601
Phone Number: 304-765-5189
How old do you have to be to rent the houseboats?
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.
Do I need a license to operate the houseboats, or is a skipper provided?
There is no special license needed to operate our houseboats. There are rules for operating houseboats on the waterways, and we will explain them to you upon your arrival. You will need a valid driver’s license.
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.
Can I fish from the houseboat?
Yes! Fishing is a favorite activity for houseboaters. There are several species of fish at every location, including bass, salmon, crappie, trout, catfish, and even sturgeon! The type of fish that are ‘running’ will depend on the season, the weather, water temperature, the moon etc.
All marina stores sell a good variety of bait and tackle for optimizing your chances of catching fish, whether you’re a novice or an expert.
