Houseboating.org's Official Blog

Happy Thanksgiving!

Am — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

In mid November, we find ourselves days away from a time filled with family, football, and fantastic meals. Through daydreams of buttered mashed potatoes and tasty pumpkin pie, thoughts of thanks shine through.Here at Houseboating.org, we find it hard to be anything but grateful for our amazing customers that we are able to talk to and help every day. Thanks to you, this year has been even more successful and enjoyable than the last.With over 40 different destinations, we are determined to help your dream vacation become a reality year after year. To help ensure your satisfaction, we’ve included more deals on more lakes for your 2012 getaway. Make sure to check our Specials page often to view the ever changing possibilities!Call us at 888-454-8825 or contact us online today to book your 2012 houseboat vacation.Thank you again for your continued business. We hope you and yours have the most wonderful Thanksgiving!

From the Waters of Lake Lanier

Am — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Is Georgia on your mind? Well it should be! Georgia is home to the vast and diverse Lake Lanier. Forty five minutes from Atlanta, this reservoir was created by Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River in 1956. Covering 1,040 square miles of green rolling hills, Lake Lanier was born an island paradise prime for a houseboat vacation.We are proud to announce our new partnership with Port Royale Marina on Lake Lanier. In early 2011 Port Royale Marina purchased the entire fleet of houseboats and upgrades began right away. First class reviews are already piling in. With Tiki décor, palm trees, and a beach atmosphere, Port Royale is the perfect departing ground for your island destination.Your voyage begins with the 53 Foot Deluxe houseboat, your cabin away from home. Start the day off right with a ride down the slide from the spacious top deck into the cool waters. Take advantage of the bbq for some home cooking. After a long day of fun in the warm sun, cozy up in the amiable living quarters, newly renovated for the 2012 season. Finish it off just right with a relaxing night in the hot tub, staring up into the star filled sky.If the peace and solitude of your own secluded beach sounds a little too quiet, head on over to the Lanier Island Resort for some water park fun, a round of golf, or pampering at the spa. Don't forget to take advantage of our ample supply of watercraft to keep things exciting!As always, call our reservation staff at 888-454-8825 or Contact Us Online to book your Lake Lanier houseboat vacation today!Think of Georgia! Think of Lake Lanier!

Labor Day Weekend...Straight Ahead!

Stacy — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:00:00 GMT

If you are sitting at home, kicking yourself for not planning your Labor Day Weekend on the Lake...turn that frown upside down! Although availability is limited, it's not too late to book your houseboat getaway!Early September is a fantastic time to be on a houseboat trip. Most of our destinations are still warm enough to swim while at others the fish are biting and you can start to see the colors changing on the trees. Warm days and cooler nights make for the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying those last fleeting days of summer.So don't put away your swimsuits and floaties just yet. Call your friends and get your fishing gear together. And give us a call today...you don't want to miss this!

Sizzling Summer Savings

Stacy — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 06:00:00 GMT

It's been a while since we've posted and we are sorry! We hope you've missed us as much as we've missed you! Summer is well underway and it is a hot one! The Lakes are all bustling with happy house-boaters...why don't you join us?We've got some great specials going on right now that you won't want to miss!If you will be traveling to Kentucky or Tennessee you will definitely want to check out our amazing Double Scoop of Savings Discount on Lake Cumberland, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Dale Hollow. The best part is, this deal is good for 2012 bookings too! Don't pass up this terrific discount as well as a gas voucher towards your final refueling. And for repeat customers to those lakes you will love soaking in your free hot tub!We are also offering a Late Summer Adventure on trips 5 days or longer on certain boats on Lake Amistad. Lake Berryessa, Lake Don Pedro. Lake Mead. Lake Mead. Lake of the Ozarks. Lake Oroville. and Trinity Lake. Take a late summer adventure while the water's still warm, after the crowds are gone, and while the fish are still hungry.Last but not least, not wanting to be out done, Lake Powell is offering up to 30% off for fall travel on certain houseboats! You might remember from my post From the Waters of Lake Powell that September is my favorite time to be on a houseboat on Lake Powell. Why not save some money while enjoying the best season on the Lake?!As always, call your favorite houseboat specialist at 888-454-8825 or contact us online. These specials are expiring soon so don't delay!

What's up with the water at Lake Shasta?

guest blogger Yvonne — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Undoubtedly, if you’ve been houseboating on any lake, you notice that the water level changes on a regular basis. On Shasta Lake, the water level is determined by the Bureau of Relclamation via the Central Valley Water Project, a waterway that stretches four hundred miles and includes twenty dams and reservoirs between Redding and Bakersfield. Shasta Dam is one of eleven hydropower plants in the plan and with this past year’s increased rainfall, it reached 99 percent capacity, leaving only a few feet at the top for flood control. With potential for late season rainstorms, the project cannot allow the water level to exceed dam’s 100 percent capacity, so it is safe to say, that this year, we “topped out.” The challenge to the Bureau of Reclamation and the California Water project is and always will be conflicting water needs. After my conversation with Larry Ball, director of Shasta Dam, I began to understand the complexities of keeping ‘the Dam’ full and why we so often see it below ‘full pool’. Consistency in water inflow is difficult to predict as the rainfall we have in the north state is a poor indicator of the lake level. As the ground changes in saturation, the water may drop in levels combined with the potential for flooding, a complicated issue at best. Transportation and evaporation of water are also large factors in water retention. Flood control is mandated by a formula that takes into account annual timing and specific dates allowed for water elevation. For example, on December 23rd, the height allowed on Shasta Lake is 1018.5 feet, nearly 50 feet below our capacity to allow for future rainfall and upstream water releases from other reservoirs, like the McCloud and Pit. Lake level is allowed to rise to 1037 feet by March 20th, allowing only another 2o feet of water. The potential for flooding downstream for other areas is the reason for conservative water releases (dumping water). Consistency in precipitation is the key. Too much water too early in the season and poor rainfall later can keep the lake level down. Larry Ball explains, “If we have a wet December and a wet January, but a dry February, March and April, we are going to have a hard time filling the reservoir.” He continued, “We can have good years in terms of inflow, but if we have to dump a bunch of it, it can result in not as good of storage as some years.” Forecasting for flood control is done through the National Weather Service, but projections don’t protect from flooding if sudden storms don’t keep allow water to be released. Because reservoirs downstream also receive rainfall, releasing water upstream to an already full reservoir could be catastrophic. “Releases are more governed by releases downstream, in other words, there are some restrictions on how fast and how high our releases can go.” High releases in the winter are slowly reduced during their release due to environmental demands. Only ten percent every 24 hours can be cut back to allow salmon fry to return to the main stream. Water is one of our most precious global resources, particularly throughout California. This year, we’ve been blessed with nearly sixty-nine inches of rain on Shasta Lake, allowing us to have a wonderful summer season. With the Water Project and Shasta Dam Bureau’s oversight, we are sure that next year will be just as magnificent. What does a full lake mean to you? Well, consider the amount of shoreline that is exposed with high water. Three hundred and sixty five feet of shoreline means that houseboats can shore in near the trees, creating easy access to hiking trails and historic sites situated throughout the Shasta-Trinity Forest. The water storage remaining on the lake also means that crops downstream (Central and Southern California) will have the water they need if and when they need it. Don’t tell them that, they always want more water. We love you SoCal, but please conserve; our water has to be shared far and wide. For houseboating, a full lake is a more enjoyable experience as Shasta Lake’s beauty comes from it’s majestic mountain views and craggy outcroppings, further enhanced when the water meets the treeline. “We love the masterpiece that was created by the dam but also fear the potential for low water.” According to Larry, this past year’s carryover of water should help next summer’s water level and make for another superb houseboating year on Shasta Lake.

From the Waters of the Illinois River Valley

Stacy — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The Illinois River Valley, rich in history and abundant in nature, is a natural escape from today's hectic world. A mere 90 miles from Chicago, you will be transported to a different world when you catch your first glimpse of the 2360 acres of tree lined waters and hidden waterfalls.You will be enthralled by the old river towns dotting the shores of this still working river. Tie your houseboat up and go antiquing or wander lazily through the other shops and restaurants along the way. Bask in the sun along the sandy beaches of our own private island. Or if you dare, climb to the top of Starved Rock. Close your eyes and try to hear the beating drums of the ancient Kaskaskia Tribe.Water-skiing is a popular past time during the warm summers. Fishing is also paramount, with an abundance of Sauger, Striper, Walleye and Catfish, as well as healthy Largemouth, Smallmouth, White and Striped Bass populations. Birders should keep an eye out for the flicker of Scarlet Tanagers and the dabble of Wood Ducks. Wildlife watchers will be thrilled to find evidence of beaver dams and can catch occasional glances of beavers at work. We are currently offering a 4th day free if you book a weekender trip in the Spring season. Check out our Specials Page for more details.Call us at 888-454-8825 or contact us online today to book your Illinois River Valley houseboat vacation.

From the Waters of Lake Billy Chinook

Stacy — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Lake Billy Chinook, located just 45 minutes North of Bend, Oregon has been described as the Grand Canyon of Oregon. Set in towering canyon walls, formed by lava rock, the scenery is breathtaking and a one of a kind experience. With big open sky, soaring eagles and an abundance of stars at night, you will feel as if you've left your life behind and arrived in a different part of the world. This year we are pleased to offer houseboats from two different marinas. The Billy Chinook Marina, located on the northwest side of the lake, offers open shoreline and adjoins the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, where you can see amazing rock formations known as "Balancing Rock". Head on over to the Cove Palisades Marina for a completely different view of the lake and lose yourself in the rugged and majestic scenery. Drive your houseboat to the Head of the Metolious and catch a glimpse of wild horses running along the beach and countless eagle nests.In addition to houseboat rentals, the Cove Palisades marina also rents powerboats, party barges and personal watercrafts. Hiking, petroglyphs, and amazing sightseeing are just a few things to expect on your houseboat trip. If fishing is your passion, you're definitely in for a treat. You will be excited to know that Billy Chinook boasts record Bull Trout! Don't miss our awesome Early Booking Specials that we are offering until March 31st.Call us at 888-454-8825 or contact us online today to book your vacation on Lake Billy Chinook.

From the Waters of The Erie Canal

Stacy — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:00:00 GMT

When I was little I learned a folk song about a mule named Sal who helped build the Erie Canal. This was one of my favorite songs as a child and one that my sister and I still find ourselves singing on occasion as adults.Because of this memory, I was very excited when Houseboating.org started partnering with Mid Lakes Navigation on the Erie Canal. Our canal boats allow you to experience the locks for yourself that are still in existence today. They also give you a fun, relaxing, alternate mode of transportation to visit the gorgeous border towns along the way.With 3 houseboat sizes to choose from, we can accommodate your small group or family as you travel east to the Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals or west to Buffalo and Niagara Falls and discover history, culture, new experiences and fun!Your group of 4 will enjoy the comfort of the Lockmaster 34. For slightly larger accommodations the Lockmaster 41 and the Lockmaster 42 will sleep 6 people.On January 23, 2011 Karl Zimmerman of the Los Angeles Times wrote a fantastic article detailing his 7 day journey along the Erie Canal. For shorter trips, we also offer 3 day weekend and 4 day half week trips. Please call us at 888-454-8825 or contact us online to learn more about this fabulous vacation!

From the Waters of Norris Lake

Stacy — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Nestled between East Tennessee ridges, Norris Lake points the way to Cumberland Gap and the historic Wilderness Trail marked by Daniel Boone. This gorgeous clear water lake winds through 129 miles of tree lined shores. Fishing is abundant and the warm waters beckon to you to jump in and enjoy a leisurely swim. We are very excited to announce 2 brand new partners on Norris Lake for 2011! Flat Hollow Marina is located on the northeast end of Norris Lake and offers the 80-foot Horizon Yacht. This gorgeous houseboat sleeps up to 16 people in its 7 staterooms and is equipped with many luxury amenities including a 10 speaker sound system with satellite radio as well as a washer and dryer.Further south, towards the middle of the lake, you have the choice of not 1, but 2 luxury houseboats from the Shanghai Resort and Marina. For your group of 14 people or less we offer the 78-foot Admiral series which boasts 5 staterooms and 1 Master Suite. Also sleeping 14, the 75-foot Ambassador Series is equipped with many awesome amenities including a 24-foot party top, making family gatherings a breeze.Call our reservation staff at 888-454-8825 or Contact Us Online to book your Tennessee houseboat vacation today!

From the waters of Lake Powell - A client's perspective

The Houseboating.org Team — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 07:00:00 GMT

From the parking lot I surveyed the vast landscape that stretched before me in every direction. I'd seen the pictures and studied the maps before booking, of course. But nothing prepared me for this. My heart soared as I felt the beautiful solitude of Lake Powell. The day arrived quicker than I had anticipated. Here we were, with parents and kids in tow, for our first ever-houseboating excursion. My husband, Brian, had wanted to do something very special and unique, something laid back. After all, it was his parents' 25th wedding anniversary today. And, let's face it, Brian had ulterior motives. He'd been salivating to try houseboating ever since his buddy Colin had boasted about the unbelievable time he had fishing off a houseboat and skiing on Lake Powell. Ten guys split the costs for the boat, food and gas, which made it very affordable, especially considering the fabulous location and “off the charts” water sports. For us it sounded practical, inviting and exciting, especially considering how Dad and Brian love to fish. Reserving the boat was easy—and surprisingly affordable, given that it provided lodging, dining and recreation for 6 of us for four days. No airfare, no expensive restaurants, no packing and unpacking. There were bigger boats, some with sexy looking hot tubs on top, but the 59' seemed perfect for us. We'd be able to enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of camping. Hiking, relaxation, reading, plenty of swimming, and, of course, fishing were all options! Before I could say, “Don't forget the extra towels.” that I'd stashed in the trunk at the last minute, our Antelope Point Marina valet arrived to transport us down to the Welcome Center and Marina along with our gear and groceries. Mom and Dad really appreciated the lift and engaged the friendly, freckle-faced young man doing the driving. Brian and I went directly to the registration desk while the rest of the group went nosing around the Marina's floating restaurant and convenience store. We indulged the kids a couple of snorkels and secured ice. After a delicious lunch in Ja'di' Tooh we hailed our valet again and finally made way to our houseboat—for loading and then a mandatory orientation. The staff did all the heavy lifting. If I'd arrived worried about how in the heck we'd drive a 59' houseboat without anyone having experience that was soon laid to rest. (I was so busy during the weeks leading up to the vacation that I hadn't done much but watch the “How To” video we'd received in the mail right after our reservation was confirmed.) Wanda did a terrific job explaining the ins and outs of operating the boat. Famous for being technically challenged I thought the “command-central” control panel seemed overwhelmingly complicated. It wasn't. I was able to start the engines and learned forward and reverse quickly, as though I were a houseboating veteran. The kids, intrigued, paid close attention as Wanda pointed to the gauges and buttons and levers; we all jumped sky-high when she demonstrated the emergency horn. Even with the “wind in it's sails” (which, of course, is a silly phrase aboard a boat that has no sails) a houseboat of this size can only reach a leisurely 5-8 mph, which was perfectly fine by me. We were towing a speedboat for that kind of action, thrills and speed. Dad and Brian were christened helmsmen but over the course of our journey we all took a turn at the wheel—especially while up on the top deck. I felt light years from my normal self, on the brink of discovering something very special about my kids, my husband and myself. The interior of the boat was surprisingly roomy and efficient. Mom and I were ecstatic to find a kitchen full of modern appliances: pots, pans, blenders, toasters, dishware and utensils. Hooray! There were 4 guest cabins “down the hall,” all featuring queen-sized beds. The kids claimed the below-deck beds as their “Clubhouse” and announced, with adult-style finality that “down under” was off limits to all grownups. Grandpa and Grandma were given the Captain's Stateroom, complete with their own private TV, VCR and CD system to enjoy. Our bath and a half would be more than adequate if we learned how to juggle our hot water and showers effectively. Bedding, towels, everything was supplied. “The freedom of camping without the hassle!” I thought. We'd made the right choice. I gleefully tipped on the air conditioner as afternoon sunbeams heated the main cabin. --->In just under three hours of arriving at the Marina, we had registered, dined, loaded onboard, trained and were now ready to roll—or was that troll? Brian anxiously took to the Captain's chair and piloted the boat out to a wide channel that would ultimately deliver us to the Lake's main body. Following up the rear in the tag-along speedboat, Dad and I rendezvoused with them in the channel where we secured the towropes and then jumped on board to officially begin our journey northeast. We figuratively pinched ourselves as we slowly, fully, came to appreciate the reality of houseboating on Lake Powell. The possibilities of the moment seemed endless. We reviewed our map and discussed our pre-determined itinerary. Ultimately our hope was to take the houseboat 30-50 miles northeast, in the direction of Last Chance Bay and beyond—as time, weather, and inclination dictated. We'd do cove exploration, skiing and fishing excursions in the speedboat. Caution dictated our first night's plans; we were going only as far as Labyrinth Canyon. We needed to practice anchoring the boat in daylight, plus we had an anniversary to celebrate. Brian had brought his mom's favorite champagne for the occasion and, thanks to advice from Colin, we had other savory treats on board as well. As suggested, I pre-ordered party snacks, sodas and other staples from the Safeway in Page. It was an easy pick-up on the way to the Marina. Thick steaks awaited the grill; even the fancy layer cake from the bakery made it onboard without incident. Lake Powell. I'd seen amazing images of it as a kid. My parents routinely devoured every National Geographic that hit our country mailbox from cover to cover, and I'd picked up the habit. I distinctly remember a story about the Glen Canyon Dam and the “making” of Lake Powell. “Just like filling up a bathtub that's over 400 feet deep.” I thought, now remembering my fairly descriptive childhood understanding of what was going on. Ahhhh….Lake Powell. To think: I was floating around on a houseboat—a tiny spec on a huge lake in a desert-canyon wilderness that spans 266 square miles. There's over 1,000 miles of shoreline. It was hard to absorb. The rest of the crew had migrated to the top deck to poke around the wet bar and take turns steering from the Captain's fly bridge. The kids literally squealed as they anticipated fun on the slide. They were noticeably disappointed to learn they couldn't just leap into their swimsuits and start sliding. As I joined, peering over the top deck at ankle level, I heard Brian repeating our water safety rules. “No swimming or sliding while the boat is moving. No swimming or sliding without life jackets. No swimming near the rear of the boat while the engines and generator were running. Period.” By now, the speech had a mantra-like rhythm to it. Everyone chuckled when Brian added that even Grandpa had to comply with the rules and wear a life jacket while sliding. Little did we know that, before the trip ended, Grandma would become an avid “slide warrior” in her own right! Turn left to go to Glen Canyon Dam. Turn right and head down what is known as the Narrows toward Labyrinth Canyon and Padre Bay. Like planned, we turned right. We could see Gunsight Butte and Padre Butte in the distance. We'd travel those waters tomorrow; tonight was tonight. In the Narrows we encountered our first real traffic, and even that commanded nothing more than a friendly wave from boat to boat in passing. Brian went as fast as the boat would go and the kids enjoyed the wake-wave rhythms. At Labyrinth Canyon we steered south into a beautiful gorge known as a slot canyon. Insecure about the depth of the canyon and finding a suitable landing spot, we sensibly grabbed the first wide, sandy beach that looked inviting. Always a boy scout, Brian had studied the video to familiarize himself with how to anchor the boat. Sam, our 12-year-old son, served as able-bodied bosun ready to heave the mooring lines ashore as we kerplunked the boat on the chosen sandy beach. I took the wheel and confidently, slowly, urged this gentle giant straight toward the beach. Like hermit crabs, Brian and Sam scurried to dig deep holes; you actually bury the anchors in sand to stabilize them. In total, four lines were secured. We'd done it! In about an hour we'd successfully tethered ourselves to a never-never land of burnt sienna lunarscapes that begged exploration. The lines stretched like hands caressing the beach. With a nod from Brian indicating the anchors were set, I quit the engine. A stunning peaceful silence engulfed us all. We embarked our own Fantasy Island. Now, comfortably stationed for the evening, we were freed to stow our gear and settle-in to our floating apartment. First things first: the deck chairs were arranged in conversation mode up top, the wet bar was stocked with sodas, brews, snacks and sunscreen. Out came the beach towels. I began to tinker with the evening's feast, a “my gang” favorite that was easy-to-assemble and serve. I'd been setting a fancy table in my mind for weeks: steaks, burgers, grilled corn on the cob, zucchini sticks, and a large pre-ordered Caprese salad that was loaded with smoked mozzarella and basil. Our shared family parlor was intimate and comfortable featuring a large table inviting impromptu conversation, quick meals and—as we discovered over the next few days—highly competitive games of Chinese checkers and chess. The kids were very glad the big screen TV was on board but dismissed it outright for now. The slide and warm shallow water were calling like sirens. If I told you what went on at the anniversary party, Brian would deny every sweet detail. I've learned he has to unplug and relax to get sentimental and chatty. It was obvious: he and his dad are both simply big kids disguised as executives in power suits back at the office. Out here, unmasked, they were liberated. It was togetherness and remembering unfolding without a script. Laughing, learning. listening. Our banquet table and surroundings were beyond description. Evening light flooded the windows as the steaks grilled. The food tasted unusually yummy. As night came, thousands of stars appeared in the black sky above. Then, later, the moon joined in, about the time the kids performed their “We Love You” skit teary-eyed, appreciative grandparents. We all delighted in paging through the family photo albums Mom brought. (This actually went on for days!) We consumed the cake by candle and moonlight while heartfelt toasts were made in honor of the incredible couple that brought our family to this convergence. Afterwards we purposefully quieted down. Moonlight sifted through very thin clouds, casting eerie shadow across Tower Butte and Pinnacle Rock. Too tired and too relaxed to move, rendered exhausted and satisfied simultaneously, we headed for our respective beds around midnight. The party was over for now. Waterlogged kids plopped into their Clubhouse berths. Brian and I set out our sleeping bags on the roof, comforted that the early morning light would slowly awaken us to another day in paradise. Grandpa was already snoring as I crept silently up the ladder. “It's been a very good day,” I said to Brian. He smiled acknowledging. Soon I drifted off to sleep. I remember dreaming of a happy family playing on a small houseboat, on a very large lake, somewhere in Arizona.

The Benefits of Early Planning

Stacy — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 07:00:00 GMT

As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. Planning your houseboat trip early has many benefits. The biggest benefit of course is that you can often take advantage of early booking discounts. We are currently offering specials for many of our lakes including Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Shasta, Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow, just to name a few.Call one of our helpful agents or check out our specials page for more details. It's also a good idea to follow us on Facebook or on Twitter because we always post our specials there first.Another benefit to early planning is securing the dates that you really want. We typically suggest booking 6 - 9 months in advance, though many of the luxury boats can book up as early as a year in advance.Additionally, there is quite a bit of planning involved in making a houseboat trip smooth sailing. Requesting time off work, getting firm commitments from all of your attendees, and collecting money can take a while. The more advanced knowledge you have of your vacation plans, the easier time you will have getting your group excited for the adventure of a lifetime!Our knowledgeable and experienced staff are here to help you with all of the details, big and small. Each of us have several trips under our belts and have honed our skills to perfection. For suggestions to make your trip more enjoyable, from meal planning and preparation to movie nights on the the rock walls, there is no end to our vast knowledge. Just ask us!Call us at 888-454-8825 or contact us online to book your vacation today! (Most specials must be booked by December 30, 2010).

Happy Thanksgiving

The Houseboating.org Team — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:00:00 GMT

This time of year our thoughts are turned towards feelings of gratitude. As we reflect on the things that we are grateful for here at Houseboating.org, our first thought is of you, our customers.We consider ourselves lucky to have the opportunity to talk to so many terrific people. You have made 2010 our best year ever in the history of our company.As we strive to bring you the best customer service possible, we have been working hard this year to increase our partners and Lake offerings. We now have over 40 marinas to choose from throughout the US and Canada and are building more partnerships every day! We are confident that we have the perfect destination for your dream houseboat vacation...whether it's your first trip or your 10th.Our specials page lists some great 2011 Early Bird Savings. Contact us online or give us a call at 888-454-8825 and start planning your next trip today. Thank you again for your continued business. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall Specials and Winter Get-a-ways

Stacy — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Today is the first official day of Fall. School has been in session for a few weeks and the fun of summer vacation seems like a distant memory. Soon the leaves will be changing and temperatures will begin to drop. Sounds like the perfect time for a getaway to a warmer climate! Today we announced TWO amazing specials that are sure to tempt you.Whether you are interested in celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Hoover Dam on Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or to enjoy the scenery at one of our many California Lakes, we have the right deal for your group. Enjoy a Harvest Moon, soak up the sun during the remaining warm days or the Fall Colors of the majestic mountain trees. Or if winter fishing is something you've always wanted to do, you can use this special to catch the one that got away that was THIS BIG.With a free day, free fuel and a free night on the houseboat the evening before your trip, you will have more time to relax and more money to save for the upcoming holiday season.Give one of our friendly agents a call at 888-454-8825 or contact us online and we'd be happy to help you plan the trip of a life time!

From the Waters of Rainy Lake

Stacy — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Close your eyes and imagine miles and miles of expansive shore line. These shores are flanked by majestic mountains and brilliant green trees as far as the eye can see. Crystal waters lap up on rocky shores in some spots and sandy beaches in other areas. Imagine the peace a place like this might bring as a respite from the daily grind of your hectic life. Can you feel the wind on your face and hear the call of the wild Loon off in the distance? Now open your eyes. This place that you just imagined does not exist merely in your dreams. It is found in Northern Minnesota, straddling the US and Canada Border. Rainy Lake. A place of beauty and relaxtion. With over 1500 miles of shore line, and hundreds of inlets and islands, Rainy Lake is the largest lake in the extensive network of Voyageurs National Park. Because of its massive size it is less populated than most of the other lakes in the area and has the best fishing. Fishing is a year round activity on Rainy Lake, however bass fisherman will have the best success in early June. Rainy Lake is known as the best drive to smallmouth bass lake in the United States. It is also teaming with walleye, northern pike, crappie and muskies in certain areas. Whether you rent an upgraded fishing boat from the marina along with your houseboat rental or bring your own, you will never be dissapointed with your daily catch. If fishing does not peak your interest, perhaps a hike in the expansive wilderness would suit you. You will find several marked trails approximately 20 miles up lake. Or if trailblazing is more your style, you can explore at your whim. Make sure to bring your hiking boots, bug spray and plenty of water. A camera is also a must. Not only will you enjoy the breathtaking scenery, you will most likely catch a glimspe of the local wildlife including deer, beavers and otters. An occasional bear might cross your path though this is not as common. Temperatures at Rainy Lake are moderately temperate throughout the season. Even in the summer you might encounter a brief rain shower and crisp evenings so pack to prepare for any weather. Enjoy a campfire in the evenings any season at one of the many designated houseboat areas. You can choose between sandy beaches or rocky shores to moor your houseboat at night. Make sure to take a trip out to tour the historic Kettle Falls Hotel, which can only be accessed by small boat. No roads lead here! This the only restaurant on the lake. Sit outside and enjoy a sandwich while taking in the amazing Fall colors in September. Or watch as families play along the smoothe waters. Keep in mind that while personal watercrafts are not allowed on the lake, waterskiing is a welcomed sport if you have your own speedboat. A houseboat trip to Rainy Lake is just what the doctor ordered to alleviate your stress. Though the 2010 season ends October 1st, it is never too early to plan ahead for 2011. We are currently taking reservations. Contact us online or call one of our rental agents at 888-454-8825 to book your houseboat adventure.

End of Summer Celebration

Stacy — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:00:00 GMT

As I was shopping at a super center the other night I couldn't help but notice the rows and rows of fresh school supplies. The flowers in the garden center were seriously depleted and all of the outdoor patio furniture was marked down drastically. A brief feeling of sadness swept over me as I realized summer was coming to an end. Kids will soon be going back to school and life will pick up its often hectic schedule again. However, here at Houseboating.org we have decided to embrace the end of the summer season rather than pack it up early like the stores do! There are still several weeks of warm weather to be enjoyed. I am personally still planning my boating trips and summer adventures. A trip to the lake with friends is one of my favorite activities. From the amazing scenery and warm water during the day, to the campfires and late night poker games there is a little something for everyone to enjoy. Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are some of our most popular lakes in the Southern Region of the United States. Each are surrounded by lush greenery and clear waters. Fishing is excellent and if you are lucky you will find one of the many hidden waterfalls and other treasures that these lakes boast. We are currently offering a free hot tub or up to $300 in free fuel at each of these lakes for trips taken before September 6, 2010. Go to our Specials Page for more information on these awesome savings.

From the Waters of Lake Powell

Stacy — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Autumn is my favorite time of year for a houseboating vacation. My friends and I have been houseboating every September for the past 5 years. We wait in anticipation at the end of the long hot summer as we drive around the bend to catch our first glimpse of the sparkling waters and the long line of houseboats at the marina. Knowing how refreshing it will feel to jump in the lake is almost too much to handle. We can't get our cars unloaded fast enough!Lake Powell is especially stunning this time of year. The crowds have died down quite a bit so the sandy beaches are plentiful and the sunsets are amazing. Day time temperatures are still nice and warm and the cooler evenings are perfect for S'mores around the campfire. Early morning water-skiing can be a little brisk but the glass-like water is too perfect to pass up. Now is a great time to plan your fall houseboat vacation. With our current special of 40% off the summer rates, why not upgrade to a larger boat than you might have originally considered? Visit our specials page for more details on this amazing offer as well a few other fantastic Lake Powell specials. Call us today at 888-454-8825 to book your Lake Powell houseboat vacation or contact us online.

From the Waters of North America

Stacy — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Ahoy friends! Welcome to our very first blog. We hope you will find this informative and fun! Please be sure to check back often as we keep you updated on specials and fun facts about the many lakes and waterways that we service. We might even feature your testimonial if you write us to tell us of your amazing houseboat experience! Have you signed up to “Like” us on Facebook? No?! Well, what are you waiting for? By being a fan of Houseboating.org , you will be the very first to know of any special offers or new lakes. We let our friends know before we even post anything on our website. Who doesn’t like having an inside advantage? I know I do! We are also on Twitter! Check out our Tweets and see what exciting things we are up to!