Houseboat Rental FAQs

Houseboat Rental FAQs is for those of you who are considering renting a house boat at Lake Powell for the first time.

I have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions by those new to house boating at Lake Powell.

If you do not find the answer to your questions or concerns, please contact the knowledgeable service representative at your rental agency.

What is provided with the houseboat?

This varies with the houseboat.

Generally speaking, they come with a fully equipped kitchen, including a propane stove and full sized refrigerator, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, VHF radios, generators, deck chairs, BBQs and a water slide.

For further information on this, see my page on House Boat Rental.

Is there a damage deposit?

This amount varies with the houseboat and can be between $600 for a 46’ Voyager to $1,000 for a 59’ Discovery to $2,000 for a 75’ Odyssey.

Are there any other costs?

Yes.

According to Marie Leroy, Guest Service Representative with ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, there is a 3% utility fee and 4.5% construction fee for upkeep of the Park.

These fees are included in the final price of the boat with taxes. Optionally, there is a Waiver of Liability Insurance charge of between $10 - $30 per day, depending on what you rent.

This is simply additional coverage which would protect you if there is damage to the boat over and above your damage deposit. 

Houseboat Rental FAQs Continued:

Am I required to purchase insurance?

No.

Some homeowner's or renter's insurance policies extend liability coverage to include incidents occurring during the rental of a houseboat, but many policies do not.

Therefore, you are encouraged to check with your insurance agent to determine whether or not your liability coverage includes the operation or rental of a houseboat.

What is the pet policy for houseboats ?

As a general rule, pets are not allowed on the larger, more luxurious models.

On those houseboats where they are allowed, there is usuallyan additional fee and can be as much as $100 per pet.

Do I need to bring firewood?

Yes.

If you plan on having evening campfires, you will need to bring your own firewood.

Firewood may be purchased at the marinas or at stores in Page.

You may make arrangements to have firewood delivered to your boat prior to your arrival. Check with your rental company.

Houseboat Rental FAQs Continued:

How much ice will I need?

This is highly variable. Talk with the experienced staff at your rental company. They can arrange to have the ice delivered to your boat prior to your arrival.

Also, ice is available at all marinas.

Where can I get fuel on the lake?

Fuel is available at Wahweap Marina, Antelope Point Marina, Dangling Rope Marina, Bullfrog Marina and Hall’s Crossing Marina.

For more information on the marinas, see my page on Lake Powell Marinas.

What can I expect to pay for fuel?

As of 9/7/2012, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5.00 to $5.50 per gallon for regular and $5.72 to $5.84 per gallon for diesel. Prices can change from day to day.

I have never driven a houseboat. Is there a school for this?

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age and has a valid driver’s license can legally drive a houseboat.

When you rent a houseboat, you are given very thorough instructions.

A complimentary Captain’s service is available to pilot the houseboat in and out of the marina for you if requested.

Can I camp anywhere on the lake?

The only place on the lake where camping is prohibited is within Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

How do I know where I am on lake?

Numbered red and green buoys are positioned every mile. You can determine your position by finding the corresponding buoy on the map provided by your rental company.

Houseboat Rental FAQs Continued:

Do I need a power boat?

Yes.

It is highly recommended that you either rent or bring a power boat or PWC.

Generally, you will set up a base camp with your houseboat and then use your power boat or PWC for exploring, running into a marina for supplies and other water activities.

Important Note!

In order to continue to keep Lake Powell free of Quagga and Zebra Mussels, any boat brought in from another lake, must first be inspected and, if necessary, be decontaminated before it can be launched into Lake Powell.

This is a free service.

Please see my page on Quagga and Zebra Mussels.

Can I tow small boats?

Yes.

You can easily tow small boats, power boats and PWC behind your houseboat.

What do I need to bring?

The following suggestions have been taken from Captain Billy’s Blog on this website:

• Extra set of dry clothes, water socks or shoes, hiking shoes, water proof jacket, sweat pants and shirt

• Medications, toiletries, first aid kit, bandages, sun screen, treatment for sun burn like Solarcaine, pain relievers, lip balm, anti-itch cream, earache drops, ear plugs, treatment for cuts and bruises

• Bottled water, food for entire trip based on meals planned, hand axe, matches, pocket knife, charging cords for cell phones and I-pads, music (CDs or the like), movie DVDs, games, etc

Whether you are an experienced house boater or planning your first Lake Powell house boat vacation, you will be well served to read his entire blog.

If you do not find the answers to any of your questions or concerns, contact the Guest Service Representative of your house boat rental agency.

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