Q:
When should I make my Houseboat reservation?
As early as possible if
you have a particular week or time period that you must
have for vacation. We are currently taking reservations
for 2007-2008.
Q:
Is it too late for this season?
Absolutely not! There
are still plenty of boats available, but you may have to
be more flexible with your choices. You can check
availability and book your vacations here. You may also
place a reservation toll free at 1-800-843-9218.
Q:
What dates are still available for this year?
Oddly enough, some of
the very best dates are still available on Lake Havasu -
while summer dates fill up quickly, we generally have
many dates open. Some of the best dates are mid April
through early June and early September through early
November. Lake Havasu veterans know that this is the
best time of year. The water is warm for skiing and
boarding, the crowds are gone and the weather is as
close to perfect as it gets. Remember Lake Havasu is in
the desert and stays warm when much of the northern
region gets the first bite of winter.
Q:
What if I've never driven a houseboat?
There's a first time
for everything! Every houseboat captain from novice to
experienced is trained prior to departure by our
experienced houseboat instructors. Our instructors take
the time to show you the ropes (literally) and go over
the boat with you and your crew from stem to stern. You
will have every opportunity to drive the craft under the
instructors watchful eye and learn to maneuver your
floating home. Don't worry, every pilot feels a bit
intimidated at first, but you can rest assured that
these vessels were designed with you in mind - they are
pretty tough! Club Nautical is very good at helping you
bring your boat back into the docks if you need the
extra help. We are very good at getting you the
assistance you require.
Q:
How does the houseboat registration process work?
After you determine the
houseboat type and your preferred date of departure, we
recommend you first try our online reservation service.
If you can clear your reservations here you will save
several steps. If you don't find what you need, or have
additional questions, you may phone our reservation
agent toll free at 1-800-843-9218 where our professional
staff can answer your questions and help plan your
vacation. Another option is to submit a reservation
request with all the details of your vacation. From
there our agents will review the entire availability
schedule and make suggestions where requested - usually
within 24 hours. After your reservation has been
confirmed a deposit is due within 72 hours. Please be
aware that after your payment has been accepted,
cancelling or changing your reservation could result in
the loss of part or all of your deposit. Very late
cancellations, where rental fees have been paid, can
result in substantial loss. Please review the
cancellation policies for houseboats and make a note on
your calendar so that this does not happen to you. After
your deposit is paid we will send you a reminder before
your rental fee is due. You may call us and authorize a
charge to the credit card we have on file, or make
payments online, whichever you prefer. We will both
email you and U.S. mail you a confirmation that your
payment has been processed. Approximately 60 days prior
to your arrival, you will receive a Club Nautical
Houseboat Package, containing all your necessary
paperwork. Please bring this with you to the lake. From
there all that is left to do is show up at our rental
office for the completion of the checkout paperwork and
houseboat instructions. To expedite the process we
recommend the following: Have a list of names of all of
the people who will be on the boat with you. Have your
package with your confirmation number, we will supply
you with this package prior to your arrival. Bring only
your Captain and Co-Captain to the rental office. Use
your crew to prepare all your 'stuff' for loading onto
the houseboat. Take care of any tag-along craft at this
time. We also recommend that you arrive the afternoon
prior and stay with us at the Nautical Inn. You will be
able to get your paperwork in order and get a good
night's sleep.
Q:
Where do we put in (anchor) for the night?
Lake Havasu has an
estimated 19,000 surface acres and over 300 miles of
shoreline. With that comes many coves and beaches for
camping overnight. Many of our guests find their cove or
beach and set up for the duration. If you are planning
on exploring, we can't stress enough the need for
alternate craft. Houseboats can be a bit slow to explore
this big lake. Jet Skis, a powerboat, even kayaks can
make this more enjoyable.
Q:
How do you tow other boats or personal water craft?
Taking tag-along craft
with you is easy. Your houseboat instructor can show you
where to tie your tow lines and how to tie the proper
knots. ALWAYS remember that your tag-along are back
there if you stop or beach your boat - or your tag-along
will soon be bumping into your aft deck.
Q:
What about the deposit?
A deposit is due at the
time of reservation. The money deposited will also serve
as your damage / maintenence deposit once you are out on
the lake. It will be refunded upon the return of the
boat - in one piece and generally clean and un-damaged.
See the policies page for more information.
Q:
What happens to the deposit if I need to cancel?
It depends on when you
cancel. See the policy page for details. If you must
make a change, your deposit can generally be applied to
your new reservation without penalty. However if you
make a change or cancel close to your scheduled
departure date, you will be charged a penalty. Last
minute cancellations or no-shows lose all of their paid
fees. Groups with deposits in place that do not make
their final rental fee payment (60 days prior to
departure date) will lose their reservation and deposit.
We will do our best to contact you to prevent a late
payment from a lost reservation, but please help us by
marking your calendar.
Q:
When can I pick up my Houseboat?
Our rental office opens
at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, seven days a week. You
pick up your Houseboat on the morning of your departure.
Q:
What do I do to return the Houseboat?
After a great vacation
on Lake Havasu you return your Houseboat to the Club
Nautical docks at the Nautical Inn. Boats are due back
by 2:00 PM on your last day. This means that you should
have your boat reasonably cleaned, and all your trash
and personal belongings off the boat. You should plan to
arrive with ample time to dock. After your boat is
docked and cleared out, it will be fueled and checked
off by a dock attendant. You can then return to the
rental office to complete your paperwork and get back
your deposit. We also offer express checkout. We will
fuel, inspect your boat, and refund your deposit by mail
or credit card within 14 days. This is a handy option if
you're in a hurry to get back on the road. Travel Tip:
Today more people are opting to stay an extra night at
the Nautical Inn after their houseboat trip and prior to
heading home. This allows everyone to relax a bit after
returning their boat. There are a number of dining and
nightlife options in Havasu.
Q: Why does the number of people matter?
Our Houseboats have a
'capacity' of 12 people, but have sleeping arrangements
for 10 people. The capacity of a Houseboat is the number
of people allowed on board while it is under way. This
includes children and infants. Once you are beached, you
can have as may people as is reasonable. If you do have
more than the the allowable number of people, we suggest
renting a powerboat or a jet ski. These can carry extra
people to your campsite, and it can save you a ticket or
fine from law enforcement.
Q:
Are there any grocery stores nearby?
This is one of the big
advantages of boating at Lake Havasu. The city is right
on the lake, so you will not have to drive for miles to
find a store. Havasu has several large grocery stores
within minutes of the Nautical Inn.
Q:
How old do you need to be to rent a Houseboat?
The captain of the boat
must be at least 21 years of age and show proof with a
valid driver's license at the time of rental.
Q:
Do you allow pets?
We
are sorry but we DO NOT allow pets on our houseboats.
