Frequently Asked Questions
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 2003-2004.
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 weeather 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 manuever 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.Approxamately 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-alongs 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 Nauticall 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.