Lake Havasu Houseboat Rentals : Houseboat Info : Handbook
HOUSEBOAT HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Lake Havasu. The Management and staff of NSC are here to help you have
a memorable experience during your houseboat vacation. This booklet is intended
to give you an introduction to our facilities, the area, and most importantly, your
houseboat.
OPERATION
During your Captains Course you will be instructed and checked out on all procedures
of the houseboat. No special skills are needed, only respect for the size of the
vessel, its engines and basic boating rules and courtesy. Please allow 45 minutes
to 1 hour for instructions and check out on the houseboat. There is an Operations
Manual on all boats, we suggest you read it thoroughly and become familiar with
the operating systems of your houseboat.
This booklet will give you some basic information about your houseboats operation,
amenities, inventory, docking and general useful information.
The General Store is located at the Resort and sells ice, beverages and many essentials
for your trip. There is an nice gift shop with swimwear on site.
Your houseboat will be your home away from home for a few days, and we hope you
will enjoy and relax in it as you would your own home.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WELL
If you're ready to board your boat and don't know where you are going, take time
to ask our employees for suggestions. A lake map is provided on your houseboat.
Study it, mark destinations, check directions and landmarks (north, south, etc.)
Lake Havasu is very easy to Navigate with one main channel north to south.
One of the great advantages of Lake Havasu is that it is the only location on the
Colorado River that has a large city located directly on the lake. The population
of Lake Havasu is more than 50,000, so it has all of the amenities that you would
expect from a city that size. There are many large grocery stores located here.
If you would like to do all of your grocery shopping when you arrive you can, or
pick up any items needed that you may have forgotten.
RELAX
Decreasing the amount of time spent operating your boat not only saves fuel, but
results in more enjoyable hours spent fishing, swimming, hiking, visiting and just
plain relaxing on beautiful Lake Havasu.
TAG ALONG RENTALS…PLEASE USE 928 855-7000 AND BOOK SEPARATELY
In addition to houseboat rentals we are the largest watercraft rental operation
in the state of Arizona. We offer just about anything you might want. Pontoon boats,
performance ski boats and personal watercraft. We also offer wake boards, water
skis, knee boards and any items that you will need to enjoy your stay with us at
Lake Havasu.. If you would like to book any of these items with your houseboat rental
we offer special rates for our houseboat customers. Please call us at 928 855-7000
for more information.
LOADING
Please be conscious of where you place supplies and belongings in the boat. Extra
weight on the front deck will make the bow ride low in the water, which can cause
water to splash onto the front deck if you encounter boat wakes or rough water.
Try to distribute the weight evenly front and back, and from side to side. Put all
heavy objects in the rear of the houseboat.
AMENITIES
|
56' DELUXE, 65' VIP and 75' Executive |
|
4 Queen Size Beds |
Queen Size Sleeper Sofa |
|
2 Heads, 1 Shower |
Full Size Range and Oven |
|
Breakfast Counter |
2 Refrigerators- One Gas, One Electric |
|
Fully Equipped Kitchen |
Dinette Seating |
|
Coffee Maker |
Toaster |
|
Blender |
Dishwasher |
|
VHF Radio |
Microwave Oven |
|
BBQ Grill |
Linens, pillows, sheets, blankets, and towels |
|
500 Sq Ft of Sun Deck |
Captains Flying Bridge for driving from upper deck |
|
Upper Deck Canopy Top |
Large Ice Chest |
|
Waterslide |
Central Air Condition and Heat |
|
Dual Engines |
2 Built in Ice Chests on the front deck |
|
20" TV/ VCR |
CD Stereo
|
|
65' VIP Additional Amenities |
75' Executive
|
|
Larger Living Area in the Front Salon |
Still larger living area |
|
650 Sq Ft of Sun Deck |
Huge upper deck with Hot Tub |
|
Upper Deck Wet Bar/Refrigerator |
Upper deck Wet Bar/no refrigerator |
|
Hot Tub on the Top Deck. |
Rooms are more private |
|
2 Heads, 2 Showers |
Plasma TV, DVD, larger engines |
SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL ITEMS
2 Mooring Ropes, Sledge Hammer, 4 Stakes, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguishers, Life
Jackets, Flotation Cushion, SOS Flag, Area Map, Manual, Marine Radio, Safety Railings,
Ships Bell
LIVING ROOM ELECTRONICS AND FURNITURE
1 TV, 1 VCR, 1 CD Stereo with 4 Speakers, 3 Bar Stools, 3 Dinette Chairs, 4 Deck
Chairs (Patio), Electrical Generator, Water Heater, Central Air Condition and Heat
CLEANING SUPPLIES AND BATHROOM ACCESSORIES
Vacuum with Attachments, Dust Pan with Broom, Bucket, Mop, Step Stool, Toilet Brush
with Holder, Bio Degradable Toilet Paper, Trash bags
LINENS
Blankets, Wash Cloths, Pillows with Cases, Bath Towels, Sheets, Hangers.
KITCHEN APPLIANCES AND UTENSILS
Tea Kettle, Paper Towel Holder, Cutting Board, Pot Holders, Dish Towels, Dish Drain
with Map, Scrub Sponge, Tableware Tray, Kitchen Trash Can, 6 Large Trash Bags, 2
Drawer Organizers, 2 Sink Plugs, Corkscrew, Ice Pick, Can Opener, Salad Tongs, 2
Non Stick Spatulas, 2 Rubber Spatulas, Soup Ladle, Large Cooking Spoon, Slotted
Cooking Spoon, Measuring Cup, Measuring Spoon Set, 3 PC BBQ Set, Cheesed Grater,
Colander, Vegetable Peeler, 4 Marshmallow Forks, BBQ Brush, Paring Knife, Knife/
Fork Set, Knife Sharpener, Baking Dish, Mixing Bowl Set, Microwave Cookware, Cookware
Set, Skillet, Griddle, Serving Platter, Pitcher, Forks, Cups, Dinner Knives, Glasses,
Steak Knives, Dinner Plates, Tea Spoons, Bowls, Table Spoons.
WHAT TO BRING
The necessary items to bring are your food and beverages. Also any personal items
that are important to you. Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses. Bring what you
desire, but remember, sometimes packing too many things can create a bit of clutter.
We recommend planning your menu in advance and bringing only what is essential.
For leisure times you may wish to bring that book you have been wanting to read,
fishing equipment, favorite board games or a deck of playing cards. The houseboats
have a stereo cd player on board, so remember to bring a selection of cd's. T.V.
reception is very limited. There is a VCR so bring video cassettes. The 75' has
a DVD player.
In the great outdoors, a good pair of shoes is essential for land exploration, binoculars
and a camera with plenty of film. Other outdoor items that could be packed are water
toys, rafts, balls, and beach towels.
Our houseboats are equipped with all the basic utensils that you need. However you
may wish to bring a favorite griddle or pan for cooking, or cut back on kitchen
duties by packing picnic supplies such as paper plates and cups. Weather permitting,
top deck sleeping can be very comfortable, a good air mattress can come in handy.
LIFE JACKETS
We provide 12 adult life jackets aboard each houseboat. If you require smaller jackets
for children aboard, please request jackets from our office upon check in. In addition
all children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket while the houseboat is
under way. There is a large fine if you are stopped by law enforcement on the lake
for failing to do so. Small children should be escorted on an off the boat at all
times.
STARTING YOUR ENGINES AND DRIVING YOUR HOUSEBOAT
Be sure the outdrives are down and locked. Look for the possibility of swimmers
or other boats around the rear of your houseboat before starting the engine. Always
have a lookout in the rear of the vessel before shifting into gear or reverse. Make
sure you allow the engines to warm up to 175 degrees before attempting to put into
gear. NEVER EXCEED 2500 RPM IN REVERSE. Forward running speed is from 2200 to 2600
RPM.
Proceed slowly at wakeless speed (idle setting on your throttles) in harbor areas,
around other boats, or in narrow canyons. The houseboat weighs approximately 11
tons and requires a large area to come to a stop. Reverse gear is its only brake.
Once in open water, get a "feel" of your houseboat. Make some turns – experiment
on stopping distances, then set throttles to cruising speed and set course for your
destination on the Lake.
The engines are a 4 cylinder, 130 hp OMC. The generator is a 12.5kw Kohler. Both
operate on regular fuel only. Engines and generators are well maintained, but they
do occasionally break down. Each houseboat is equipped with a VHF Marine radio to
notify the Marina should such an incident occur, or call on your cell phone 928
855 7000. Our Boat Manager is Mike Boucher. His Cell Phone: 928 412-0028
If the houseboat is being moved around by wind or current, and you feel loss of
control, do not be afraid to use the throttle and "power out" of the situation.
When making a sharp turn or U turn, move the steering wheel in the direction you
are turning before putting the boat in gear. After traveling forward, put the houseboat
in neutral & turn the steering wheel quickly in the opposite direction. Place
the shift lever in reverse. Continue this process until the turn is made. The houseboat
steers from the rear and forward motion will push the boat in the desired direction.
Reverse motion will pull the houseboat in the desired direction.
The houseboat is equipped with hydraulic steering and takes approximately 5 turns
from the hard left to go to hard right. If making a turn near an obstacle, ALWAYS
HAVE ONE PERSON AT THE BACK (STERN) OF THE HOUSEBOAT & ONE PERSON AT THE FRONT
(BOW) OF THE HOUSEBOAT TO PROVIDE YOU WITH ASSISTANCE. If the propeller is run into
the sand or any debris, turn OFF the engine and check the propeller. If it is bent
or damaged, call Club Nautical on the VHF radio or cell phone. Continuing to drive
the houseboat with a bent or broken propeller will result in further damage to the
outdrive.
WATER HAZARDS
Always be on the lookout for logs and debris in the water. If a collision appears
unavoidable, place the shift lever in neutral, stop the engines and lift the Outdrive
so as to not damage the propeller and coast past debris.
HOUSEBOAT FUEL CONSUMPTION AND SPEED
Most houseboats average 8 to 12 miles per hour. This rate can vary depending upon
load, wind and weather conditions. Always be aware of approximate fuel consumed
and distance yet to be traveled. The houseboat contains 276 gallons of regular fuel
for the engines and generator. The generator will consume 1 to 1 1/2 gals per hour
depending on the load.
Your engines will use approximately 6 gallons of gas per hour, per engine. Your
houseboat is equipped with two engines, we recommend running with only one engine,
this will only reduce your speed by about two miles an hour but save you 6 gallons
per hour in fuel consumption.
STORMS
Fortunately most storms are of short duration resulting from small local storms
which move through the area very fast. Motor slowly into the wind toward a sheltered
bank using just enough power to control the vessel. Tie the boat up securely and
wait for the storm to subside. Remain calm and contact Club Nautical for any assistance.
Stay clear of rocky beaches during storms to prevent hull damage. Watch for clouds,
and if you see a squall coming, the weather report can be heard hourly on local
radio. Use your own discretion. Storms can come up very quickly, and it would be
wise to move the houseboat to a sheltered location on shore.
Remember to load as much of your weight as possible at the rear of the houseboat
so that the bow will ride higher in the water.
BEACHING AND MOORING YOUR HOUSEBOAT
In order to beach your houseboat properly, please follow these procedures:
- Choose a spot that is well protected from wind and waves and no sharp rocks that
may damage the hull. The water level at the stern of your boat should be deep enough
so as not to endanger the propeller. A trial run reasonably close to shore will
allow you to check for proper depth and beach condition.
- After you have selected your beach, approach the shore at a slow speed. Have your
crew standing on the front deck with stern ropes and beaching stakes in hand ready
to secure the boat once your bow touches the shore.
- When your bow touches the beach, leave the motor idling in forward gear. This will
hold the boat to the beach while your crew is securing the ropes. If a breeze or
wave washes the boat sideways, use more throttle to straighten the boat until you
can secure it.
The crew should now secure the two stern ropes to the stakes at a 45 degree angle
from the stern of the boat to the beaching stake. Be sure that the ropes are tied
securely around the stakes and tie ropes as low to the ground as possible to prevent
the stakes from pulling out.
After you have secured the boat, turn ignition OFF, turn shift power switch OFF
and remove the keys from the ignition and place them on the dash. This will ensure
that the keys are not broken off in the ignition or left in the "ON" position overnight.
NOTE: MOVING THE SHIFT CONTROL LEVER WITH THE ENGINE NOT RUNNING COULD CAUSE DAMAGE.
PLEASE DO NOT PERMIT CHILDREN TO PRETEND THEY ARE "DRIVING THE BOAT".
Leaving the Beach:
Always check for swimmers. Follow engine starting procedures mentioned earlier.
Have someone at the helm with engine running. Keep the engine in forward gear as
your crew unties stern ropes and pulls out beaching stakes. Secure all ropes and
equipment properly on the boat. Place shift control into reverse gear. Slight swinging
of the stern from side to side may be necessary to release the boat from shore.
DO NOT EXCEED MORE THAN 2500 RPM IN REVERSE!!
NOTE: Always back your boat at least five (5) boat lengths from the shore before
changing gears to forward. If you are too close to shore when changing directions,
the stern could swing into the shore and damage the propeller.
PROPANE SYSTEM
The propane equipment on the bow of the houseboat and the Bar B Q grill is an area
of importance. It is important that all houseboat guests are aware of the location
of the propane tanks aboard the houseboat and know how to shut them off. Prior to
refueling at any location, make sure that the propane tanks are turned OFF and all
doors and windows are closed. Allow ample time for all fumes to dissipate before
re opening propane lines and lighting propane equipment.
If the characteristic odor of gasoline or propane fumes is detected at any time
for an unreasonable length of time, make certain immediate action is taken to eliminate
any open flame within the area. Shut OFF the supply source. Occasionally a propane
odor exists momentarily as pilots or burners are turned on. If the odor persists,
shut OFF the source.
BATTERY SYSTEM
All houseboats have a 12 volt battery system for starting the engines and providing
accessory power for the lighting system and lake water pump. The inboard engines
provide recharging capability, however, care should be observed not to overuse the
12 volt system. Accessories should be turned OFF when not in use. Your cabin lights
and accessories are powered by both 12 volt batteries and a 110 volt generator.
When the generator is operating, and the battery charger breaker is ON, the boat
battery is being charged, which operates lights, stereo, VHF radio, etc.
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Your houseboat is equipped with two refrigerators, one is electric and runs off
of the generator, the other is propane. We suggest that you use your propane refrigerator
for meat and perishable items, that way you do not need to run the generator all
of the time. The propane refrigerator will run when your generator is turned off.
Also, a helpful hint is when you are loading your refrigerators do not put warm
items in them. This will rapidly bring down the inside temperature of any refrigerator
and it can take as long as 24 hours to bring the temperature back down inside.
We suggest that you use our two large ice coolers on the bow of your houseboat to
ice down any items first that are warm. It is also a great place to keep beverages
the entire time.
Remember the more items in your refrigerator the longer it will stay cold. Also
remember the more you open the door the warmer the refrigerator will get.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Except for the Bar B Q, stove and (1) refrigerator, which are propane, your houseboat
is equipped with all electrical appliances, water heater, microwave, air conditioner,
heater and 1 refrigerator, all of which run off the generator.
The air conditioning and heating system on the houseboat is a heat pump, similar
to many household systems. The operation of the air conditioning & heating system
is described in the operations manual and will be explained in detail during your
orientation.
TOILET
The toilet is easy to operate but the procedures must be followed carefully. The
vessel is equipped with a 300 gallon holding tank. Depress the flush button to flush
the toilet. HOLD IT DOWN FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 SECONDS. The unit actually grinds
the waste prior to entering the holding tank. Like a garbage disposal. Therefore
it is important to never put anything into the toilet except human waste and small
amounts of single ply biodegradable toilet paper supplied of the houseboat. No Tampons,
Rubbers, Q-tips, Dental Floss etc. Also important is to flush long enough to clear
the toilet of all materials. Any other type of paper or foreign object will/may
result in a clogged toilet and or holding tank. Charges will apply if this happens.
Lake water is used for the operation of your toilet. Do not use any cleaning agent
in the toilet. Do not pour or discard any chemical into the toilet.
THIS CAN CAUSE A DANGEROUS CHEMICAL REACTION.
WATERSLIDE
Your houseboat has a water slide that can provide hours of fun and enjoyment. For
your safety do not use the water slide when the houseboat is in operation or moving
or at any dock or marina. CHILDREN SHOULD BE SUPERVISED
AT ALL TIMES WHEN USING THE WATER SLIDE. ENGINES AND GENERATOR MUST BE TURNED OFF
WHEN SWIMMING OR USING THE WATER SLIDE.
NOTE: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY !!
ENGINES AND GENERATOR MUST BE TURNED OFF WHILE SWIMMING OR WADING AROUND HOUSEBOATS
OR OTHER BOATS.
BEDTIME CHECKLIST
- Turn OFF the stereo
- Turn OFF the VHF Radio/optional
- Check to be sure the running lights and engine compartment blower switches are turned
OFF Check upper helm to make sure all switches are OFF.
- Remove the key from the ignition & place on the dash.
- Walk from the front to the back of the boat. Check to make sure all lights are turned
OFF.
- Double check your mooring lines, they should be taught and secure, and properly tied
to their stakes. Make sure the stakes are secure.
THE DONT'S
- Do not tie ski boats to the railings of the houseboat. Our staff can instruct you
on the proper cleat tying of small craft to the houseboat.
- Loud music and offensive noise is NOT PERMITTED
Please be courteous to other boaters.
- Driving a houseboat while intoxicated is illegal and is enforced.
DON'T DRINK & DRIVE
- Do not operate your houseboat after dark. This is very dangerous and may result in
the loss of your rental.
- The engine compartment is off limits to our guests.
- Houseboat races and tying houseboats together is not permitted.
- Water bombs or balloons are STRICTLY PROHIBITED ON
ANY Club Nautical Houseboat.
- Firearms and fireworks are PROHIBITED on any
Club Nautical Houseboat.
- Sorry but we do allow any pets.
RETURNING YOUR HOUSEBOAT
After a great vacation on Lake Havasu you return your Houseboat to the Nautical
Docks at the Nautical Inn. Boats are due back by 2:00 PM on your last day. (12:00
noon if your rental falls in our Spring Break period, 3/1 though 4/15) Contact our
boat manager for any special arrangements on a case to case basis. That means you
should have your boat cleaned up as you would your home, with your trash and personal
belongings off the boat. There is a charge for houseboats that are returned dirty
or with unwashed dishes. This includes the inside and outside of the houseboat.
(we will handle the window cleaning and scrubbing the outside of the boat)
You must be back at the Resort by your designated return time or you may lose your
deposit PLUS a pro rated charge to compensate
the next customer.
Please bring all of your trash back to the docks and dispose of it properly. Never
throw any trash or food into the water. Your assistance in this effort to keep the
lake beautiful will make the area better for the next person to visit and better
for you the next time you come.
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 day at the Nautical Inn
Resort 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 Lake Havasu.
DIRECTIONS
FROM LOS ANGELES/ ORANGE COUNTY
Take I-15 North to I-40 East to AZ-95 Exit #9 Lake Havasu/ Parker. Turn Right and
proceed south approximately 20 miles to Mesquite Ave. and turn left. Make an immediate
right on Lake Havasu Ave and go one block to McCulloch Blvd (1st light) turn right,
cross over the London Bridge, go approximately 1.5 miles and turn left at the Nautical
Inn Sign. Approximately 350 Miles.
FROM LAS VEGAS
Take route US 95 South to I-40 East to AZ-95 South Exit #9 Lake Havasu Parker. Turn
right and proceed south approximately 20 miles to Mesquite Ave. and turn left. Make
an immediate right on Lake Havasu Ave and go one block to McCulloch Blvd.(1st light)
turn right, cross over the London Bridge, go approximately 1.5 miles and turn left
at the Nautical Inn Sign. Approximately 150 Miles.
FROM PHOENIX
Take I-10 West to Vicksburg Junction Exit #45, North to Route 72, take that West
to AZ-95 North to Lake Havasu City. Turn right on Swanson Ave and make an immediate
left onto Lake Havasu Ave go one block to McCulloch Blvd (1st light) and turn left.
Cross over the London Bridge, go approximately 1.5 miles and turn left at the Nautical
Inn Sign. Approximately 200 Miles.
FROM SAN DIEGO
Take I-8 East to Yuma. At Yuma take AZ-95 North to Lake Havasu City. Turn right
on Swanson Ave an make an immediate left onto Lake Havasu Ave and go one block to
McCulloch Blvd (1st light) and turn left, cross over the London Bridge, go approximately
1.5 miles and turn left at the Nautical Inn Sign. Approximately 350 Miles.
FROM NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Take I-5 South exit CA-46 towards Lost Hills/ Wasco. Turn Left onto CA-46. Turn
Right. Go straight up ramp and merge onto CA-99 S. Exit CA 58 E/Stockdale Hwy towards
Tehachapi/Mojave. Merge onto Bakersfield/Tehachapi Hwy. This becomes CA-58 E. Exit
Left on I-15 N towards Las Vegas. From I-15 N take I-40 exit. Merge onto I-40 E.
Exit AZ-95 South Exit #9 Lake Havasu/ Parker. Turn right and proceed South approximately
20 miles to Mesquite Ave. And turn Left. Make an immediate Right on Lake Havasu
Ave and go one block to McCulloch Blvd. (1st light) turn right, cross over the London
Bridge, go approximately 1.5 miles and turn Left at the Nautical Inn Sign.