Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/9009
arQ: I’ve never driven a boat before; drive, but they’re not like driving a car either. Most marinas offer an instruc- tional video or a staff demonstration when you arrive. e houseboats hard to drive? A: Houseboats aren’t too hard to onl Q: The marina says my houseboat y costs a couple thousand dollars. What other things should I expect to pay for? A: You’ll generally have to pay for fuel and a security deposit. Some op- erators might even charge you for your water toys—such as para-sailing, jet skis or kayaks. Q: How can I be cheap, but look good while doing it? givA: Forking over $1,000 might e you an ulcer. So instead why not split the cost with your friends? One way you can do that is through www. paypal.com. It’s an easy, safe site that allows friends or family to pay you back through checks or credit cards. Another way to rent a houseboat for cheap is to not rent at a high peak time. Prices will jump up during peak times. v Q: Should I compare a houseboat acation to camping in a tent or is it more like staying in a hotel? arA: Treat it like a hotel. Houseboats e a luxury that come equipped with basic amenities. Some standard features you can expect are bathrooms with showers, full-equipped kitchens, barbeque and propane tank, VHF radio, fire extinguishers and first aid kits. However, unlike a hotel, linens are not always provided—depending on your marina. The rental company should have a list of amenities that are specific to your craft. IntQ: Some may say I’m always on the ernet and my cell phone. Without admitting this is true, will I still have access to them while on the houseboat? w A: With more and more people anting to “stay connected,” most marinas are offering wireless Internet service. However, not all marinas are of- fering free Internet service. If you’re in need of the Internet, be sure to check with your marina to see if it is offered and if it costs anything. Cell phone service should be avail- able depending on your cell phone carrier, the distance between the towers and where you position your house- boat. But if you happen to not receive service, VHF radios are provided to connect you with other boaters or your rental operator. This comes in handy especially if you’re lost. forQ: How old should my kids be be- limit. You can take them regardless of age, as long as you’re willing to keep a e I take them on a houseboat? A: Houseboats don’t have an age Rental Guide 2010 7 Photo provided by Dede Miller