PLANNING YOUR HOUSEBOAT ADVENTURE
Since Dakota Columbia's houseboats usually depart with several couples or three families, we suggest that everyone get together to plan the meal strategy. By dividing the cooking responsibilities amongst your group, you can actually have several days to sit back and be catered to by your friends. Everyone really benefits from the "Keeping up with the Jones's" concept when it comes to the gourmet dinners prepared.

All utensils you need to create your dinner are already in the kitchen, so save the effort of bringing anything from home. Dakota Columbia provides table settings for sixteen, but including paper and plastic alternatives is a great idea. This saves on time spent washing dishes, which means more time enjoying your vacation. Sharpie markers are also provided to ID your cup for the week, which saves on waste. Hand towels and soap for the two bathrooms and kitchen are not provided, so don't forget to bring what you need.

If you forget anything like butter, water toys or you simply don't feel like lugging cases of water or beer to the lake, don't worry, the 7 Bays Marina Store is well stocked and the prices can't be beat.

Fishing licenses can be purchased before your trip by visiting the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife Web Site. Licenses are not sold at Seven Bays Marina.

PACKING
We can't stress enough... keep it simple! Bring a small duffle bag with a swimsuit (you'll live in it), beach towel, shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, tennis shoes, and a little something for the cooler evening hours. Truly, that's all you need.

BEDDING
You should bring sleeping bags or queen size sheets, a light blanket, and pillows.

DEPOSIT
Send $500.00 to reserve your houseboat. This is a damage deposit that we'll hold until you bring the boat back in the same condition in which it left (yes, the dishes have to be washed). Damaged props, boats, or items onboard are the responsibility of the renter.

PAYMENTS
Send us one half of your rental fee six (6) months prior to departure. The rest is due four (4) months prior to your trip. We accept credit cards via Google Checkout with a 3% fee (but not for deposits).

DEPARTURE DAY
You may board your houseboat at 3:00 p.m. on the day of your departure. At this time, we'll go through a thorough orientation on the operation of the vessel, including beaching. [Driving Directions]

RETURNING
The boats are due back at the marina by 10:00 AM on your return day. We only have a few hours to prepare them for the next group. Sometimes people are having so much fun they forget what day it is (true story). Accordingly, there will be a $100.00/hour late fee. Thank you for understanding.

RENTAL POLICY
We reserve the right to refuse the use of our equipment to anyone if, in our judgment, the renter is not capable of safely operating the vessel, or poses a safety concern to himself/herself, to others, or the vessel. We reserve the right to recall the vessel if it is being operated improperly or unsafely; we will retain all moneys paid as liquidated damages. If your boat has been broken by a previous renter and it is not available to your group at the reserved time, our damages to you will be limited to a full refund of your fare and deposit. The captain will be required to sign a rental contract upon arrival, and the captain must be over 25 to sign for and operate the vessel.

CANCELLATIONS
We have a relatively short season on Lake Roosevelt, so please be sure you are commited to your vacation before you send in that first payment Six (6) months prior.

Cancellation of the reservation Five (5) Days from the signing date will result in forfeiture of your $500.00 Reservation Deposit as liquidated damages.

Submission of the First Payment (50%) is required Six (6) Calendar Months prior to the start date of your vacation. Cancellation of the trip after this date will result in forfeiture of the First Payment and the Reservation Deposit.

Submission of the Second Payment (50%) is required Four (4) Calendar Months prior to the start date of your vacation. Cancellation of the trip after this date will result in forfeiture of the First Payment, the Second Payment.

METHOD OF PAYMENT
Checks only. Reservations made less than two months prior to the trip must be paid for with a cashier's check.

PETS
Your pets would be safer at home and for the convenience of other renters, we do not allow any onboard.
SORRY - NO EXCEPTIONS