PLANNING YOUR HOUSEBOAT ADVENTURE
Since Dakota Columbia's houseboats usually depart with several couples or three families, I 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 Store is well stocked and the prices can't be beat.

Click here for a list of things to bring.

PACKING
I 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
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.

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 Six (6) Weeks 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

What is the fuel consumption on the boats?
The houseboat has one 140 hp Volvo Penta inboard/outboard engine that burns three to four gallons per hour. Each houseboat also includes a generator to power the party. Typically, it needs to run for about four hours per day to keep the batteries charged. When running, the generator burns one gallon per hour.
Because these boats have a single motor, they are very economical to operate. Our customers find beautiful beaches as soon as they leave 7 Bays, so you needn't travel far if fuel cost is an issue.

What is the average fuel cost for a vacation?
The amount of gas used on a trip is hard to average, because it depends entirely on how much a group water skis or jet skis and, of course, how far you travel with the houseboat. Newcomers want to see all that they can, whereas repeat customers usually go to their favorite beach, park and hang out for days.

Is there fresh water on board?
Yes, 105 gallons. There is a common misconception that this is your shower and dishwashing water. The 105 gallons available is strictly for your consumption.

Do you need experience or a license to drive these big boats?
Absolutely not! During your pre-departure briefing, one of Dakota Columbia's experienced staff will walk you through everything regarding the lake and the operation of your houseboat. Once the briefing concludes, our staff will drive the boat out into open water offering tips along the way, teach you how to beach the boat properly and happily send you off for your vacation. On the last day, you will use the boat's marine radio to call "Dakota Operations". At that time, someone will come out of the marina to pilot the boat to shore. This eliminates any stress of having to operate the boat in tight spaces.

What's your favorite destination on the lake?
I am frequently asked this question and for me, I guess it depends on what I'm looking for on any given day. For sheer awe-inspiring beauty, you must take an evening drift through Hawk Creek Canyon. To watch the sunset, it's Halverson Canyon with our favorite bottle of wine. For fall bear watching, I like the beach directly across from 7 Bays Marina on the Colville Reservation. There are special maps aboard our houseboats calling out great suggestions for folks who have never been out before.

What's the difference between the Nova and Galaxy Class?
The Nova is two feet longer than the Galaxy in the forward salon creating a different furniture configuration. The staterooms for each boat are the same, but the Nova has central air conditioning throughout the boat while the Galaxy offers air conditioning to the living room only. The Nova is equipped with 36" Flat-screen satellite TV whereas the Galaxy does not include satellite.

What is the best time of year?
What are you looking for? Do you want to save money? Come in early July or the end of August. The weather is great! Do you like 105 degrees? Come during the middle to end of July or early August. Don't like crowds? Think about our value season. The busiest time on the lake is the 4th of July, which is great for some. Even at its most hectic, Roosevelt is such a huge body of water that you'll still have plenty of elbowroom. Lake Roosevelt offers whatever you are looking for, all you have to do is decide and go for it.