Off-season houseboating makes for a relaxing vacation

Across the country, the popularity of houseboating continues to increase. Southern Nevada boasts easy access to houseboating hot spots on four desert lakes that enjoy long boating seasons. Closest to us lie Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, while Lake Havasu and Lake Powell lie a few hours' drive distant.

Houseboat vacationing appeals to those who like exploring shorelines and experiencing water-based activities and adventures from the comfort of a well-appointed, air-conditioned luxury condo that floats. Houseboats accommodate groups of various sizes, depending on the size of the boat. Rental houseboats range from slightly longer than a travel trailer to 80-foot behemoths.

Just pack up your family or group of friends, their personal gear, food and beverages enough for your stay aboard. Bring games, cards, reading material, music and videos for entertainment off the water and at night. The houseboat comes equipped with just about everything else. When you reserve, ask about amenities available, such as a barbecue, swimming slide from the deck or onboard docking for personal watercraft, your own or rentals.

During the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, houseboat renters pay hundreds of dollars more than those who can vacation from early September through mid-May, with the exception of spring break, when demand is high. For instance, rental for a fairly basic 43-foot boat from Echo Bay on Lake Mead for three days and two nights in the off-season goes for about $750. During the peak season for the same boat, the cost would be nearly $1,350.

Check houseboating Web sites, which often offer specials for significant savings before reserving. You also might enjoy savings as a travel club member. First-time house boaters should start out with a short-term rental to find out if they like this style of vacationing before committing to a longer period.

For many, the best part of houseboating is getting to be captain, for vacationers pilot their own vessels with instruction from marina attendants and directions on video. Any adult who can drive can master the controls of one of these shallow-craft boats. Pay particular attention to operation of the communications system that connects the boat to marina staff. Since the majority of people who rent houseboats return year after year, there must be those who come back just so they can be skipper again.

Lake Mead's wide expanses and 550 miles of shoreline continue to attract houseboaters, despite lower lake levels because of several years of drought. National Park Service concessionaires operate from three marinas on Lake Mead. Forever Resorts rents houseboats at Callville Bay and Temple Bar, while Seven Crown Resorts operates a houseboat fleet at Echo Bay. Check out these companies on the Web or call Forever Resorts at (800) 255-5561 or Seven Crown Resorts at (800) 752-9669.

Although smaller, Lake Mohave's scenic 237 miles of shoreline attracts plenty of houseboaters. Seven Crown Resorts operates from Katherine Landing in Arizona near Davis Dam, while Forever Resorts maintains houseboats at Cottonwood Cove, accessed from U.S. 95 at Searchlight.

On beautiful Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border, Forever Resorts operates out of the marina at Antelope Point. A mecca for houseboaters, Lake Powell's startling scenery includes 2,000 miles of shoreline, including at least 90 colorful drowned canyons and the majestic natural arch at Rainbow Bridge National Monument, accessible only from the water. Hundreds of private houseboat owners dock their boats at Lake Powell marinas, using them as vacation homes.

Lake Havasu on the Arizona-California border lies 155 miles south of Hoover Dam. The dramatic 450-mile shoreline encompasses lake, river and wetland wildlife refuges. Rental houseboats abound on the lake, available from different outfitters, including some 75- and 85-foot giants. Investigate the possibilities online at www.houseboating.org or www.lakehavasuhouseboat rentals.com. Reserve online or call (888) 454-8825, (866) 875-8456 or (800) 843-9218.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears Sundays.