HOUSEBOATING FAQs

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HOUSEBOATING FAQs2019-05-04T14:35:48+00:00

HOUSEBOATING FAQs

What is your cancellation and refund policy for COVID-19?2020-11-30T21:06:38+00:00

Guests who choose to book a vacation trip during a known pandemic, will not be refunded unless the reservation holder has a positive COVID-19 Test with in 14 days of their vacation and have purchased the Medical Cancellation Policy.

How long does it take to check-in?2019-05-04T14:33:25+00:00

The whole check-in process can take up to 4-5 hours. This includes office paperwork, then once the boat is ready and assigned to you, Orientation and loading your belongings.

Do the houseboats come with bedding?2019-05-04T14:32:46+00:00

No, please bring your bedding and towels from home.

Can I bring my own stereo and speaker system?2019-05-04T14:32:03+00:00

No, each boat has a stereo system on board. Please bring an aux cord with you to connect any iPods or phones to the stereo.

Are there fees to stay in Marine Parks?2020-01-21T20:48:02+00:00

The provincial government does charge for park usage.  The following fees are applied per houseboat model:

  • Cruiser: $75
  • CC1, CC2, CC4:  $150
  • CC3, CC5, CC6: $200
  • Genesis 60 & Genesis 75: $200
Do cell phones work on the lake?2019-05-04T14:30:26+00:00

Some work quite well, others not very well at all or only at specific locations. You should still give family and friends our office number (250) 836-2450), as this will be your best way of ensuring their messages reach you. If necessary we will advise you where the nearest telephone is to you so you can speak to the caller in person.

Can people contact us on the houseboat?2019-05-04T14:29:50+00:00

Yes, just make sure your family has our office phone number (250) 836-2450, and we will relay any messages to you via your V.H.F. radio. However, you must be monitoring your radio to receive the message. We require all guests fill out a Boat Manifest prior to leaving dock. This manifest ensures that we know which boat every guest is on in the event of a family emergency.

What happens in a medical emergency?2019-08-21T15:58:24+00:00

In the event of a medical emergency, call 911.  There is a rescue boat on the lake, they will come get you.  If you can’t reach 911 by your cell, call us via radio. Cell phones do not work on all areas of the lake.

Can friends join us during our trip?2019-08-21T15:59:17+00:00

Friends can join you in the middle of your trip.  You will need to call a water taxi.  We suggest using Sea Dog Boat Rentals as they leave from our dock.  Their number is 250-836-4567.  Or the houseboat can return to Old Town Marina to pick up guests.

Where do we stay at night?2019-05-04T14:27:30+00:00

Before dark you must “beach” your houseboat – houseboats cannot be safely secured in the middle of the lake as it is too deep – and we don’t provide anchors! You will be instructed on how to do this during your Captain’s Orientation. There are over 30 marine parks to choose from on the Shuswap Lake system.

How fast do houseboats travel?2019-05-04T14:26:37+00:00

Your houseboat will travel up to 6 knots or 7 miles an hour. We do recommend a specific travel speed to allow you to achieve the best fuel consumption. For example the average cruising time from Sicamous to Cinnemousun Narrows is 3 hours.

Are there age restrictions?2019-05-04T14:25:57+00:00

The ‘Captain’ of the houseboat must hold a valid driver’s licence and be at least 19 years old.

Can we bring pets with us?2019-08-21T15:59:56+00:00

We are dog and cat friendly.  There is a fee of $50 for a small pet and $75 for a large pet.  Both are subject to tax.  These fees are a 1 time fee for the duration of your trip.

What is the return time?2019-05-04T14:25:02+00:00

Return times are on an assigned basis between 8AM and 10AM on your final day.

What is the Captain’s Orientation?2019-05-04T14:24:25+00:00

The Captain’s Orientation covers all the operating systems of the houseboat. We also include a video onboard that you may review at any time, along with an Operating Manual specific to the boat you have chartered.

Who can drive the houseboat?2019-05-04T14:23:18+00:00

Anyone over the age of 19 can drive the houseboat provided that they have completed the Captain’s Orientation and hold a valid driver’s license.

What are my payment options?2019-05-04T14:22:13+00:00

OPTION A: Pay the balance (less deposit) 120 days prior to departure.

OPTION B: Pay the balance (less deposit) in 4 equal monthly installments starting 120 days prior to departure. (120 days / 90 days / 60 days / 30 days) for an additional 5% administration fee.

We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, INTERAC or CASH! For more detailed information, please view our Policies page.

What are the extra costs?2023-01-18T23:49:12+00:00

Your costs are minimal. You pay for the gas you use during your vacation, marine park fees, septic pump out and daily insurance during your trip. Your fuel costs will vary depending on upon how far you travel, cruising rpm, generator usage as well as the use of the remote fuelling station. We suggest budgeting around $200 a night in fuel for our smaller boats, $300 a night for our larger boats. These numbers are estimates and for the majority trips is on the high side, the final fuel cost is calculated at the end of the vacation when boat is fuelled up. *Fuel price on the water varies throughout the season*

Septic pump-out fee is $30. Marine park fees are charged per boat type.

Damage Deposit: Payment of $28/day will reduce the amount of security deposit required. If the payment is not made, we require the applicable damage deposit to be placed on a credit card as indicated:

Security Deposit w/buydown w/o buydown
Cruiser $2,500 $5,000
CC 1/2 $2,500 $5,000
CC 3 $4,000 $8,000
CC 4 $4,500 $9,000
CC 5/6 $6,000 $12,000

Security Deposit: The security deposit will be applied to any outstanding charges including but not limited to lost or damaged items, late returns, excessively unclean boats, or any damages. Deposit must be placed on the Captain’s credit card. CASH OR PERSONAL CHEQUES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

Is a deposit required when booking?2023-02-15T20:05:58+00:00

Yes. All you require is a deposit of $500 (Cruiser, Mirage 42, CruiseCraft 1, 2, 3 and 4; Genesis 60, 70 & 75); the CruiseCraft 5 and 6; and the Legacy 94 require a deposit of $1500 to confirm your reservation. Your deposit will be applied to your charter fee and is required 10 days after making your reservation. Your deposit can be paid over the phone by approved credit card or you may mail a money order.

How far in advance should I book?2019-05-04T14:21:13+00:00

We recommend you reserve your houseboat 6 months to a year in advance, but we can usually accommodate most requests, as long as you have some flexibility in dates and houseboat types. It’s also always worthwhile calling us even on short notice (1-800-663-4026), as we occasionally get cancellations. If you are requiring very specific dates for your vacation, we highly recommend that you book 12 months in advance. Check out our online booking for to view immediate availability.

What will a houseboat vacation cost?2019-05-04T14:13:00+00:00

Houseboat vacations with Twin Anchors are based on the size of the boat, features, the number of people it can accommodate, the season you choose to vacation in and how many nights you would like to spend on Shuswap Lake. Choose the houseboat type that fits your needs and view the rates.

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Working on the lake is definitely hard to beat!⚓️⚓️ Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations has multiple open positions for its upcoming season!🏖Help our team provide excellent service and experience for our houseboat guests well living a mountain/lake lifestyle!⛰️
Who wouldn’t want to work out on the lake at beautiful Old Town Bay Marina!

Visit twinanchors.com/employment to see what job opportunities await in Sicamous BC, on Shuswap Lake!🌅
... See MoreSee Less

Working on the lake is definitely hard to beat!⚓️⚓️ Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations has multiple open positions for its upcoming season!🏖Help our team provide excellent service and experience for our houseboat guests well living a mountain/lake lifestyle!⛰️
Who wouldn’t want to work out on the lake at beautiful Old Town Bay Marina! 

Visit twinanchors.com/employment to see what job opportunities await in Sicamous BC, on Shuswap Lake!🌅

Warm weather is coming soon!!🏖 Shuswap Lake has the views and adventures you are wanting this spring or summer, all aboard your Twin Anchors Houseboat!

You don’t want to miss out on booking your bucket list houseboat experience!⚓️⚓️ With boats sleeping 2-28 people there is a boat for every budget and group size!☀️

Visit Twinanchors.com to experience houseboating today!⏳
... See MoreSee Less

Warm weather is coming soon!!🏖 Shuswap Lake has the views and adventures you are wanting this spring or summer, all aboard your Twin Anchors Houseboat! 

You don’t want to miss out on booking your bucket list houseboat experience!⚓️⚓️  With boats sleeping 2-28 people there is a boat for every budget and group size!☀️ 

Visit Twinanchors.com to experience houseboating today!⏳

Comment on Facebook

Great trip!!!

Is there fishing allowed

See u in Aug Twin Anchors. Can't wait.

Erin Roy

Lionel P C Poirier Jr.

Hunter Chesney Hudson Chesney Corey Chesney

Cost?

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We will be at the Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen's Show, March 16th-19th👍🎉

Come stop by our booth for our SHOW SPECIALS🤩, information, pricing, and everything you need to know about a Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations on Shuswap Lake🏖

Bookings at the show get show special discount and no deposit is required!✔️

With 12 styles of houseboats to choose from for any budget, sleeping 2-28 people for any size crew, and 1000km of shoreline to explore, so….

⚓️Plan your trip at Twinanchors.com⚓️
... See MoreSee Less

We will be at the Edmonton Boat & Sportsmens Show, March 16th-19th👍🎉

Come stop by our booth for our SHOW SPECIALS🤩, information, pricing, and everything you need to know about a Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations on Shuswap Lake🏖

Bookings at the show get show special discount and no deposit is required!✔️

With 12 styles of houseboats to choose from for any budget, sleeping 2-28 people for any size crew, and 1000km of shoreline to explore, so….                     

⚓️Plan your trip at Twinanchors.com⚓️

Comment on Facebook

Been on their boat they are amazing loved it

See you there

Lisa Martin Toby Martin Darcy Chipchura Melanie Chipchura should do this come summer!!!

Will you have a houseboat there ?

Jessie Potter

Tyne Dugger Amy Marie Kassy Rose Kendyl Johanna 🛥️

Jonathan Mercier je crois que je t’ai parlé de ca la semaine dernière

Have a great show

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Bring the family, the friends, and don’t leave the pets at home!🐶🏖We do allow pets on the houseboats! So why, would you leave them at home!🐾

If you have brought a pet on a Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations comment, tag or message us your photos!⚓️⚓️

It’s time to start getting excited/plan for the 2023 houseboating season!☀️

What the Woof Pet Supplies
Sea-Dog Boat Sales And Service
Seadog Fishing Charters
Bulldog Boat Rentals
... See MoreSee Less

Bring the family, the friends, and don’t leave the pets at home!🐶🏖We do allow pets on the houseboats! So why, would you leave them at home!🐾 

If you have brought a pet on a Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations comment, tag or message us your photos!⚓️⚓️

It’s time to start getting excited/plan for the 2023 houseboating season!☀️

What the Woof Pet Supplies
Sea-Dog Boat Sales And Service
Seadog Fishing Charters
Bulldog Boat Rentals

We still have sailings available for the 2023 sailing season!⏳ Come explore Shuswap Lake with Twin Anchors this spring, summer or fall!⚓️ If you haven’t started to plan your vacation head to twinanchors.com to find the perfect houseboat trip!🏖

Can’t go in 2023! Our 2024 sailing schedule is now open for booking! Book your houseboat adventure early to save, get the dates and boat style you want!⚓️⚓️
... See MoreSee Less

We still have sailings available for the 2023 sailing season!⏳ Come explore Shuswap Lake with Twin Anchors this spring, summer or fall!⚓️ If you haven’t started to plan your vacation head to twinanchors.com to find the perfect houseboat trip!🏖

Can’t go in 2023! Our 2024 sailing schedule is now open for booking! Book your houseboat adventure early to save, get the dates and boat style you want!⚓️⚓️

Comment on Facebook

Do you need a boating licence?or if its a day thing ,do you provide a capitan?

Where do you find the rates and availability?

I used to work for portside. But you guys have hot tubs in your lol

How much for a night😜

How much ?

Stoked to go in may this will be my second time. Got the big boat this time lol

My family and I have been on houseboats by Twin Anchor in Lake Schswap, BC, Canada. It’s beautiful and you can catch dinner.. great to experience.. we hope to get back again..

Any for July? Robert Malloy

So excited! See you in August!

Great outfit .

Tg Chowace we should go this summer for sure.

Stacie Mulgrew another family reunion 30 years Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations in the making

anyone want to take me on one? lol

See you in September ♥️

Love it !!!!!!

House boat?

Kayla Fraser one day we will go again! ❤️❤️

Any time you have a boat available and want to rent it out, let me know. I would love to go again with just my wife.

Julia Wichihin these are the ones I was telling you about 🥰

Suzy Pike-Harder we should look into this for 2024

Rebecca Pott sept ?

Nice. We should rent a couple of them

Shelly Close

Leanne van den Bosch

Richard Cadotte

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