HOUSEBOATING 101
YOUR ARRIVAL
You will be greeted by our friendly hosts, who will direct you to parking and initiate check-in procedures. At the registration office necessary information will be provided to the Captain and Co-Captains assuring a safe and enjoyable vacation. Once your boat is available the hosts will arrange to have our complimentary porter service transport your gear to the houseboat. The Captain and Co-Captains will receive an orientation onboard the houseboat. This will take about 45 minutes and before you know it, you will be on your way to experience a classic Twin Anchors adventure.
HOUSEBOAT ORIENTATION
You will learn a lot about the operation of your houseboat in 45 minutes. We recommend you appoint a few first mates and review the “how to” videos (links below) and operation manuals (links below) prior to your arrival at our marinas. The more you know, the more enjoyable your houseboat vacation will be.
- Cruiser Operating Manual
- CruiseCraft 1 Operating Manual
- CruiseCraft 2 Operating Manual
- CruiseCraft 3 Operating Manual
- CruiseCraft 4 Operating Manual
- CruiseCraft 5 Operating Manual – please note, our CruiseCraft 5 houseboats vary slightly from each other, however, basic operation remains the same.
- CruiseCraft 6 Operating Manual – coming soon!
OPERATOR’S LICENSE
A Pleasurecraft Operator’s Licence is not required on rental boats but is recommended. However, you will need one to operate ski boats and personal watercraft. If you own your own boat it is the law for all operators. Twin Anchors requires all captains to be at least 19 years of age and hold valid drivers’ licences.
LESSON ONE
HOUSEBOATING SAFETY
We want everyone to have fun on their houseboat vacation. However, it is important to remember a few things to keep everyone safe. Never drive your boat with swimmers in the water.
LESSON TWO
STARTING THE HOUSEBOAT
The throttle has forward, neutral and reverse. To steer from up top, place the throttle in neutral at the helm, then upstairs, press the control button on the throttle here.
LESSON THREE
NAVIGATING
The throttle has forward, neutral and reverse. To steer from up top, place the throttle in neutral at the helm, then upstairs, press the control button on the throttle here.
LESSON FOUR
BEACHING THE HOUSEBOAT
At night you must beach your houseboat and properly tie it up.
LESSON FIVE
OPERATING THE MARINE RADIO
Channel 1= Boat to Boat
Channel 2 = Boat to Base
Remember – always be polite.
LESSON SIX
HOT TUB OPERATION
Fill. Heat. Drain. Repeat!
LESSON SEVEN
HOUSEBOAT BREAKER PANELS
What do all the switches on these panels do? We’ll show you!
LESSON EIGHT
THE THRONE ROOM
How does the bathroom operate on a houseboat? Keep it simple – and use only the toilet paper provided!
LESSON NINE
THE STEAM SHOWER
Enjoy these beautiful spa-like showers on the CruiseCraft 5 & 6 houseboats!
LESSON TEN
REFUELLING YOUR WATER TOYS
Learn how to refuel your water toys from your onboard fuel station.
