Houseboating: What to bring on your houseboat trip

Whether you're the one in-charge of putting your houseboat trip together, or are just lucky enough to be a guest, here are some good ideas of what to bring and maybe what to leave at home - so you can make the most of your trip to the lake.

Of course your list is going to vary depending on which lake you visit and what time of the year. Are you a fisherman or a sun worshiper? A great barbeque chef or maybe someone that loves photography. Houseboats offer ample storage for most all of your favorite "gear". The fully equipped kitchens, family-sized refrigerators and extra coolers on board let you pack with little restriction.

Pack it in. Pack it out.
To start, it's good to remember that you'll be packing everything to your houseboat and back again. Sure, you'll be taking advantage of Forever Resorts' porters and/or wheeled carts to load and unload - but packing light will have it's merits come the last day when it's time to head home.

Paper or Plastic?
When packing food and beverages, it's a good idea to consider minimal packaging whenever possible. The less waste you generate on board, the less you'll need to deal with after your trip. Every marina offers convenient recycling stations - be sure to take advantage of them. It's also a good idea to avoid glass containers, particularly in items that will be discarded. Try to select non-breakable packaging for your houseboat trip.

Houseboat Gear: Top 10 Items

Sunscreen / Suntan Lotion / Tanning Oil - depending on your degree of sun worship

Fishing Gear - even for the non-fisherman (fishing licenses are available at the marina stores)

Binoculars - lower power is actually better on a houseboat. Too much zoom is hard to use on a boat and in low light.

Digital Camera or Camcorder - a vacation this great needs proof. Don't forget the charger!

Favorite Beverage - eveyone has their favorite, particularly on vacation. Get out the calculator and figure how much to bring along with you ;)

Ice - see above item (ice is available at all marina stores at competitive prices - no need to haul tons of extra ice from home)

Marshmallow Forks - beats hunting for long sticks (or maybe not) for roasting marshmallows

Hiking Boots or Shoes - there's so much to discover along the shores at every lake

Eyeglass or cap floaties - attach a little float to your sunglasses / eyeglasses / cap / hat and prevent them from going permanently overboard

Plan Frozen Items
Veteran houseboaters know a few tricks to extend their cold storage and ice supplies - particularly in mid-summer. If you pack frozen items that are to be used a few days into the trip - you can keep them tightly sealed in a packed ice chest (maybe even with a bit of wrapped dry ice) and they will be ready to thaw later in your trip. This saves refrigerator room for more commonly used items.

Send us your favorite tips!
Have a favorite houseboating tip you'd like to share? Send it to us at Forever Resorts and we'll share it with others.

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Learn from houseboat and marina veterans from an ever-expanding library of boating topics and tips. Read up on the basics of houseboat operation, as well as vacation planning

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