☰
I have never been on Lake Mead. Are there houseboats to rent, and what details might I need to know?
Houseboating is a great idea for a few days of family fun on the water. And Lake Mead is large enough for a grand adventure: Its 550 miles of shoreline offer everything from sandy beaches to sheer cliffs. Your houseboat is a floating campsite (without the dirt). From its deck, you can swim, fish, explore, and relax.
The Resort at Callville Bay that rents houseboats on Lake Mead; you can also rent houseboats at Cottonwood Cove on the Colorado River south of the lake. Its fleet of boats includes six sizes from 50 to 75 feet long and sleep from six to 15 (though Coast Guard regulations disallow more than 12 passengers while the boat’s in motion).
They're outfitted with canopy tops, full-size bathrooms (shower/tub combo), full kitchens with all appliances, pots, dishes, utensils, air conditioners, gas barbecues, wet bars, deck chairs for the large sun decks, and a variety of sleeping arrangements, from bunk beds to queens, including linens and towels. Some have waterslides. Just bring your bathing suit and food and the rest is, essentially, provided.
The houseboats are powered by outboard or inboard/outboard motors, depending on the model. They're easily navigable and no previous experience is necessary to rent them. You can watch videos on boater safety, starting the engines, rules of the road, and emergency procedures at callvillebay.com.
You might need a Nevada Boater Education Certification Card (if you’re 35 or younger, you will). You can read the requirements at boaterexam.com.
Depending on how far afield you putter, you can use a fair amount of gasoline and oil, up to eight gallons of gas per hour of operation, plus another couple gallons per hour to operate the generator, plus three-four gallons of oil for each 200 gallons of gasoline used.
Boaters insurance is another wrinkle to consider. Unlike car rentals, houseboat rentals are generally not covered by homeowners or umbrella policies. You can purchase short-term boater's insurance from your insurance agency or from Boater's Insurance Agency; you can also buy a damage waiver, which insures the houseboat, though doesn't provide liability coverage for you or your passengers.
There’s a three-night minimum for the houseboats. In the spring and fall off seasons, prices start at $1,995 for three nights and go up to $3,822 for seven nights. During the summer, it’s $2,100-$3,822.
For the 13 sleeper in the off season: $7,110-$13,622. There’s a seven-night minimum during summer.