A. 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. Please visit http://twinanchors.com/vacations/ourboats.htm to choose a model and view the rates.

A. 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 models. 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

A.All you require is a deposit of $500 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.

A.Your costs are minimal. You pay for the gas you use during your vacation, septic pump out and daily insurance during your trip. Your gas costs will vary depending on upon how far you travel, generator usage, as well as use of the remote fueling station. Septic pump-out fee is $15.

with BUY-DOWN
without BUY-DOWN
CruiseCraft I/II $2500 $5000
CruiseCraft III $4000 $8000
CruiseCraft IV $4500 $9000
CruiseCraft V $6000 $12000

You have two options for insurance.

1. Insurance Buy-Down: A $28/day insurance buy-down will reduce the amount of security deposit required from $5000 to $2000 on our CruiseCraft III/IVmodels and from $3500 to $1500 on CruiseCraft II/I. If the insurance buy-down is not purchased, we require the applicable security deposit to be placed on a credit card.

2. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit is required for all boats. Refer to the boat you wish to rent for specific amounts. This deposit is refundable upon return less any of the following: any outstanding charges including lost or damaged items, late returns, excessively unclean boats, or damage resulting from negligent operation or activity on the houseboat. Deposit must be placed on a credit card. CASH OR PERSONAL CHEQUES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

A. What are my payment options?

OPTION A: Pay the balance (less deposit) 120 days prior to departure and receive a 5% discount off your charter fee.

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).

We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, INTERAC or CASH!

A. 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

A. 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.

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

A. Each situation is unique and we request that you discuss your pet's needs directly with our reservations staff. Please call 1-800-663-4026.

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

A. 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.

A. 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.

A. We will call a water taxi service to taxi you out on the lake. You will be charged by the taxi company. We recommend any guests arriving after 5PM take advantage of the taxi service. Leaving our dock later than 5PM will not allow you enough time to get to the nearest marine park for the night.

A. Your boat is equipped with a VHF Radio to link your houseboat to our base at all times. This radio is monitored 24 hours a day. So no matter what time of day or night you require our assistance we will have staff standing by for you.

A. 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.

A. 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.

A. The provincial government does charge for park usage but Twin Anchors Houseboats purchases a fleet package so all our boats can use the provincial parks at no charge to you, the guest.