Things to Bring on a Houseboat Vacation

Know what's provided. You probably won't need to bring your flyswatter or toilet paper, but you will need to bring you own bedding. Don't make any assumptions. Ask if you have any questions about what the rental company does and does not provide, ask.

Think through what you'll be doing and what you'll need to do it and make a list. Check with each person who's going along to see what they might want to bring. These are some of the things everyone will need:

• Towels: Bath towels, hand towel for bathroom
• Bath mat
• Bathroom air freshener
• Bath soap
• Sheets and blankets for the beds or sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Earplugs (to block noise for a better sleep)
• Games, cards, books
• Slippers to wear inside or warm socks (in cooler weather)
• Paper and pens, so you can leave each other notes
• Binoculars
• When you go on shore, you'll pick up a lot of mud on your feet that's easy to track inside. Bring a doormat or an extra pair of shoes to wear inside.
• Bring a cell phone, or even better two phones that use different service providers. They'll come in especially handy if you forget something or get in trouble.
• If you own them, walkie-talkies can be very handy when trying to maneuver or anchor.
• The on-board refrigerator runs on propane and has only eight cubic feet of capacity. If you're taking a lot of food, you'll need ice for the auxiliary ice chest.
• Butane match (the kind you might use to light a barbecue), cigarette lighter or kitchen matches
• Wood for a bonfire.

Clothing you might not think of:

• Waterproof fanny pack for your wallet
• Warm clothing for the evening. It can get quite cool on the lake any time of year
• Water shoes that are also suitable for light hiking. Closed-toed ones are better than sandals.

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