FAQ

These items are supplied on the Houseboat:

OUTSIDE EQUIPMENT 

• 1 Propane Barbecue 
• 2 75-Foot Beaching Ropes
• 1 Large Garbage Container 
• 1 Large Bottle/Can Recycle Bin
• 2 Beaching Stakes & Hammer
• 1 Swim Ladder & Swim Grid 
• 1 Deck Mop 
• 1 Waterslide 

INTERIOR 

• 1 Bluetooth Speaker 
• 1 Cruise Map/Chart 
• 1 Operator’s Manual (Some Models Have TV/DVD) 

BATHROOM 

• 1 Garbage Container 
• 1 Toilet Brush 
• Toilet Tissue 

KITCHEN 

• Microwave
• 1 Dish Rack 
• 1 Measuring Cup 
• 1 Set Cutlery 
• 1 Set of Dishes (bowls, plates, etc.)
• 1 Set of Glasses and Mugs
• Juice Container
• 1 Paring Knife 
• 1 Peeler 
• 1 Can Opener 
• 1 Coffee Pot (Drip) Coffee Filters 
• 1 Corkscrew 
• 1 Teapot 
• 1 Set Mixing Bowls (3) 
• 1 Each Carving Knife & Fork
• 1 Toaster 
• 1 Serving Spoon 
• 1 Set of Pots (3) 
• 2 Fry Pans (1 Cast Iron) 
• 1 Tea Kettle 
• 1 Egg Flipper 
• 1 Bottle Opener 
• 1 Ladle 
• 1 Kitchen Garbage Can
• 1 Roaster 
• 1 Ash Tray 
• 1 Cutting Board 
• 1 Plastic Colander Matches 
• 1 Broom & Dustpan  

CLEANING KIT 

• Windex Dish Soap
• 2 SOS Pads 
• 2 Recycling Bags 
• 2 Garbage Bags 
• 2 Dish Clothes 
• 2 Tea Towels 
• 2 Potholders 

SAFETY EQUIPMENT 

• 10-22 approved adult life jackets (EMERGENCY USE ONLY) 
• 3 Fire extinguishers (1-front deck, 1-back deck & 1 inside) 
• 1 Life ring & rope 
• 1 First Aid Kit (EMERGENCY USE ONLY) If seal is broken & for sanitary reasons, you purchase for $30.00 VHF Radio. 
• 40 liters of potable water and a hand pump are placed on your boat prior to departure. 

MUST BRING ITEMS: 

• Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows or sleeping bags & pillows)
• Bath and Hand Towels 
• Face Cloths 
• Dish Towels 
• Food & Beverages (including spices & condiments)
• Beach/deck chairs

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING: 

Binoculars, camera, paper towels, water toys (and air pump), suntan lotion, insect repellent, flashlight, first aid kit (there is one on board however if opened, due to sterility issues, you have purchased it), axe, games, and cards.

HOUSEKEEPING

We supply cleaning supplies and dish liquid at no charge. Your garbage and septic removal is covered in the cost of your charter. Please note that an additional cleaning charge up to $500.00 may apply in the event the boat is excessively unclean.

PRACTICAL PACKING SUGGESTIONS 

You pack once, put half of it back, and then pack again. Use duffel bags or any soft-sided luggage – it is easier to stow away under a bunk or in a closet. We suggest that you store any boxes or hard suitcases in your car so you can keep living space free and uncluttered on board the boat. You may need a windbreaker and raincoat. Always wear soft rubber soled shoes on a boat for safety purposes. 

Below are some links to our Blog Posts on how to pack and plan for your houseboat vacation.

The Ultimate Houseboat Vacation Packing Guide!

Meal Planning for your Houseboat Vacation

7 Must Bring Items for Your Houseboat Trip

Should you and your group need to cancel, please read the following cancellation policy:

All cancellations MUST be in writing. If you cancel withing 7 days of booking you receive a full refund (no cancellation fee) unless it is less than 90 days before your charter, in that case the following applies:

• 90 Days prior to Charter: Full Refund less $100 Cancellation Fee.
• 89-60 Days prior to Charter: $500 charge will be retained.
• 59-0 Days prior to Charter: Full Reservation fees and/or all sums paid will be retained; however, If you are unable to travel due to Covid or a family emergency we will work with you to find a solution that works. We pride ourselves on treating people and their situations with the utmost respect and fairness. Solutions may include a deferral, refund, and/or transferable credit(s).

No, we do not require proof of vaccination. We have many safety protocols in place.

There may be extra cleaning costs if the boat is left in poor confition. Also additional costs associated with any damage to the houseboat, inventory or prop.

We accept Visa and MasterCard for online reservations.

You can return to the dock to pick up your guests, please notify us ahead of time so we can make adequate space for you. This will need to happen early enough so you are not traveling in the dark.

Alternatively, we offer a Water Taxi service. This must be arranged at least hours in advance. We charge $40/half hour starting from the time our employee leaves the marina to the time they return back. Again, this must happen before it is dark.

We require one lump sum payment. In certain circumstances we can accept multiple payments from different parties ; however, this will involve an extra administrative fee.

No, you may use any driftwood found along the beaches of Lake Koocanusa. We suggest an axe, matches and paper for starting your fire.

Please always monitor for Fire Bans, in the event of a ban we suggest bringing propane fire pits (if permitted). 

At this time it is not a requirement in BC, however, we do not discourage anyone from obtaining one. Presently BC requires that you must have Proof of Competency. When you arrive at our marina, our trained staff will have an orientation session with you that will allow you to operate the houseboat and other watercrafts with ease.

If you are a novice and require extra training from our staff, we do charge for a more in depth orientation course ($70).

We require that the person(s) operating the houseboats or water crafts must be at the age of majority. In BC this is 19 years of age.

Our houseboats are Pet Friendly! Maximum 2 pets per houseboat, $100 per pet.

$25 per pet for small boat rentals. We do not allow pets on the Catalina Funship or the Nautique Surf Boat.

Fishing on Lake Koocanusa is an enjoyable experience for the whole family. We do offer a limited supply of tackle in our Driftwood store while supplies last.

Fishing licenses can be purchased online here.

The acitivies are endless and include swimming, fishing, hiking, picnics, bon fires, biking, cliff diving and enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Koocanusa and our local wildlife. We also have water craft rentals so you may enjoy a day of fun on a sea doo, water skiing, wake-boarding or tubing.

No, you may set sail immediately after you have attended our brief orientation as long as you have enough time to moor your houseboat before sunset.

Yes, we have Canadian towers that will give you service. Please note that travelling too far south of our marina means you may pick up on the USA towers which would result in a chargeable fee for International calls. We suggest that you turn off your roaming option on your cell phone to avoid these charges.

No, it is not legal to cross the border. You will be instructed on all of the details upon orientation.

Adjacent to our property is Gold Creek Bay Campground, Our rate is $14 per night, per vehicle, unless you have an RV and are towing a commuter vehicle. There is sani-dump and pottable water availability for an added fee, please inquired with us.

We also have annual sites (Upland Campsite), we are currently full. If you are interested in being added to our waitlist please email charter@sunshinehouseboats.com and include your phone number and size of your unit.

There are a variety of other sites on the lake: Englishman, Sandy Shores, Koocanusa Campsite and Marina, Kikomun Creek to name a few.

There is not Wifi on the houseboats.

Our houseboats do not have Air Conditioning. On extreem heat days we suggest jumping in the lake regularly to cool off and drinking lots of water is key. The gentle breeze off the water at night allows for comfortable sleeping.

No, we do not have beach access. We highly recommend Sandy Shores, which is a quick 10 minute drive down the road from us.

http://www.newgatesandyshores.com/