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Trash & Litter Disposal
It is important to emphasize to all members of your party to remember to pack out what you take in. Litter, no matter how small not only detracts from the natural experience of the area, it can adversely affect wildlife. Cans, bottles, even cigarette butts need to be properly disposed of at the receptacles provided at each marina. As a general rule, never dump anything into the lake. It is the boaters’ responsibility to monitor and coach all fellow passengers on this important subject.
People & Pet Waste Disposal
With so many visitors to Lake Roosevelt, when it comes to sewage we must all be careful to observe not only good conservation practices, but the laws as well.
Human and pet waste can only be disposed of at designated marina pumpouts and remote dump stations. NEVER use the beaches and shoreline as a toilet and never dump sewage into the lake, its shoreline or in trash receptacles! Again, with so many visitors, the delicate environment responds far too slowly for decomposition of shoreline waste.
Portable toilets are required for all overnight camping on Lake Roosevelt.
Campfires
Please do not leave fire-rings of blackened stones, ashes, charred wood or debris. It is recommended that you use a fire-pan to contain the debris for easy removal. After your campfire has cooled completely (douse liberally with water to be sure), remove all blackened debris and carefully rake over for smooth site. Also, be sure to pick up any trash around your camp area before leaving. Veteran boaters know to leave the beach in better condition than they found it.
IMPORTANT
A child 13 years old and younger must wear a lifejacket at all times.
Know where your lifejackets are stored. Be sure that you and every member of your crew always have a Personal Flotation Device immediately accessible. Children should only be allowed to remove their life vest when in the closed confines of the houseboat cabin.
Swim Safe
Before swimming near your house- boat – Turn off engines and generator. Allow air to clear.
Carbon Monoxide stays low, near the water and can be deadly.
Propellers may turn even when out of gear and can cause serious injury.
Do not jump or dive from the upper deck or from any railings.
Rocks and branches can be hidden beneath the water’s surface.
You should not swim from an unanchored vessel.
Never swim in the main channel, harbor or any areas with excessive boat traffic.
Do not swim under the houseboat.
Do not use a boarding ramp for a diving board. The unsupported end can bend or break, causing damage or injury.
Always use a slide feet first.
It is important that you know the water depth and check for rocks or underwater hazards.
Refueling Safely
Turn off propane bottles 10 minutes before entering the harbor.
Turn off all electrical breakers.
Shut down the generator, if applicable.
NEVER SMOKE while at the fuel dock, either in or out of your boat.
Close all doors and windows before refueling.
Passengers must stay on board the houseboat while at the fuel dock.
It is important to avoid spills of any kind. Do not prop the lever to the fuel nozzle open and never siphon fuel from the houseboat’s fuel tanks.
Know the location of your Fire Extinguishers and don’t be afraid to use them.
Storage of personal fuel containers is limited to 4 Coast Guard approved containers of 6 gallons each and must be stored on the rear deck only. NOTE: We do not recommend that you store, transport or dispense fuel from containers. Be aware of all ignition sources. The Waiver of Liability may not cover damage resulting from the improper storage, transportation or dispensing of fuel.
For Your Health
Drink only from the Fresh Water faucets on board your houseboat.
Do not drink lakewater. Giardia Lamblia is a tiny protozoan often found in streams and lakes including Lake Roosevelt. It can cause diarrhea, cramps and/ or bloating. These symptoms generally require medical treatment.
To avoid tempting the locals:
Do not leave food in open containers.
Keep all dishes and utensils clean and secure in drawers or cupboards.
Do not leave doors to the houseboat open. Pull in gangplank at night.
By allowing your anchor lines to droop into the water slightly, mice should not be able to climb aboard.
Avoid handling rodent remains, nests, food piles or droppings without first putting on rubber gloves and spraying the waste with Lysol Disinfectant.
DesignateaResponsibleCaptain
The captain of a houseboat must be at least 18 years of age.
IMPORTANT: It is against the law to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol.
Heat, sun and water glare can intensify human reactions to alcohol.
Avoid Driving on Lake Roosevelt at Night
Operating your rental boat after sunset is dangerous and is PROHIBITED, except in case of a medical emergency.
Practice Courteous Boating
Never operate any vessel in an unsafe, reckless or negligent manner.
Wakeless speed is considered less than 1000 RPM’s and does not produce a noticeable wake behind your craft.
All harbors are posted for idle/wakeless speed. You are responsible for any damage or injuries caused by your wake, whether in a marina or on the open lake. Slow down when in a harbor or within 150 feet of another boat, person or shore.
Dealing with Wakes and Waves
Approach a large wake or wave slowly, in gear for maneuverability, and at a 45 degree angle. This will minimize its impact on your vessel.
It is a good idea to close and lock the front cabin doors when encountering large wakes.
Wind can cause rough water and large waves and swells on the lake. It is a good idea to seek shelter in a protected canyon or cove, and wait for calmer waters.
IMPORTANT: Post an observer on the back deck when backing up a houseboat.
Load your boat safely.
Never load or overload your boat in a manner as to decrease its seaworthiness.
Never allow more than the maximum capacity of persons aboard while under way.
Water Sports Safety
Do not tow passengers (skiers, wakeboarders, kneeboarders, etc.) in the main channel, in narrow canyons, or in congested areas.
You must have 3 people to tow someone – driver, skier, and an observer that’s at least 8 years old.
Children 12 and under must wear a lifejacket at all times.
Towed passengers (skiers) must wear a Coast Guard approved life preserver.
Don’t ski in narrow canyons or around blind curves.
Do not ski within 150 feet of another boat, person or shore.
Please be courteous to other boaters camped along beaches and in side bays. Tow skiers a reasonable distance beyond the 150 foot rule.
BUOYS
Green – indicates the far left side of the channel as you travel
Red – indicates the far right side of the channel as you travel
Orange Stripe or Circle
– Information buoys which advise boaters of a wakeless area.
Orange Diamond – indicates an underwater danger (sand bar, rocks, etc.) Never pass between the shoreline and a danger buoy!
GENERAL RULES OF THE WATER
Overtaking / Passing: Boat being passed has the right of way.
Meeting Head On: Keep to the right.
Crossing: Boat on the right has the right of way. Slow down and permit it to pass.
Remember: You must stay at least 150 feet from other boats, including Personal Watercraft, unless you are operating at a wakeless speed.
Loading your Boat
Don’t carry along any unnecessary weight. Excess weight increases fuel consumption and affects handling. Distribute the load evenly. Your vessel should be balanced from side to side, as well as from front to back. Take special care not to overload the front deck.
Know the Weather
Operating in rough water or against strong headwinds may consume a lot of fuel. If you see a squall coming, it’s best to seek a sheltered cove.
More Tips
Keep drinks and snacks in the cooler so that the refrigerator doesn’t need to be opened as frequently. This especially important on boats equipped with 12v or gas refrigerators.
Suggested Items
In case you forgot, pick up these items:
Sunscreen! The summer sun on the water is strong. Make sure you have plenty of waterproof sunscreen. Lots of body lotion/moisturizer.
Small First Aid kit (include some allergy/ aspirin tablets). Personal Care items (small, trial-size items good for this kind of trip and Ivory soap floats!)
Citronella candles. Light around front deck to keep away the flying critters. Insect repellent. Inexpensive dishpan for rinsing your feet to keep sand off your boat.
An old rug or towel to wipe wet feet. Lots of beach towels… Pool Noodles – 5’ long colored foam tubes… great for lounging in the water.
Everyone should have a hat or a visor and sunglasses…even the little guys.
You can never have enough fresh water, soda or juices. Be sure to stock up! You’ll want to bring plenty of snack foods and fresh fruits and veggies. Quick, simple snacks are Lake Roosevelt’s favorites. Don’t forget to bring extra batteries!
Cards or games can make for a fun afternoon or evening with houseboating friends and family. Don’t forget to grab that book you’ve been wanting to read. The beach is a great place for getting away.
Fishing tackle
Beach shoes, sandals or footwear for hiking and exploring.
Knots
To be of practical use afloat, a proper nautical knot must meet three conditions:
It must have a practical purpose. It must be relatively easy to use. Most importantly, you should be able to untie it without resorting to the use of a hatchet.
Glossary
HELPFUL TERMS
ANCHORAGE: a suitable place in which a boat may anchor
BOW: forward part of the boat
CHANNEL 16: a hailing and emergency channel on the VHF marine radio
CLEAT: fitting on a boat or dock on which to secure a line
DECK: the ‘floor’ of a boat
GALLEY: kitchen
HEAD: the toilet or the bathroom on a boat.
PFD: Personal Flotation Device
PORT: left, either the left side of the boat, facing forward, or the direction left.
STARBOARD: right, either the right side of the boat, or the direction right
STERN: back part of the boat
TACHOMETER: an instrument that indicates an engine’s revolutions per minute. Aboard a boat, the tachometer is often monitored as often as a speedometer.
UNDER WAY: a boat not anchored or beached or at a dock, engines are running
WAKELESS: a slow speed that creates no wake (wave) behind the boat.
Parking a Houseboat
AT A DOCK
Approach the dock slowly
A houseboat is a large, heavy vessel that has a lot of momentum. Begin slowing early and use “reverse” as needed to slow the vessel.
Change your direction with small turns of the Steering Wheel
The steering acts slowly due to the size and weight of the boat. Also, with the engines located on the stern (back) of the vessel, you’ll experience a wider tail swing than the bow. Imagine a pivot point in the center of the boat.
Shift into Neutral – Pause
Never shift into gear (forward or reverse) without first pausing at idle speed. Allow the RPM’s to drop in order to avoid gear damage.
Shift into Reverse
Shifting into reverse will cause you to slow. The engines act a braking system.
When backing up, turn the wheel in the opposite direction that you want the bow to go.
AT A BEACH
Select a beach
A wide beach is best in order to place anchors at the appropriate angles.
Avoid very flat beaches, as you are more likely to become stuck. A moderately sloped beach is best.
Approach the beach in the same manner as you would approach a dock and prepare the boat and crew prior to beaching.
Post a watch on the front deck to keep the driver informed about the depth, rocks, etc.
This person should never be outside the railing of the boat and should hold onto something for balance as the boat is beached.
Keep remaining passengers in the cabin to avoid being ‘bow-heavy’ when beaching.
Be sure you will have at least 4 feet of water under the stern for engine clearance.
Once the bow has touched the beach and the boat has stopped, add additional forward power to the engines to secure the houseboat up on the beach.
Parking a Houseboat
AT A BEACH CONTINUED…
Leave engines in gear at an idle speed to hold the boat perpendicular to the beach until anchors are set. The captain should remain at the wheel while the engines are running.
ANCHORING
Anchors must be positioned at 45 degree angles to the houseboat.
NOTE: When the water is on the rise in the spring, it may be necessary to readjust your houseboat everyday and retighten anchor lines. Midsummer through winter, the lake level will drop and you may find yourself high and dry. To avoid this problem, try to avoid a shallow beach or to put the houseboat too far up on any beach.
Hint: Try placing a small rock at the waterline to serve as a gauge on how much the water level changes from day to day.
GETTING OFF THE BEACH
Start the engines.
The captain can use the motors to hold the boat perpendicular to the beach until the anchors and lines have been pulled in.
Untie the ropes
Be certain that the anchor lines don’t get into the turning propellers.
Put the engines in reverse.
Keep the RPM’s low when in reverse. Revving the engines while in reverse can cause damage.
Turn the wheel from side to side.
If the boat does not back freely from the beach, turn the wheel from side to side. This will cause the stern to swing back and forth. Let the swing go for 10-15 feet on either side. This way, you will wiggle the heavy hull off the beach. You may also ask the crew to stand on the back deck, which will lighten the bow where the boat is stuck.
Towing Tips
TOWING OTHER VESSELS
A small boat taken along with your houseboat trip can really enhance your time on Lake Roosevelt. More places are accessible to small boats than houseboats. Plus, you are able to travel farther in less time and therefore use less fuel. If you do use a tag-along, here are a few things to help make towing your boats or PWCs easier.
Do not tie small boats to the side of your houseboat when under way. This can cause extensive damage to both boats.
Use at least 40 foot towline, tying the line to the stern cleat of the houseboat and the bow eye of the small craft.
NEVER use a houseboat railing or the bow cleat on the small boat for towing – they are not strong enough. Have a member of your crew attend the towline when starting or stopping the houseboat.
Use gentle acceleration to get under way and long slowing when stopping are required. This way you will have ample time to tend to the towed craft(s).
NEVER back up your houseboat when towing a small boat.
Periodically check the craft in tow.
Keep clear of towlines. A towline that breaks under tension can recoil violently and cause injury.
NEVER tow a small boat within a harbor area. Have a crew member drive the smaller boat in to a dock.
Emergencies & Accident Reporting
Your houseboat has been equipped with a VHF Marine Band Radio. Use this radio to contact any marina or the National Park Service on Channel 16. Refer to the Marine Radio section of this manual for more information.
You are required to report any damage, personal injury or death immediately to the Boat Rental Office from which you rented your houseboat.
You may also be required by law to report the incident to the National Park Service. Some reporting criteria are:
Loss of life Injury requiring more than first aid Damage to a boat exceeding $500.00 Complete loss of the houseboat or powerboat Disappearance of a person under circumstances that indicate injury or death
You are obligated by law to render assistance to any individual in danger, provided it can be done safely.
10 Basic Rules
1) Do not allow more passengers on your houseboat than is the maximum capacity.
The Coast Guard Maximum capacity is 12 people on all the rental houseboats.
2) Do not operate your houseboat over a wakeless speed while inside of a harbor or within 150 feet of another vessel, people or shore.
Wakes can cause damage to boats that are moored inside of harbor areas. You will be responsible for damage done by the wake your boat creates.
3) Do not operate your boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Boats or Automobiles… most accidents involve the consumption of alcohol. Please designate a non- drinking captain and co-captain.
4) It is illegal to fish without a license.
5) Do not discharge firearms or fireworks while at Lake Roosevelt.
You have entered a National Recreation Area. Weapons brought into the Recreation Area must be broken down, unloaded and stored. Fireworks are illegal.
6) Do not bring water balloon launchers into the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.
Water balloon launchers are considered a weapon and therefore prohibited. They can cause property damage and injury.
7) Do not allow any members of your crew, who are 12 years or younger, outside of the cabin of your houseboat without a life vest.
Do not throw waste of ANY kind into Lake Roosevelt or bury it on shore.
The disposal of trash, garbage, plastics, oil and other items is illegal and prohibited on land or water within the Recreation Area. Facilities are available for the proper disposal of wastes at any marina.
9) Do not use obscene, indecent or profane language on the marine radio.
Conversations are monitored and are subject to FCC regulations. The VHF marine radio’s primary function is to help insure safety of life and property. It is very valuable in terms of convenience and usefulness. Use it, but use it correctly.
10) Do not operate your houseboat in an unsafe, reckless or negligent manner
At no time should you, your boat or its wake endanger any other boat, their occupants or any other people. Remember YOU are responsible for the safe operation of your boat.
Houseboat Safety
This section of your houseboat manual is designed to help you enjoy your visit to Lake Roosevelt by alerting you to proper procedures and to minimize the opportunity for property damage or personal injury.
The rules and regulations contained in this safety section are, in some cases, enforceable laws of the U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Service or State law. Not every enforceable law is included herein.
It is our policy that the boat Charterer/Lessee be 18 years of age or older and that the operator of each vessel be of 18 years of age or older.
It is our policy that operation of the rental boat after dark is PROHIBITED except in case of medical emergencies.
Lifejackets Required
Upon boarding your houseboat, ensure that every person on board knows the location of the lifejackets. Lifejackets must always be readily accessible to everyone. Ensure that you have adequate numbers of Adult and Child sizes of lifejackets on board for the people in your party. Children 12 years of age and under must wear a lifejacket anytime they are on board a boat that is under way, unless they are inside the cabin of a houseboat.
Non-swimmers are also required to wear a lifejacket at all times while on board a boat
that is under way, unless inside the cabin of a houseboat.
Navigational Rules
Overtaking or passing: Boat being passed has the right of way. KEEP CLEAR.
Meeting head on: Keep to the right.
Crossing: Boat on the right has the right-of-way. Slow down and permit the other vessel to pass.
Narrow channels: Boats under way must stay right of the middle of the channel.
Sailboats & Manually Powered Boats: Motorboats under way should yield the right-of-way and stay clear of sailboats and manually-powered boats.
Wakeless Speed Areas
Wakeless speed is required within 150 feet of another boat, dock, launching area, person, swimmer, water skier, angler, or the shoreline.
All marina and harbor areas are designated WAKELESS by regulatory buoys.
You may be personally responsible for any property damage or personal injury resulting from the wake of your boat in a WAKELESS area or situation.
Houseboat Safety
Wakes and Waves
LARGE BOAT WAKES: You may encounter large boat wakes while operating your houseboat. You should cross large wakes at a SLOW speed and at a 45 degree angle. Secure loose items that may fall, roll or shift while crossing large wakes.
Always keep your front gate closed and latched when under way. Shut and lock the sliding glass door before crossing large wakes or waves. Secure loose gear on the decks that may wash overboard. Clear loose items off countertops and close all cabinet doors.
Do not park, anchor or beach your boat adjacent to the main channel. Seek out sheltered areas away from traffic.
You could encounter a large wake even when no other boat is in sight.
Failure to avoid, handle or navigate through or around large wakes and waves may result in loss of control, physical damage, personal injury or being thrown overboard.
Alcohol & Drugs
It is against the law to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If alcohol is being consumed, make sure a responsible driver or pilot remains alcohol free. Heat, sun and water glare intensify human reactions to alcohol. Most serious boating accidents are alcohol or drug related. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reactions and alertness.
The consumption of alcohol or drugs by the operator of your houseboat is PROHIBITED.
Bow Riding
Riding on the houseboat outside of any gates or rails is illegal and hazardous. Keep all gates closed when the houseboat is in motion. Keep all arms and legs within railings.
Falling off of a moving houseboat may result in serious injury or death from impact, contact with propellers or drowning.
Refueling/Propane
Failure to follow refueling procedures may result in fire or explosion.
Turn off all propane at the valves, located on top of each propane tank, 10 minutes before entering any harbor. Turn off all propane appliances and allow to cool at the same time. There must be NO fumes, pilot lights, open flames or hot items on board.
Remove any small boats or personal watercraft being towed prior to approaching the fuel dock. Close all windows, doors and hatches and turn off all electrical circuits prior to refueling.
Once at the fuel dock, turn off engines and generator. Do not smoke at anytime near a fuel dock.
Gasoline and propane vapors are a fire and explosion hazard.
Personal gas cans and/or propane tanks are limited to no more than 4 Coast Guard Approved containers of not more than 6 gallons capacity each. These must only be stored on the rear deck of your houseboat and away from all ignition sources. Never fill containers on the boat. Place containers on dock before filling. Siphoning gasoline is prohibited. Beware: Most boat fires occur either during or after refueling. Stay alert.
Your houseboat has a engine compartment bilge blower, turn it ON at least 4 minutes prior to restarting your below-deck engine each time.
When propane is turned on after leaving the fuel dock, ensure all appliances are initially OFF.
Turn on only 1 propane tank at a time. Keep the propane tank valve closed on spare or empty tanks.
Carbon Monoxide Caution
Carbon Monoxide (“CO”) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. This occurs in all gasoline engines and propane-powered equipment. CO is poisonous. Signs of exposure include nausea, dizziness, headache, and drowsi- ness. CO poisoning can result in brain damage or death.
TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING, FOLLOW THESE RULES:
Turn off engines and generator before swimming or using the swimslide. Do not tie another boat along the side or along a dock with the generator running (if so equipped). To do so may block the generator exhaust and cause carbon monoxide build-up in the cabin.
Houseboats with generators have CO detectors on board. These are provided for your safety. If your carbon monoxide detector(s) sounds an alarm, evacuate all people to fresh air; account for all people; turn off all engines, generators and fuel- burning appliances; open opposite windows and doors to ventilate the cabin.
IMPORTANT: Do not tamper with carbon monoxide detectors.
Swimming, Diving and Water Sports
Always Swim with a partner. It is PROHIBITED to jump or dive off the upper or lower deck or railing of a houseboat. Stay within railings at all times.
Diving or jumping from cliffs or the houseboat is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death from impact with the lake bottom, the boat or underwater objects.
There are no lifeguards at Lake Roosevelt’s beaches. Always swim with a partner. Wear a lifejacket if you are a non-swimmer or if the weather gets windy or rough. Supervise children at all times.
Do not swim from an unanchored boat. Do not dive from boarding ramps. The unsupported end may bend or break, causing damage or injury.
Swimming is PROHIBITED when the houseboat engines or generator are running. Do not approach a houseboat with running engines while you are swimming. Contact with propellers or carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust may cause serious injury or death.
Prior to using a slide, turn off the outboard engines and generator. Allow the air to clear. Check the water to be certain it is at least 6 feet deep within 20 feet of the slide, always use the slide feet-first and wear a lifejacket.
Do not swim under the houseboat or the houseboat swim platform as you are not visible to others and CO may be present.
Remember it is illegal to water ski within 150 feet of the houseboat. Water-skiing requires 3 people: the skier, the driver and an observer at least 8 years of age or older.
While water-skiing, the observer must display an orange flag at least 12 inches square when the skier is down in the water.
This alerts other boaters in the area of people in the water.
Never back up toward a skier. Always shut the engine off prior to a skier entering the water or the boat. Water-skiing after sundown is illegal. Do not water ski within 150 feet of another boat or the shoreline.
Failure to follow these safety rules while swimming or engaging in water sports can result in injury or death.
Loading Your Houseboat
The Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 prohibits more than 12 people on board your houseboat while under way.
Load your gear evenly so the houseboat floats level. After loading, adjust the location of gear and passengers so neither the bow or the stern are noticeably higher or lower. Do not load personal watercraft onto any deck of your houseboat. It may overload your bow or stern.
Failure to properly load your houseboat may result in loss of control, loss of efficiency, capsizing or physical damage.
Weather
Weather conditions on Lake Roosevelt can change rapidly. If you are on the water and observe a storm approaching, seek shelter in a protected cove away from the wind and waves.
Waves can be very severe when windy conditions exist. Again, seek shelter BEFORE you are caught in high winds and waves. Lifejackets are advised for all passengers in adverse conditions.
Be aware of regional weather conditions and flash flood danger when hiking. Storms that are miles away can cause flash floods elsewhere.
Firearms
Discharge of firearms is prohibited. Weapons brought into the National Recreation Area must be broken down, unloaded and stored.
Water balloon launchers are prohibited in the Recreation Area. A fine may be imposed by law officers for their use.
Fireworks and firecrackers are prohibited in the Recreation Area.
Boat Fires
Charcoal barbecues are prohibited onboard your houseboat. Use only propane or similar cooking devices. Fire extinguishers are located on board your houseboat. Never hesitate to use one, even on the smallest fire. You are most susceptible to a boat fire immediately after refueling. Exercise caution while getting under way again and make sure any spilled fuel is immediately cleaned up.