Lake Oroville Welcome Packet

Houseboating Welcome Package
Houseboating Welcome
Package
Lake Oroville Marina
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page Houseboating Welcome Package
Page Table of Contents
Welcome
to
Lake Orville M arina
Page 5
About Our Famous Houseboats
Page 9
Planning Your Trip
Page 14
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page Houseboating Welcome Package
Page Houseboating Welcome Package
Welcome
to the
Forever Resorts Houseboating Experience.
While you’re anticipating your upcoming houseboat vacation, everyone at
Lake Oroville Marina is anticipating your vacation needs. This Welcome
Package is one of many greetings you’ll receive from us. You can also think of
it as the next wave rolling you closer to your houseboat getaway.
After reviewing this package, you’ll know more about our marina and more
about the houseboats for which Forever Resorts is famous. If you have a
question that this package does not answer, you can visit our Web site at
www.lakeorovillemarina.com or call us at 530-877-2414.
Lake Oroville Marina
Lake Oroville Marina’s location, history, and services make it a unique
vacation destination that is rivaled only by our outstanding customer service.
That is why it is always a better day at Lake Oroville Marina. To get an idea
of what to expect when you check-in for your houseboat, skip to the Planning
Your Trip Section.
Location
Lake Oroville Marina is located east of the city of Oroville, 75 miles north
of Sacramento. Lake Oroville Marina is in Lime Saddle Recreation Area. For
directions to the marina, visit www.lakeorovillemarina.com.
A map is shown on the next page.
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page Lake Oroville
History
Lake Oroville Marina is on Lake Oroville in the Lime Saddle Recreation Area.
Lake Oroville was created in 1968, when the Feather River was dammed near
the southwest area of the river. Sutter’s Mill General John Bidwell found
precious metal on the Feather River, and the discovery led miners to the
area. The name, Oroville, was given to the city born by the miners, because
Oroville is Spanish for City of Gold.
Marina Services
Lake Oroville Marina is a full-service marina, which means that you can shop,
re-fuel, and rent boats all from the same marina. We accept Master Card,
VISA, American Express, Discover, money orders, traveler’s checks, and U.S.
currency.
Store
The store sells groceries, beer, wine, liquor, and ice, which is available in
blocks or cubes. The store also sells:
• Groceries and snacks
• Souvenirs
• Fishing tackle and bait
• Boating accessories
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page Fueling, Pump-Out, and Dump Stations
The marina has a fuel dock that sells unleaded gasoline. Various auto and
marine motor oils can be purchased at the store. The pump-out station for
marine vessels is located on the fuel dock. This service is free.
Small Boat Rentals
Rent a small boat or personal watercraft (PWC). We rent small watercraft
by the day and offer special package rates for multiple-day rentals. You can
contact Reservations at 800-255-5561 to reserve one today.
Slip Rentals
If you’re bringing your own small boat, you can rent a slip at the boat
rental office. A courtesy dock is also available. Call 530-877-2414 for more
information about slip rentals.
What to Expect When You Check-In
Houseboaters check-in at the Boat Rental Office, which is commonly referred
to as the Marina Office. It is a floating office, so you will walk towards the
docks.
Here is what you can expect when you check-in for your houseboat:
• The person whose name is on the reservation confirmation signs the
houseboat rental agreement. Bring your confirmation and driver’s
license or passport with you to the office, and bring a list of all
houseboat passengers. Everyone who plans to drive the boat must
present a valid driver’s license or passport during check-in.
• Passengers 12 years of age and younger are fitted for a life jacket.
• Passengers begin loading the houseboat.
• Passengers become familiar with the houseboat’s inventory and layout.
• Those authorized to drive the houseboat receive an orientation on
boat operations.
• Passengers anticipate cruising out of the harbor in the houseboat
driven by an instructor.
• The designated boat driver takes control of the helm after the
instructor is picked up outside the harbor.
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page Lake Oroville Marina is one of the most beautiful areas in California. When
you enter the marina, you will see recycling stations prompting visitors to
help us keep our environment well preserved by recycling cardboard, glass,
plastic, and aluminum cans. Houeboaters are shown where to transfer
recyclable products and trash from the houseboat to the receptacles on land.
Your Rental Agreement
As part of your rental agreement, we provide you with a houseboat
orientation. During orientation, the instructor will have you personally verify
the good condition of the boat’s propellers. This is important to note so
you can be assured that any accidental damage that occurs during your trip
is solely your responsibility. Fees associated with houseboat damage are
calculated upon inspection after the houseboat is returned to the marina.
When you sign your rental agreement, we will let you know the time the boat
needs to be returned to avoid late fees. There is a notice posted onboard to
let you know what should be done to the houseboat before it is returned to
the marina. If you would like more information about renter responsibility for
houseboat damages, please call us at 530-877-2414.
Recreational Activities
Skiers and wakeboarders enjoy long ski runs on the lake. Swimmers enjoy
summer water temperatures ranging from 85-100 degrees during the day and
60-70 degrees in the evenings.
Fishing
Anglers love to fish Lake Oroville, because the lake is home to a variety of
fish, and popular for fishing tournaments and Spotted Bass. Ask an employee
about current fishing conditions when you arrive. Local fish species include
Catfish, Coho Salmon, Sturgeon, Crappie, Bluegill, Mackinaw, Small and
Largemouth Bass, and Spotted Bass
You can fish on Lake Oroville with a California fishing license, sold at boat
rental office on the marina.
Forever Earth Message
We have standardized our environmental programs by having our
environmental management system certified to the standards established
by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). We are certified
to the ISO 14001:2004 standards. For more information on our Forever Earth
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page program, visit that Web site at www.foreverearth.net.
Forever Houseboats
Forever Resorts manufactures its own houseboats in Indiana. The boats are
continually customized to meet the changing needs and expectations of our
houseboat customers. Though the amenities change with individual houseboat
models, the inventory items are the same on each houseboat. We’ve provided
you with everything—including the kitchen sink—that you’ll need for a luxury
houseboat vacation, and we make suggestions for which personal items are
must-haves for the Northern California climate and fun-in-the-sun.
Houseboat drivers will receive a detailed houseboat orientation on the
boat before departure from the harbor. The orientation is provided by our
professional marina staff, and an operator’s manual is onboard all boats.
In addition to this Welcome Package, we will send you a Houseboat
Orientation video to show you how the boat operates. Also included on the
DVD are electronic versions of houseboat manuals for each houseboat model
we rent.
Houseboat Amenities
Lake Oroville Marina offers three houseboat models:
• Silver Millennium, 70’
• Deluxe XT, 59’
• Deluxe, 59’
Visit our Web site to view a full list of features for each houseboat model.
The Web address is www.lakeorovillemarina.com. A summary of houseboat
amenities is shown on the next page.
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page 10
The following chart shows amenities included for each houseboat model:
Amenity
Silver
Millennium
Deluxe
XT
Deluxe
F ull-size range, oven, and
m icrow ave
■
■
■
C D or R adio stereo w ith 4
speakers
■
■
■
R efrigerators
■
■
■
S undeck lounge chairs
6
2
0
S un canopy
■
■
■
1, 45” unit and
6 LC D s
1, 27” unit
and 1,
com bo unit
1, 19” unit
D V D player
■
■
■
Ice chests
■
■
■
W et bar and refrig erator on
top deck
■
■
■
U pgraded m ain salon
furniture
■
■
C eiling fan in m ain salon
■
■
D ishw asher
■
■
T rash com pactor
■
■
W ater purifying system
■
S atellite dish w ith separate
receivers
■
H ot tub
■
G lobal P ositioning S ystem
(G P S )
■
T elevision
■
■
A table with houseboat inventory items is shown on the next page.
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Page 11
Houseboat Inventory
Our houseboats are stocked with household items we think you’ll want for a
luxury houseboat vacation. Here is a list of the inventory items included on
the boat that we think you’d like to know about prior to packing your bags.
Kitchen Items
M icrow a ve C ookw are S et
C an O pener
C ups (12)
C olander
G riddle
G lasses (12)
C utting B oard
V egetable P eeler
D inner P lates (12)
P itcher
P aring K nife
B ow ls (12)
S erving P latter
C orkscrew
T ablespoons (12)
B aking D ish
N on-stick S patulas (2)
D inner K nives (12)
M ixing B ow l S et
Large C ooking S poon
S teak K nives (12)
C ookw are S et
S lotted C ooking S poon
T easpoons (12)
S killet
S alad T ongs
M easuring S poon S et
T ea K ettle
S oup Ladle
Liquid M easuring C up
B lender
C heese G rater
P ot H olders (2)
C offee M aker
P aper T ow el H older
T oaster
Linens and Paper Products
BBQ Items
Safety and Operational
Items
D ish T ow els (4)
B B Q G rill
A dult Life Jackets (12)
B lankets -sum m er w eight (4)
T hree-piece B B Q S et
Life rings (2)
P illow s w ith P illow C ases (10)
B B Q B rush
F ire E xtinguishers (3)
T op and B ottom S heets (10)
M arshm allow F orks (4)
A rea M ap
M attress P ads (5)
O perator’s M anual
W ash C loths (10)
Instructional T ape
B ath T ow els (10)
F irst A id K it
B io-degradable T oilet P aper (10 rolls)
P aper T ow el (1 roll)
Cleaning Items
Seats
S crub S ponge
D ust P an w / B room
D eck C hairs
B ucket
F ly S w atter
B ar S tools
Large T rash B ags (6)
A sh T rays (2)
D inette C hairs
K itchen T rash C an
T oilet B rush w / H older
V acuum
M op
D ish D rainer w ith M at
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Page 12
Fuel Consumption
Most houseboats move at speeds of about 8 to 10 miles per hour on average.
Each boat engine will consume an average of 5 to 7 gallons of fuel per hour.
Fuel consumption can also vary depending on speed, load, wind, and weather
conditions. To learn ways to reduce fuel consumption, ask your instructor for
some tips during your orientation.
Always be conscious of approximate fuel consumed and distance to be
traveled, so you don’t run low on fuel. The houseboat’s fuel tank holds a
minimum of 265 gallons. To find out the maximum number of gallons your
model of houseboat holds, ask your instructor during orientation.
The generator will consume 1 to 1 ½ gallons of fuel per hour.
Safety Information
In this section, we are sharing information that houseboaters find helpful knowing
before arriving to the marina. These are the safety topics described next:
• Loading the houseboat
• Driving
• Parking onshore
• Engines and generators
• Emergency preparedness
• Safety equipment
Loading the Houseboat
The way food and belongings are packed can affect the houseboat loading
process. Here is some information about the loading process that most
houseboaters find helpful to know while preparing to pack for the trip:
• Weight should be distributed evenly, so the front deck of the boat is
not lower in the water than the back deck of the boat. If a boat’s bow
(the front of the boat) rides low in the water, it is more susceptible to
waves pouring onto the front deck.
• Items stored in the rear of the boat make the bow of the boat ride
higher in the water.
Driving
Always proceed slowly at a wakeless speed (idle setting on helm’s throttles)
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Page 13
in harbor areas, around other boats, or in narrow canyons. The houseboat
weighs approximately 14 tons and requires a lot of room to bring it to a stop.
Once in open water, get a feel for your houseboat. Make some turns,
experiment with stopping distances, and then set throttles to cruising speed
and set a course for your destination on the lake.
Shut the propane system off and be sure all flames or pilot lights are out
BEFORE approaching a fuel dock.
Parking Onshore
Here are some guidelines to follow when choosing a place to park the
houseboat onshore:
• Look for areas that are well protected from wind and waves.
• Look for areas that have no sharp rocks, which could damage the
houseboat’s hull.
• Look for areas with water levels deep enough to protect the propeller
from damage. A visual inspection of the water level at the stern of the
boat will help you determine if the water is deep enough.
Engines and Generator
Before starting the engines, be sure the outdrives/engines are in the down
position. Look for swimmers or other boats around the rear of your houseboat
before starting the engines. The engines and generator must be turned off
while people are swimming or wading around the boat.
Emergency Preparedness
Proper preparation for your houseboat vacation can prevent emergencies.
In addition to food and drinking water, here is a list of items houseboaters
appreciate being reminded to pack or prepare for the trip.
• Life jackets for children 12 and under. Prior to leaving the marina,
check the life jackets to ensure you and your fellow houseboaters have
appropriately sized life jackets.
• Medication
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
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Page 14
Safety Equipment
Each houseboat contains 12 adult life jackets. IF YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN
ONBOARD, YOU MAY WANT TO BRING LIFE JACKETS FOR THEM. Life jackets
are also available at the marina office upon request.
Planning Your Trip
In addition to packing grocery items, clothing, and toiletries, here are some
suggestions for what to pack for your trip:
• Reservation confirmation and photo identification
• First aid kit (kits are sold in the marina store)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hats and sunglasses
• Beach towels
• Beach chairs
• Binoculars and camera
• Board games and playing cards
Here are some other features of the houseboat that are helpful to know while
planning your trip:
• The houseboat’s cabin lights and accessories are powered both by
12-volt batteries and a 110-volt generator. When the generator is
operating and the battery charger’s breaker is ON, the boat battery is
being charged. The battery operates the lights, stereo, and VHF radio.
• There are places on the houseboat to store the food, beverages,
clothing, and personal items you bring. We recommend planning your
menu in advance, bringing only what is essential, and suggest freezing
meats to make packing and storage easy. Personal items such as suntan
lotion, hats, and sunglasses are essentials in the sun. Bring what you
want but remember, sometimes packing too many things can create a
bit of clutter.
Tips for Stocking the Refrigerator
Here is some information about stocking the refrigerator to maximize cooling.
The fuller your refrigerator is, the longer it will stay cold. The generator
operates on fuel, and to conserve fuel, the generator can be turned off. The
refrigerator is designed to remain cold even when the generator is off and not
charging the refrigerator.
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Page 15
Here are some guidelines for packing the refrigerator to maximize how long
the unit will remain at its optimum cooling temperature. While the generator
is turned off:
• The refrigerator will stay cold for approximately 2 hours if it’s empty.
• The refrigerator will stay cold for 4 hours if it’s full.
These guidelines will change depending on how often the refrigerator door is
opened and closed.
Tips for Parking the Houseboat
Lake maps, which are provided during houseboat orientation, will help guide
you around the lake.
Since houseboats are not authorized to be driven AFTER dark, we suggest
choosing a parking place in the afternoon and remaining close enough to the
chosen site that getting parked before dark does not become a last-minute
process.
For more information about your upcoming houseboat vacation, please
contact us at the marina at 530-877-2414.
Confirming Your Houseboat Reservation
Carefully review your houseboat reservation confirmation to verify details
are accurate. Contact our toll-free reservations number 800-255-5561 for
questions or to make changes. Bring your confirmation with you when you
check-in for your houseboat. Your confirmation states when you can pickup
your houseboat. The confirmation also states rules associated with your
reservation.
Houseboating Welcome Package
Lake Oroville Marina is operated by Forever Resorts. Forever Resorts is an
authorized concessioner of the California State Parks Department. Forever Resorts
is a Committed Equal Opportunity Service Provider.
©2009 Forever Resorts. All rights reserved.