Lake of the Ozarks Marina Welcome Packet

Houseboating Welcome Package
Houseboating Welcome
Package
Lake of the Ozarks Marina
Houseboating Welcome Package
Houseboating Welcome Package
Table of Contents
Welcome
to
Lake
of the
Ozarks M arina
Page 5
About Our Famous Houseboats
Page 9
Planning Your Trip
Page 14
Houseboating Welcome Package
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 of the Ozarks 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 Website at
www.lakeoftheozarksmarina.com or call us at (573) 873-3705.
Lake of the Ozarks Marina
Lake of the Ozark 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 of the Ozarks 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 of the Ozarks Marina is located 8 miles north of Camdenton, Missouri
at the Niangua Bridge on Lake of the Ozarks. The marina is close to several
attractions such as Ozark Caverns in Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Bridal
Cave, which takes its name from an Indian legend, and Fantasy World
Caverns. For directions from nearby cities, visit www.lakeoftheozarksmarina.
com.
A map is shown on the next page.
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page History
Lake of the Ozarks Marina is the only location in the Ozarks that rents
Forever Resorts houseboats. Lake of the Ozarks was formed in 1931 when
the Bagnell Dam was completed on the Osage River. The Osage Indians are
part of this area of the Ozarks, and many of the popular and abundant caves
in the area provided shelter for the Osage Indians.
The area is rich in history with its limestone formations and underground
streams of water that sculpt the caves and provide fun attractions for
tourists.
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page Lake of the Ozarks is known also for its spectacular fishing. Largemouth Bass,
Crappie, White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Catfish and Walleye are the biggest
attractions for anglers. See the Recreational Activities Section for more
information about fishing.
Marina Services
Lake of the Ozarks Marina is a place where you can re-fuel, rent boats, and
buy souvenirs. We accept Master Card, VISA, American Express, Discover,
money orders, traveler’s checks, and U.S. currency.
Store
The store sells snacks, water, and ice. The store also sells:
• Sundries and film
• Sportswear
• Giftware and souvenirs
Fueling, Pump-Out, and Dump Stations
Lake of the Ozarks Marina has a fuel dock and has a pump-out station for
marine vessels. This service is provided complimentary to renters.
Small Boat Rentals
Rent a small boat. We rent them 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, we have a complimentary courtesy
dock that makes it easy for Forever Resorts housboaters to make land-side
trips around the area. The marina also rents slips. Call 573-873-3705 for more
information.
What to Expect When You Check-In
Houseboaters check-in at the Boat Rental Office, which is located in the
marina’s very own cave. 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.
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page • 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.
Lake of the Ozarks Marina is one of the most beautiful areas in the Ozarks.
When you enter the marina, you will see recycling stations prompting visitors
to help us keep our environment well preserved by recycling cardboard,
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 contact the marina at 573-873-3705.
Recreational Activities
Skiers enjoy exciting ski runs on the lake.
Fishing
Anglers love to fish Lake of the Ozarks, because the lake is home to a variety
of fish. Largemouth Bass, Crappie, White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Catfish,
and Walleye are the biggest attractions for anglers, but the lake also has
Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Blue and Channel Catfish,
Flathead Catfish, and Paddlefish.
Houseboating Welcome Package
Page Bass spawn in late April or early May. Ask an employee about current fishing
conditions when you arrive. You can fish on Lake of the Ozarks with a Missouri
fishing license.
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
program, visit that Website 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 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 of the Ozarks Marina offers three houseboat models:
• 65’ VIP
• 59’ Deluxe
• 56’ Getaway
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Page 10
Visit our Website to view a full list of features for each houseboat model. The
Web address is www.lakeoftheozarksmarina.com. A summary of houseboat
amenities is shown on the next page.
The following chart shows amenities included for each houseboat model:
Amenity
Deluxe Getaway
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
4
4
S un canopy
■
■
■
T elevision
VIP
1, 36” unit 1, 19” unit
and 1,
com bo
unit
20” flat
screen
D V D player
■
■
■
Ice chests
■
■
■
W et bar and refrigerator 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 )
■
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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
Ice P ick
T oaster
P aper T ow el H older
Linens and Paper Products
BBQ 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
Safety and Operational
Items
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
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
Seats
S crub S ponge
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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.
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Driving
Always proceed slowly at a wakeless speed (idle setting on helm’s throttles)
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 under 12. 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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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
• 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 desert 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
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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.
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 of the Ozarks has many popular coves in which to park a 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 573-873-3705.
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.
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Page 16