*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’ve ever dreamed of living on a houseboat, you’ve probably wondered what to bring with you. It might be a bit confusing knowing what to pack and what to leave at home, but with these few tips, you’ll be well on your way to a wonderful vacation. Here’s what to bring:
Items to bring on a houseboat
Some essential items to pack for a houseboat vacation include beach towels, hiking shoes, and a camelbak. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside, you’ll want to pack a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt. Fishing gear and a tackle box are also a must. Binoculars are handy for viewing wildlife while you’re out on the water.
Music is another essential item to pack. A day on the water would not be complete without the sounds of Jimmy Buffet or John Cougar Mellencamp. Unfortunately, the Tennessee Valley Region is surrounded by mountains and doesn’t get a strong signal. Local radio stations can be spotty at best. Fortunately, downloading music and other essentials before a trip will allow you to enjoy your music while you’re on the water.
Toiletries are another must-have for a houseboat trip. Depending on the type of houseboat you choose, you may not have shower facilities. You’ll also need to bring personal hygiene products, such as deodorant and sunscreen. In addition to toiletries, you’ll want to bring other essentials for your trip, such as your toothbrush, deodorant, and sunscreen. You may also need to bring a camera or a video camera.
Sunglasses and a hat are essential for a houseboat trip. Sunscreen and bug repellent are a must-have as well. A hooded jacket will also keep your toes dry. Also, do not forget toiletries, salt and pepper, and cooking oil and condiments. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, you might want to consider renting a kayak or paddle board to get some exercise or explore the lake.
Items to leave at home
First-timers to a houseboat vacation may be unsure of what to bring, but there are many items that you must have. For example, you should bring clothes that will accommodate the weather in Shasta Lake, as well as supplies and food for the kitchen. For all-round comfort, you should also bring a book or two, a pair of headphones, and a hairdryer. While there is no need to pack the same clothes you would on land, the list is a good starting point.
Another important item to pack on a houseboat trip is a bathing suit. Lake Tahoe can reach 120 degrees, so a swimsuit and beach towels are essential. The good news is that you can easily wash and dry these items on the houseboat without requiring a visit to the laundromat. While most boats have towels and robes, it’s still good to have a few extra.
Another thing to pack for a houseboat trip is a sleeping bag or blow-up mattress. Many houseboat trips end up with people who struggled to sleep in the cramped quarters. The swaying of the houseboat and its rocking motions make sleeping a challenge. Bringing your own pillow can ensure a comfortable night’s sleep for your guests. If you are traveling with friends or family, coordinate your supplies to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Bedding
You can have a custom mattress made for your houseboat if you know exactly what you want. Luckily, there are plenty of custom mattress manufacturers that make them. You can even have one designed with your houseboat’s dimensions and style in mind. For an even more customized experience, you can order a custom bed from a company that makes them by hand. Then, you can have it shipped to your houseboat.
If you prefer a fabric mattress, you can order it in a variety of different colors and patterns. One type has a thick poly-cotton blended fabric and a matching hull side fabric. This way, the fabric does not form a depression in your body. For ultimate comfort, consider purchasing a high quality marine mattress made of high-quality fabric. It will last a long time. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, high-quality marine mattress materials will enhance your houseboat’s comfort.
When buying bedding for your houseboat, choose materials that will be durable and resistant to weather. You don’t want to have to sacrifice comfort or quality. When you’re choosing a quality boat bedding set, make sure it’s made to fit. Most companies can provide you with tailored bedding, which is a must for a boat. Whether you’re looking for a custom-made mattress or a custom-sized pillowcase, a quality company will be able to make it just right.
Cooking utensils
Whether you are planning a fishing trip or just want to cook a meal for your family, you will need cooking utensils for houseboats. Moreover, you will also need the proper equipment for cleaning. Cleaning equipment for houseboats includes brooms, mops, buckets, and flyswatters. One-pot recipes are also a great option for small kitchens. All you need to do is cook your meal in one pot and you are all set!
Music players
If you are a houseboat resident, you may be wondering which music players you should bring on your trip. There are a number of different options available, but these products can make your trip more enjoyable. While houseboats are generally equipped with electrical outlets, some may require adaptors. Depending on the size of your houseboat, you may want to invest in several different music players. Listed below are some options to consider.
A Marine Single 4-OHM Water Resistant Subwoofer is a great way to add some music enjoyment to your houseboat. This subwoofer features a Mica-Injection Polypropylene Cone Wofer, a Liquid Drainage System, a rubber mounting gasket, and gold-plated speaker terminals. The subwoofer also features magnetic shielding built into the basket for protection from magnetic interference.
Board games
When you’re heading on vacation on a houseboat, you may not have much time for activities. Perhaps you’ll be sunbathing and fishing. But what if you’re looking for something to do while you’re on the water? If so, board games will be a great choice. While they don’t require much preparation, board games can be hours of fun. Some of the more popular options are Yatzee, Connect Four, and UNO. Board games like these can help you take on challenges, strategize, and laugh until you’re exhausted.
Bringing board games is another great way to keep the whole family entertained during a houseboat vacation. These games require little equipment and are unbreakable, making them ideal for a fun family outing. Ladder ball, for instance, requires you to toss two balls, connected by a short string, onto a plastic ladder. You can buy a ladder ball for a small price on Amazon. Or, if you’d like to bring your own game, you can even make one yourself.