House-boating Costs At Lake Powell Bullfrog Marina

Usually, one of the primary questions people proffer when discussing the possibility of a fun family house-boating vacation from the Lake Powell Bullfrog Marina is just how expensive will it be. Let me answer that in a general sense-not just the cost of the houseboat rental-but other costs as well. From June to August is prime house-boating season, with the highest rent. September provides the best house-boating weather and mid-range rental prices. December and January provide the smoothest water with the fewest house-boaters. At first appearance, houseboat rental fees seem exorbitant; but, if three or four families split the costs, it's really quite reasonable. Also, cooking and camping make for an affordable vacation.

One particular rental company rents houseboats from 59-75' in length. There are day rates for the 59,'12-person houseboats of $970-1142, depending on what season; for the 70,'12-person, $1214-1428; 70,'12-person, $1274-1499; 75,'14-person, $1699-1999; and the 75,'14- person, $1797-2114. A minimum three-day rental is mandatory on most of these, but a seven-day minimum is mandatory on the three largest houseboats. This company also rents kayaks for $20/half-day and $165/week; ski boats for $270/half-day and $2200/week; personal watercraft for $375/day and $2200/week; and other water toys, all for hourly, half-day, daily, and weekly rates.

Another company has houseboats 46-75' long, every one of them for a maximum of 12 persons. Their three economy 46' houseboats go in the off-season for $2037-2697/week and in the prime season for $3395-4995/week. There are fall and spring seasons for rates in between those of the off and peak seasons. This rental company has one more 53' economy houseboat with rates from $2997-4995/week. They have two deluxe styles, 48' and 59' in length, with the same pricing of $3357-5595/week, according to the season. One deluxe 59' houseboat goes for $4500-7500/week. There are four styles of luxury houseboats from 54-75' in length which are $7,595 to $12,400/week year round, without an off-season discount. This company also provides ski boats at $584/day, kayaks at $46/day, and personal watercraft at $335/day.

Besides the houseboat and water-toy rental expenses, plus an optional damage waiver, there will be sales taxes, food, gasoline, and incidentals. Some advisors recommend that you estimate approximately 50% of the rental cost for groceries and gas. Some say it's impossible to properly estimate all of the costs, but that a four-day excursion of primarily parking at two different beaches is around $500 in houseboat gas. There might be extra costs such as trip cancellation coverage or early boarding fees (sometimes between $300-700). Food costs can vary a lot, with the least-expensive system bringing frozen meals from home.

You will be expected to make a deposit upon reservation, your full payment 45-60 days before your arrival, a damage deposit upon arrival, and cancelation 30 days ahead. A houseboat vacation is a wonderful way to have the most truly memorable summer (or whatever season), while slowing down and de-stressing. Lake Powell Bullfrog Marina is such a great place from which to start your houseboat vacation.