| Q~
Are any special skills required to captain a Parrot Cove houseboat? |
| A~
Any responsible adult with basic boating experience can operate
our houseboats. Our
Keycraft Cruiser houseboats are designed and built with the renter
in mind and as such are simple to operate.
Before departure, a Parrot Cove representative will instruct
you on the operation of the boat, safety rules, and general cruising
tips. A 24-hour emergency
phone number will be provided in case you need assistance.
(Bring your portable cell phone.
If you don’t have one, we will provide one for you.) |
 |
| Q~
What activities would a typical Parrot Cove houseboating
vacation include? |
| A~
Most people enjoy simply cruising the lake, taking in the sun and
scenery. Find a secluded
cove, drop anchor and have a swim.
Kids will love the water slide!
Relax. Have
a cool drink; throw some steaks on the grill.
Fish for small-mouth, large-mouth or striped bass.
(Fishing
license required <---Click here for info)
You may also choose to rent and tow along a run-a-bout or
Waverunner. Use Parrot
Cove as a base for shore excursions such as a round of golf at one
of two nearby public golf courses or shopping at local craft and
antique shops. Para-sailing,
go-cart racing, video arcades and restaurants are all minutes away. |
|
| Q~
Where do I spend the night? |
| A~
Smith Mountain Lake has over 500 miles of shoreline with
hundreds of secluded coves perfect for overnight anchoring.
Just choose one, drop anchor, switch on the anchor light
and you are set for the night.
Of course, you are always welcome to dock overnight at Parrot
Cove. |
|
| Q~
What do I need to bring? |
| A~
All bed linens and towels are provided.
The galleys are fully furnished with cookware, dinnerware,
and utensils. Just
bring food, clothing and toiletries.
Everything else is optional.
Just some suggestions:
reclining lounge chairs, beach towels, sunscreen, fishing
equipment, cassette tapes or CDs (inquire about what type of stereo
a particular boat is equipped with), jam box (for use on the upper
deck), VCR movies, cards or games, bottled drinking water, paper
towels, camera. |
|
| Q~
When is the best time of year to come? |
| A~
Obviously the weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day
are the most popular. It
is best to book your reservation well in advance if you want a houseboat
during this period. Spring
and Fall rentals are increasing in popularity and offer some advantages
many prefer. The weather
is milder, the lake less crowded, the availability of boats greater,
and the rates are discounted.
We are open for business from April 1 through October 31. |
|
| Q~
How much would I expect to spend on gasoline? |
| A~
For a 3-day weekend rental, the average fuel expense
would be approximately $150.
This will obviously vary depending on the amount of cruising
you do as well as the amount of time you run the generator. |
|
| Q~
Can I bring my own runabout or PWC to tow behind
a houseboat? |
| A~
Yes. We
can accommodate parking for a limited number of trailers. |
|
| Q~
What about insurance? |
| A~
All houseboat contracts automatically include $1,000,000 of liability
coverage to protect the renter from legal claims for third-party
property damage or bodily injury. |
| Also
included is houseboat damage insurance for the full value of the
boat less a 5% deductible. To help limit the potential liability
to the renter, we recommend purchasing the Damage Loss Waiver. |
| ~Cost
of waiver ~ |
| Boat
type |
3-4
day |
7
day |
deductible |
| 37
Economy |
$25 |
$50 |
$2,500 |
| 39
Deluxe |
$50 |
$100 |
$4,500 |
| 51-53
Deluxe |
$75 |
$150 |
$6,250 |
| For
this fee, except in the case of gross negligence, intoxication,
an intentional flagrant act, or any act that would negate insurance
coverage, Parrot Cove will waive any costs that exceed the $500
damage deposit. |
| If
you choose not to purchase this Damage Loss Waiver, you will be
held responsible for the cost of the deductible plus any other costs
not covered by insurance. |
|
| Q~ Are pets allowed? |
| A~
No |
|
