Frequently Asked Questions
Twenty years of houseboating questions — answered.
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Can't find what you're looking for? Call (423) 800-8613 or email sales@norrislakehouseboats.com.
Booking & Deposits
Do I need to pay a deposit to reserve a boat?
A deposit of $1,500 (per boat) is due to reserve your houseboat. All deposits are non-refundable unless we are able to rebook the cancelled dates.
What do I pay upon arrival?
On arrival the full rental rate is due — not the balance minus deposit. The deposit is held through the rental as collateral and returned at checkout.
Can we run a tab against our deposit for gas, ice, etc.?
Our home port, Shanghai Resort Marina, will allow you to run a tab with a credit card on file.
Are on-the-dock rentals available?
Yes — last-minute and early/late-season on-dock rental deals are available. Call for details.
On the Water
Do I need a special license to drive a houseboat?
We instruct every captain in the operation of the houseboat before you leave the marina. Since houseboats can be tough maneuvering in and out of coves, we recommend having a captain with prior boating experience.
Are there anchors on the houseboats?
Because of the depth of the lake, anchors are impractical. We supply tie-up lines that you can use to tie up to the shoreline.
Can we pull a ski boat or wave runner behind the houseboat?
Yes. We suggest towing your boat behind your houseboat instead of tying it to the side. Specific instructions provided when you arrive.
How much fuel is on the houseboats?
180 to 200 gallons of fuel are onboard at boarding — enough for either a Monday-Friday or Friday-Monday rental.
We're bringing a boat — is there somewhere close to launch it?
Yes — Shanghai Resort offers a convenient launch ramp within the harbor.
Onboard
Do you allow pets on the houseboats?
Sorry, we typically do not. Under some circumstances we may make an exception. Please call for more information.
Do life jackets come with the houseboats?
Yes — all houseboats are equipped with safety life jackets. (Not for casual swimming.)
Are there holding tanks on the houseboats?
Yes — all houseboats have holding tanks that are pumped out at the end of every rental and taken to a treatment facility.
Does the houseboat have an iPod plug-in?
Yes — all houseboats have very nice stereo systems with mp3 input. Wet Sounds or Roswell audio.
Check-in / Check-out
When is check-in / check-out?
Check-in is 3:00 p.m. The vessel must be outside Shanghai Resort Marina for escort service by 10:00 a.m. on the last day. Late return fee: $100 plus $100 per hour.
If we pick up our houseboat late, can we still take it out?
Houseboats cannot leave the marina after dusk. If you arrive after dark you will stay at the marina until morning. An additional dock-power charge will apply.
We would like to come early — what are our options?
Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. Call to discuss early check-in options based on availability.
We would like to stay an extra day — what are our options?
Check-out is by 10:00 a.m. Call to discuss late-checkout options based on availability.
Is there a late charge for returning past check-out time?
Yes — $100 per hour.
About NLHB
How long has Norris Lake Houseboat Rentals been in business?
We have been offering luxury houseboat vacations on Norris Lake since the inaugural 2005 season — over twenty years.