[Slider79SC]

So here is a little bit more info from our years of learning.

Ice, Water & drinks:

Get Block ice only, the crushed ice melts in a heartbeat out there. We just get block ice and use a good ol ice pick to break it up. Ice goes quickly with mixed drinks and water so a few extra blocks is worth it and you can usually sell it to someone that is showing up when your leaving. Last year for 14 people we used a little les than 60 blocks.

We have found that bringing the 5 gallon Deep rock style water works best, it also helps reduce the amount of trash that you have on the boat instead of using little bottles. With 12-14 people we go through 1 jug per day. We use a round igloo water cooler, drop a block of ice in it and fill with water throughout the day.

Cans are best out there because you can crush them to save on trash space, (there is a pattern developing here), plan your drinks well because they are expensive at the marinas. Kegs don't work at all, they are way to hard to keep cold.

Coolers:
The real large coolers are great to get all your food out there and then work well for keeping your drinks cold. If your renting a boat that does not have a lot of freezer space you can pack your food in dry ice and it stays good for several days. We have layered our food in dry ice before with the last days food on the bottom and working backwards and it did pretty well.

We use 1 or 2 large coolers to store the block ice if there is not a freezer on the front of the boat.

Cleanliness idea:
There is Red sand everywhere.... use a wash bucket on the front deck to rinse your feet before getting back on the boat if you are on shore for hiking, camp fires etc. That red crap gets everywhere and is a pain... We just put the shoes to the side and dip our feet and shazam... clean feet

Gas:
Gas is expensive at the marinas (usually 2+ bucks per gallon higher) so if you day cruise and sight see (highly recommended) use your ski boats and leave the houseboat sit, they suck down gas like you'll be sucking down ice cold drinks... haha

Sight seeing:
Escalante Canyon is a great place to find beautiful rock walls and canyon views.

General:
So trash maintenance is important, it takes up space and stinks. So anything you can plan on doing or swap for that takes up less trash space is great. If you have a ramp on the front of the houseboat to get to shore (most have them) pull it up at night to keep the mice away.

The sun out there is dang hot thanks to how absolutely clear and beautiful it is out there so plan on shade hats, lots of sunblock (skin cancer in our family) and lots of hydration. The shirt I have on in the above pic is a SPF shirt I got at Costco, stays cool and blocks everything.

DO NOT SWIM, BATH OR SIT at the back of the houseboat while it is idling or if the generator is running (like when your cooking and stuff). Carbon monoxide floats at surface level on the water and raises the risks. Shut the back door and windows also if the generator is running. This is my most important tip I could ever give you... Please trust me on this.

Oh and speaking of generators, the AC runs off the generator on most houseboats and they suck down the gas fast. Ours draws from the main tank (not sure on the rentals) and if you draw too much you might have to put some back in to get back to the marina.... lol

Gotta go for now. Have fun, it is one of the most awesome places to vacation for water lovers. We have been going since 1995 and will continue as long as my old bones allow me to keep skiing.